MARCH 17 to 25th: pacificrimwhalefestival.com
Visit during the Pacific Rim Whalefest to enjoy daily programs that will enrich your understanding of whales and the world they live in. You can spot whales in migration at the lighthouse or follow a guided walk. Whales can be spotted starting in late February tapering off into the summer when thousands of whales have migrated past our shores. Local "resident" whales (who do not journey further north) vary year to year in numbers during the summer. Whale watching charters know more about current opprotunities. In the fall whales return south but are typically further off shore.
Print or save this calendar for March events on the Wild Pacific Trail (via from this image link) or see the full festival events at pacificrimwhalefestival.com
Saturday MARCH 18: Ucluelet Community Centre - George Fraser Room Theatre
The bell tolls at 7pm for this dramatic recreation of the "Pass of Melfort '' shipwreck. Learn about the dramatic life and death story that inspired the building of Ucluelet's lighthouse. The wild storms and coastal geography along today's Wild Pacific Trail feature unique forces that continue to put many ships in peril in the "Graveyard of the Pacific". Join local interpreter Silva Johansson for a presentation about this unique local story.
Wednesday MARCH 22 and Friday March 24th: Lighthouse
Lighthouse Drop In event. Join Naturalist Guides from Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Strawberry Isle Marine Research and Wild Pacific Trail Society to spot and learn about the whales and other marine mammals swimming past the coastline during this epic migration time. Booths will feature whale bones, Ocean Wise & Transport Canada Boat Safety displays.
Sunday March 19: Wild Pacific Trail - Whale Parking lot
Join us as interpreter Silva Johansson leads you along the Wild Pacific Trail past the "Pass of Melfort" shipwreck site. History comes to life in the story of the sinking of the "Pass of Melfort" — the tragic event that inspired the building of the lighthouse. Learn about the wild storms and coastal geography that doomed so many ships and survivors in the “Graveyard of the Pacific”. Walk starts at the Whale lot trailhead on the Lighthouse Loop and ends at the Lighthouse where you will learn why this lighthouse looks like a barnicle.
For summer 2023 we look forward to meeting you for walks and at our Discovery Tent overlooking Amphitrite Lighthouse on the lighhouse Loop Trail section.
Follow us on facebook for a current news feed.
Where to find us? Calendar events are colour coded to the parking lots at the Whale Parking Lot (red), Lighthouse (teal), Big Beach aka Frog parking lot (blue) and Brown's Beach aka Sea Star parking lot ( brown).
The Wild Pacific Trail is a unique outdoor classroom that offers incredible opportunities to connect people to nature. Our seasonal Discovery Tent at the lighthouse offers revolving topics for all ages.
Easy to walk, one hour programs aim to engage both visitors and local communities. Topics range from natural to cultural history.
Beneath the BOG:
Discover the secrets of dwarf trees, carnivorous sundews and the unique plants that thrive above an acidic pool of water. This guided walk will help you explore the newest section of the Wild Pacific Trail. Meet at the Whale Lot Lighthouse Loop Trailhead - first parking area on Coast Guard Road.
10am-12pm March 20th, 22, 23 & 26 at Amphitrite Lighthouse, 250 Coast Guard Dr, Ucluelet Whale, whale, whale…what do we have here?! Drop by the Amphitrite Lighthouse to enjoy an awe-inspiring search for whales from shore and interactive table displays all about whales with Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist. Join us as we try to spot some of the 20 000 Grey Whales migrating along the coast from Mexico to Alaska during this week+ long sensational festival! Bring your binoculars, curiosity and questions to this family fun drop in program. Spotting scope provided!
TALKING TREES and Magic Mosses:
Let’s explore the surprising life of trees! Question: Do trees share food, communicate information and sleep? Learn about recent research that will change the way you look at trees, mushrooms, mosses and lichen. Drive just past Black Rock Resort on Marine Drive to join this NEW program.
Tidepool and Beach Exploration:
Question: Why are micro plastics harmful to sea creatures? Join our Trail Ambassador for a first hand discovery of plants and animals living here. Follow us to touch a real shipwreck! Rubber boots or sturdy footwear is highly recommended so we can explore the treasures of the tides.
Tidepool tours are not suitable for toddlers due to the rough rocky terrain, small children must be supervised by an adult please.
SEAWOLF WALK
Take a walk on the wild side! Investigate the lives of our local coastal sea wolves, find out what makes them so extraordinary and what you can do to help protect them! Bring your curiosity, questions and stories. Dogs must be on a leash.
RainCOAST Walk:
Question: What impact does the sea have on the rainforest? How do the sea and the land shape one another? Join Raincoast Education Society naturalists alternate Tuesdays to share insight on coastal interactions.
RAINFOREST Tour:
Question: What makes old growth and second growth forests so different? Why is the rainforest in such a small area?
Join Central Westcoast Forest Society's guide to share forest and wildlife insights. Restoration is our passion!
We are grateful to program experts such the Ucluelet Aquarium the Raincoast Education Society, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Silva Johansson, Strawberry Isle Research Society and Redd Fish Restoration Society (former CWFS) for their expertise. The trail society sponsors these walks and networks with the District of Ucluelet.
Below are a series of timeless videos created during Covid-19 travel restrictions by our Naturalists that will inspire your experience in Nature.
