A whale of a time at the festival

Listen to speakers, take a rainforest hike, join a discussion, admire an art show, watch a parade and enjoy a barbecue on just the first weekend of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, taking place at various venues in Ucluelet, Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

The festival kicks off with a guest speaker on Friday but the real opening is the Parade of Whales and Wonders, which starts at the Wickaninnish Elementary School at 10:15 a.m. Saturday. The parade continues along Campbell Street, down 2nd Street, right on Main Street, right on 3rd Street and ends at the Village Green.

The Tofino Firefighters challenge the Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade to a Spout Ball Challenge between 11 and 11:30 a.m. followed by a barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs, by donation, between noon and 1 p.m. Saturday.

Events on Sunday include a two- to three-hour Rainforest Hike rated moderate in difficulty. Hikers will trek beneath the canopy of an old growth forest, walk on sandy beaches, explore tidal pools and discover mysterious rock formations.

It costs $30 to join, with a maximum of 10 people. It runs 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. from Ucluelet (exact information given with payment). Call 250-726-2035 or email adventures@hellonature.ca for reservations.

The festival continues until March 26 with daily activities.

For information, go to pacificrimwhalefestival.com.