Every March and April, Ucluelet experiences the greatest whale migration on the planet, as up to 17,000 grey whales pass en route from their winter home on Mexico's Baja Peninsula - a journey of 22,530km/14,000mi - to the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea. It's the longest migration of any creature in the world. The greys can be 18m/66ft long, and as buoyant as butterflies - a cirque to kick-start the sense of wonder.
Whale Watching in Ucluelet
Some whale enthusiasts claim Ucluelet or 'Ukee' out-classes rival Tofino for sightings because the greys feed in Ucluelet's sheltered bays. It's also easier on people who might be uncomfortable with high waves and ocean swell. Our species comes to gawk at these creatures and experience wonder. Thankfully the days are gone when the greys were slaughtered to the edge of extinction and turned into shoe polish, corset frames and whale steaks.
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
The season of the whale comes to a head as the Pacific Rim Whale Festival every March, a full week of activities including the opening of the Ucluelet Aquarium, art shows, a Chowder Chowdown, the Blessing of the Boats and presentations shedding light on the ways of grey and killer whales.
Year-Round Whale Watching
Although March and April are the Grey whale months in Ucluelet, whale-watching is available most of the year because of lingering pods of greys in Barkley Sound and through the Broken Group Islands', growing numbers of humpback whales and resident killer or orca whales.
Whale-watching For Everyone
Whale-watching has never been more accessible. Choose between high-speed inflatable zodiacs and 19.5m/65ft cruisers. Operators such as Jamie's Whaling Station offer guaranteed sightings or money back. Jamie's even provides free kennels for ocean-roving pooches. And no charge for sea lions, seals, bears, bald eagles and hundreds of species of sea birds. For more tips on whale watching in and around Ucluelet, contact the Visitor Centre.