By Erin Linn McMullan

Ever exchanged a glance with a Grey whale as it glides through the waves? Watched a feather float weightlessly down to the sand as c̓ixʷatin (eagle) circles overhead? Witnessed a double ƛiniiḥak (rainbow) arcing over tinwis beach after a storm? West coast wonder is aways a cause for celebration.

These local festivals in načiqs (Tofino) celebrate the 20,000-strong migration of Ihtuup (whale) in spring, applaud Indigenous culture, and west coast cuisine, art, and music in summer, and invite you to kick up your heels at the Mermaid’s Ball while storm watching season weaves its magic across a wintry sky.  

Bookmark these 5 festivals and celebrations on your 2026 calendar:

SPRING

• PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL (MARCH BREAK 14–21, 2026)  

Kicking off with the Parade of Whales and Wonder in downtown n̓ačiqs (Tofino), this week-long family-friendly festival celebrates the return of the Eastern Pacific Grey whales. Educational and hands-on-fun events like Maritime Kids Day are hosted in Tofino, Ucluelet, and the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Watch for news on who is headlining The Baleen Bash, the grand finale of this 38^th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival.

Explore the calendar and register for button and ticketed events Here.  

SUMMER

• TOFINO WINE & DINE (JUNE 6–7, 2026)

The best of the west coast’s gastronomic scene is on offer at the annual Tofino Wine & Dine weekend hosted on the beachfront lawn (rain or shine) at Tin Wis Resort.

For more information on this annual event visit their website Here.

• TOFINO JAZZ FESTIVAL (JUNE 26–29, 2026)

For four days, Tofino Jazz Festival infuses downtown with upbeat music with free concerts and workshops in the Village Green and free and paid events in local venues, including the Allied Clayoquot Sound Theatre and Tofino Legion. Come try a swing dance lesson or learn to play musical spoons. Accessible via the free Tofino Shuttle Bus which runs throughout summer.

View the festival program Here.

As a bonus, the Pacific Rim Arts Festival also plans to open in collaboration with the Jazz Festival on June 28 and hosts events in Tofino and Ucluelet until July 5th. Watch for upcoming details Here.

• TLA-O-QUI-AHT DAYS (AUGUST 2026) 

ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Days celebrates the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ People who have been here since time immemorial. All are welcome at the parade and public gathering afterwards in the Village Green. Accessible via the free Tofino Shuttle Bus.

Watch Tourism Tofino’s “Events & Festivals” for updates on this year’s celebration Here.

FALL–WINTER

• OYSTER FEST (NOVEMBER 27–29, 2026) 

As the days grow shorter and darker, Oyster Fest offers a chance to cozy up and sample west coast chowders and cheer on the “Shuckers Showdown”. The celebrations culminate with the Mermaid’s Ball and a display of wildly inventive costumes and tailfins slapping the dance floor.

The Fest contributes to local charities, including REDD Fish Restoration which works to protect and restore wild salmon habitat.

Watch for updated details and tickets for Oyster Fest Here.

Need more inspiration? Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app and visit “Events & Festivals” at Tourism Tofino.

-30-