Premier Listings for Pacific Rim Park Whale Watching
The annual northward migration of Gray Whales through Pacific Rim National Park begins in late February and continues until the end of May. The peak season is from mid March to mid April, with some whales staying in the area to feed during the summer months.
Every March and April, the Pacific Rim National Park and the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet celebrate the return of the Gray Whale during its annual spring migration. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is a series of public events and festivities for the whole family.
Annual Calendar of the Gray Whale:
- January and February: Gray Whales spend the winter in the warm waters off Baja California, Mexico.
- March, April, and May: They migrate north, hugging the west coast of North America.
- June to October: In the Bering and Chukchi Seas, the whales spend the summer feeding. To the delight of Vancouver Island whale watchers, some grays stop to eat at this latitude instead of continuing north with the rest of the population.
- November and December: Grays swim back down to Baja California, usually faster and further offshore than during the northward leg of their migration.
- In total, the 16,000 to 22,500-km round trip – depending on how far north they go – is one of the longest migrations of any mammal on earth.
More information on the Pacific Rim Whale Festival and Current Events.
Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society
Box 476
Tofino, BC
VOR 2ZO
Telephone: 250-725-3414
Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society
Box 428
Ucluelet, BC
VOR 3AO
Telephone: 250-726-4641
In the Long Beach Unit, the park offers audio-visual programs at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre (formerly the Wickaninnish Centre) and Green Point Theatre.
Killer Whales may also be seen, but not as predictably as Grays. A number of local commercial boat charters are available should you wish to arrange a whale-watching tour.
If you are bringing your own boat, please ensure that you are familiar with the ocean and weather conditions on this exposed west coast of Vancouver Island. If you are operating a boat near whales, please remember that it is illegal to harass or disturb marine animals. Stay at least 100 metres away from the whales and adhere to the Federal Guidelines for Whale Watching.
Nearby Regions & Towns:
- Tofino
- Ucluelet
- Pacific Rim (West Coast)
- Pacific Rim Highway 4
- Barkley Sound
- Broken Group Islands
- Bamfield
- Port Renfrew
- Port Alberni
More Information:
Parks Canada – British Columbia
Box 129, 23433 Mavis Avenue
Fort Langley, BC
V1M 2R5
Phone: 604-513-4777
Premier Listings
Archipelago Wildlife Cruises
Biographical Info
For an experience unlike any other, step aboard our luxurious 53-foot motor yacht, the “Raincoast Maiden”, to view whales, bears, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife in comfort. We offer a relaxing wildlife cruise with a personal touch. With a spacious cabin, washroom, comfortable seating inside and out, guests can sit back and take in the abundant wildlife and magical scenery with a taste of luxury. Truly a nature cruise of a different nature!
More than just wildlife viewing, our interpretive and very personal tours include a scenic cruise through the sheltered waters and breathtaking scenery of the Broken Group Islands and an optional gourmet meal while at anchor. Romantic Evening Cruises and Private Charters are also available. We will share our love and enthusiasm for the area and make your West Coast experience an unforgettable one.
