Gray whales still running. Spring on the coast.
April brings the tail end of gray whale migration and the first genuinely spring-like days. Rain continues but punctuated by stretches of clear weather. Long Beach at low tide in April — whale spouts offshore, old-growth forest as backdrop, almost no one around — is one of the coast's finest moments. The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet has wildflowers blooming by late April.
Magic window: Gray Whale Northward Migration (March – April)
Around 20,000 gray whales migrate north along the BC coast in March and April, passing close to Long Beach and the Ucluelet headlands. Visible from shore at the Long Beach headlands and the Wild Pacific Trail lighthouse loop — no boat required. Ahous Adventures runs whale-watching tours with Ahousaht cultural guides through Clayoquot Sound.
Conditions
Weather: °F high / °F low. Variable. Clearer days arriving. Gray whales through mid-April.
Crowds: low
What's open
- All Long Beach unit facilities
- Wild Pacific Trail
- Meares Island
- Whale watching tours
Limited or closed
- West Coast Trail opens May 1
- Green Point Campground opens May
Prioritize
Last gray whale watching from shore and boat before summer. Wild Pacific Trail wildflowers (late April). Cathedral Grove. Low tide walks at Long Beach.
Wellness
Spring conditions make outdoor forest walks exceptional. Meares Island boardwalk without summer crowds.
Dining
Restaurants transitioning to spring hours. Wolf in the Fog and The Pointe fully operating.
Where to stay
Still shoulder season pricing. Good for 2–4 night stays without summer booking pressure.
What to pack
Rain gear. Binoculars. Waterproof boots for beach and forest walks.