Gray whale migration. The coast waking up.
March is the gray whale migration peak on the BC coast. Whales are visible from shore at the Long Beach headlands and the Amphitrite Point lighthouse in Ucluelet. Ahous Adventures runs whale-watching tours with Ahousaht cultural guides through Clayoquot Sound — the most meaningful way to see them. Rain eases, days lengthen, and the first signs of spring arrive. West Coast Trail opens May 1 — this is the month to book.
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. Rain lightening. Gray whales migrating. Warming but still cold by Victoria's standards.
Crowds: low
What's open
- Long Beach unit Pacific Rim NP
- Wild Pacific Trail
- Meares Island
- Gray whale watching tours
Limited or closed
- West Coast Trail opens May 1
- Green Point Campground opens May
Prioritize
Gray whale watching — from shore at Long Beach and Wild Pacific Trail lighthouse loop; by boat with Ahous Adventures through Clayoquot Sound. Cathedral Grove for old-growth Douglas fir (Highway 4, free, year-round).
Wellness
Ancient Cedars Spa. Forest bathing on Meares Island boardwalk. The transition season is quieter — easier to find solitude.
Dining
Most restaurants operating by late March. Spring menus beginning to appear. Reservations less critical than summer.
Where to stay
Off-peak pricing. Good availability. Green Point Campground opens May — book as soon as reservations open in February.
What to pack
Rain layers. Binoculars for whale watching. Rubber boots for rainforest walks. Warm layers for mornings.