West Coast Ambassador Program

Aims to build a strong and healthy community, encouraging a positive attitude among responsible citizens, improving community relations with visitors, and growing support for the diversity and well-being of area businesses.

Pick your courses & corresponding dates below.

Who is the program for? The courses are open to all local residents, including seasonal staff, newcomers, and business owners. They focus on Tofino and Ucluelet — their past, present, ecologies, vibrant business communities, festivals and events, opportunities, and much more. The courses explore how to be responsible residents of these incredible places and how to share that knowledge with visitors.

How do I register? It’s simple! Once current course dates are confirmed, click the course topic you wish to attend, complete the online registration form and mark your calendar!

Participants of the Ambassador course will receive an Ambassador Card. Show your card for discounts and benefits at many local businesses!

This FREE program is offered as a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino, The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.

Small Town, Big Picture: Tofino

Mondays: This three-hour orientation session delivers the “big picture” of living in Tofino. Learn about local history and basic ecology, cross-cultural understanding, businesses and activities, festivals, host etiquette, and important civic information. This is a great way to get up-to-date local’s information about living and working in Tofino.

This course is a suggested prerequisite for other courses.

April 14 April 28 May 12

Small Town, Big Picture: Ucluelet

Mondays: This three-hour orientation session delivers the “big picture” of living in Ucluelet. Learn about local history and basic ecology, cross-cultural understanding, businesses and activities, festivals, host etiquette, and important civic information. This is a great way to get up-to-date local’s information about living and working in Ucluelet.

This course is a suggested prerequisite for other courses.

April 14 May 5

Marine Ecology

Wednesdays: This 2- to 2.5-hour course explores the intertidal and pelagic ecosystems of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds, highlighting the incredible diversity of seaweeds, invertebrates, marine mammals, and more. Participants will also learn about local oceanographic conditions and the vital role this rich marine environment plays in sustaining life along this coast.

Beyond education, this course is about connection—helping people develop a deeper appreciation for this beautiful space and equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for its protection against the threats of ignorance and overuse. Through our exhibits, we facilitate in-depth conversations and hands-on activities that illustrate how every part of the ecosystem interacts, fostering a greater understanding of the intricate balance that sustains marine life.

Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.

Coastal Rainforest Ecology

Thursdays: This outdoor course focuses on our coastal temperate rainforest. From the forest floor to the top of the canopy, you will explore the many interactions that make up the fabric of this iconic habitat. Join Dr. Estelle Arbellay on the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet or on the Yellowgate Trail in Tofino to discover just how dynamic old-growth forests are!

Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.

Nuu-chah-nulth Land and Waters

with ƛaʔuuk/Gisele Maria Martin

Nuu-chah-nulth Land and Waters with Gisele Maria Martin

Thursdays: An introduction session with Gisele Maria Martin to learn about Indigenous Nuucaanut/Nuu-chah-nulth Cultural Lifeways, protocols, laws, and living teachings which protect this beautiful place, as well as early and ongoing contact and the importance of language.

Gisele is a Cultural Lifeways Guardian, language educator, storyteller and artist in the T la-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks located in the Ḥaaḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔth Hawiih.