Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Rim Feature

MAR.: The Pacific Rim Whale Festival marks the spring migration of as many as 22,000 Pacific gray whales between Mexico and the Arctic, with craft, cultural, and food events for the whole family, from sand-sculpture building to sea creature-cookie decorating and more. (www.pacificrimwhalefestival.org)

APRIL-MAY: The Tofino Shorebird Festival celebrates the thousands of shorebirds that migrate north from Central and South America to tundra breeding grounds in Alaska. The date changes annually so check with Tourism Tofino. (www.tourismtofino.com)

JUNE: Area lodges and food and wine producers sponsor the three-day Tofino Food and Wine Festival. (www.tofinofoodandwinefestival.com)

JULY: The Pacific Rim Summer Festival is a festival of music, dance, and the arts during the first two weeks of July. (www.pacificrimarts.ca)

NOV.: The humble bivalve is celebrated during the Clayoquot Oyster Festival, with three days of outings and culinary events. (www.oystergala.com)