When to go

The year, month by month

The storms, the whales, the swell and the crowds each keep their own schedule. Find the month you can travel and read across.

Conditions by monthSelect any month for daylight, water temperature, surf and rainfall.
MonthSeasonSeaWildlifeCrowdsWhat it is like
Upcoming events

On the calendar

A sample of what typically shows up around town. Dates below are illustrative, not a live listing.

Mar 15

Pacific Rim Whale Festival

A week of guided walks and viewpoints timed to the peak of the grey whale migration.

Jun 21

Clayoquot Sound paddle meet

An informal group kayak launch from the harbour, tides and weather permitting.

Aug 2

Chesterman beach cleanup

A community shoreline cleanup, gloves and bags supplied, coffee after.

Oct 4

Salmon run watch, Kennedy River

Bears and eagles gather where the chinook stage before heading upstream.

Nov 8

Storm season opening weekend

The first big low of the season, marked informally by a full house at the pub.