Did you know a square metre of mudflat contains more calories than a chocolate bar? Enjoy our latest video created by Samantha, our summer naturalist.
Seven entertaining and award winning videos below include fun activities from our 2020 "Learn Where You Live" series.
Episode 1: "What's that smell?" video with our Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist
Join us for seven "Learn Where You Live" videos to inspire you to look closely at Nature.
From the teachings of Banana Slugs--to the secrets of Skunk Cabbage and flammable mosses--you will enjoy this EXPLOSIVE series!
CLICK HERE to download a PDF activity you can do at home.
Special thanks to Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation for her guidance.
Video series by Arya Touserkani @tousquared www.waterlogue.ca
Episode 2: " Follow that Slime" -- We have a lot to learn from Nature, we just need to listen!
Special thanks to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ community, Elder Vi Mundy and Gisele Martin of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for their traditional teachings.
Follow this link for a slug race activity.
This beautiful series was born out of Covid-19 restrictions to our in-person interpretive walks. Narrated by Tanya Nestoruk, trail naturalist, video by Arya Touserkani.
Episode 3: "For Peat's Sake" -- explore with our Wild Pacific Trail Naturalist!
Follow our naturalist as she discovers the weird and wonderful species that thrive in a Woodland Bog. Warning, you could get lost.
Follow this link for a COLOURING BOOKLET or a fun WORD PUZZLE.
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Special thanks to Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation. Video by Arya Touserkani.
Send your questions to naturalist@wildpacifictrail.com or post on our Facebook page.
Episode 4: "Force of Nature" will sweep you off your feet.
Explore the unique WEATHER that comes with living on the coast, how species not only manage to survive, but THRIVE!
Fun fact: Can you name an amphibian that has no lungs?
We are proud to acknowledge the skills of our past naturalist Tanya Nestoruk for her work with videographer Arya Touserkani www.waterlogue.ca
in achieving an award of excellence from Interpretation Canada for the video above.
Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation and Dr. Barb Beasley with the Association of Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot and Barkley Sound.
Episode 5: "Remarkable Ravens" a story of the smartest bird in the rainforest
Raven’s are not only role models of communication, fair trade, and savvy intelligence, they play an essential role as ecosystem recyclers.
Challenge: how can you tell the difference between a raven and a crow?
Thank you to Parks Canada for support for this project. Special thank you for footage and raven sound clips copyright by Ian Cruickshank
Note: footage was taken with a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Raven vs Crow Image by Rosemary Mosco and Dr. Kaeli Swift with BirdandMoon.com @corvidresearch
Special thanks to Vi Mundy of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation for Nuu-chah-nulth translations.
Additional footage courtesy of:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHHHAfzAuKc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEksZdWKqtA – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6K9LbRX15Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJdj-2XvGF4 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6vzGrWP9lc
Also thanks to the Clayoquot BIosphere Trust for funding.
Video production by Arya Touserkani.
Episode 6: "Tree-S-I: Murder by Mushroom" help us solve this mystery.
There’s been a murder in the forest! Who! What? Why!
Follow along as detective Tanya gets to the root of the crime by investigating clues and searching for suspects in the woods… will she discover whodunit in this in-tree-guing case?!
Special thanks to the inspirational Gisele Martin of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for sharing her timeless knowledge of Nuu-chah-nulth language and culture.
So Mush-thanks to Andy MacKinnon, forest ecologist extraordinaire, for sharing his vast scope of marvelous mushroom knowledge and delightful sense of humour.
Stop motion animation on tree communication by Local Ucluelet youth, Riley Gerbrandt. Thank you!
Fun fact: what is our planet's largest organism?
Special thanks to the Clayoquot BIosphere Trust for funding. Video by Arya Touserkani.
Episode 7: hašaḥma quuquuʔaca ( language is precious & valuable )
Join special guests Jeneva Touchie and Gisele Martin as they share their personal connections to the Wild Pacific Trail and the importance of Nuu-chah-nulth language.
What wisdom can we learn from ancient languages?
To learn more about the Nuu-chah-nulth language visit:
https://www.firstvoices.com/explore/FV/sections/Data/Nuu-chah-nulth/Nuu%C4%8Daan%CC%93u%C9%AB/Nuu-chah-nulth%20(Barkley)
Jeneva offers free Nuu-chah-nulth language classes Tuesday evenings over Zoom. To find out more please email touchie_jeneva@hotmail.com
To learn more about Nuu-chah-nulth history, culture, news and events please go to https://nuuchahnulth.org/
We are grateful to our special guests and Sam Touchie from Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation for inspiring this episode.
Project funded by the WIld Pacific Trail Society and the Clayoquot BIosphere Trust.
Video by Arya Touserkani @tousquared www.waterlogue.ca
Download this activity sheet, use naturalist on your phone, or just use a blank piece of paper to record what you find.
You will be enthralled at the number of species. What do you think each creature eats, or who is looking to eat them?
CLICK HERE to download a PDF activity you can do at home.
We are grateful to the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust for funding several of these interpretive videos.
Send us your questions, or post photos and ideas on Instagram or email naturalist@wildpacifictrail.com.
We will post answers to the best questions. Let us know what you would like to learn!
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