TOFINO WILDLIFE BLOG
Best Time to See Whales in Tofino: A Month-by-Month Guide
If you're planning a visit to Tofino, whale watching is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the West Coast. The waters off the west coast of Vancouver Island are incredibly rich in nutrients, supporting an abundance of marine life throughout the year.
March in Tofino: Grey Whale Migration and the Magic of the Herring Spawn
March is one of the most exciting times of year on the west coast of Vancouver Island. As winter begins to ease and the days grow longer, the ocean around Tofino and Clayoquot Sound comes alive with one of nature’s great seasonal spectacles: the migration of grey whales and the annual Pacific herring spawn.
Sea Otters: The Ocean’s Adorable Ecosystem Engineers
When most people picture sea otters, they think of fuzzy faces, whiskers, and paws clasped together while floating on their backs. In Tofino, we’re lucky enough to see these captivating animals almost daily on our tours — but there’s so much more to them than cuteness. Sea otters are powerful ecosystem engineers, shaping the health of our coastal waters in ways you might not expect.
My Encounters with the Coastal Grey Wolf
I was thirteen years old the first time I saw them.
I was riding my bike alone down Grice Bay Road near Long Beach. It was a quiet day, the kind of overcast that makes the rainforest feel even more mysterious. Suddenly, a pack of wolves—at least eight of them—stepped silently out onto the road in front of me. They were calm, focused, and utterly unbothered by my presence. For a moment, time stood still. I was mesmerized. Then, just as quietly, they disappeared into the trees, and I turned around and rode home, heart pounding.
Unforgettable Killer Whale Sightings in Tofino: A Week of Spectacular Encounters
Tofino has been buzzing with excitement this past week as we’ve had an extraordinary number of killer whale sightings on our tours! Guests aboard The Whale Centre’s boats have witnessed multiple transient orca groups moving through the area, offering breathtaking encounters with these apex predators.
Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body: The Benefits of Soaking in the Geothermal Hot Springs of Maquinna Marine Park
Nestled in the heart of nature’s paradise, just a short boat ride away from Tofino, BC, lies one of the region’s most cherished treasures: the geothermal hot springs of Maquinna Marine Park. Accessible through a scenic adventure with The Whale Centre, these springs offer more than just breathtaking views. They provide an unparalleled opportunity to relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate. Here are some of the incredible benefits of soaking in these natural wonders.
Bear Watching Tour
The Bear Watching Tour is a unique and unforgettable experience that provides visitors with an opportunity to observe black bears in the natural habitat and learn about their behaviour and ecology. It is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the west coast of Vancouver Island. This tour is perfect for those guests who prefer to boat on calm and protected waters.
Bear Watching Tours in Tofino take visitors by boat to observe black bears in their natural habit, foraging for berries and shellfish on the low tide. Guides are knowledgable about bear behaviour and will help visitors understand the importance of respecting the bears’ space and avoiding interfering with their natural activities.
WHY VISIT THE HOT SPRINGS?
There are several reasons to visit the hot springs in Maquinna Marine Park, located north of Tofino.
Relaxation: Soaking in the natural hot springs is a great way to unwind and relax. The heat from the water can help soothe sore muscles and relieve stress, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
GRAY WHALE MIGRATION
Gray Whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal species. They travel annually between their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic and their winter breeding and calving grounds in the lagoons of Baja, Mexico.
BEAR WATCHING TOURS START IN APRIL
The Tofino Bear Watching Tours start up again in April. All bear watching tours navigate the calm and protected waters around Meares Island at low tide in search for black bears foraging on crabs and fish. The daily bear tours run 2.5 hours and are offered on our Open-Air Boston Whaler Boats and the heated cabin cruiser boat. The bear watching tour times change daily with the low tide.
KICKING OFF THE 2022 SEASON WITH THE RUNAWAYS
A visit from the Bigg’s Killer Whales T109A’s and T109B’s near Tofino, British Columbia.
May Whale Watching in Tofino !
May was another great month on the water around Clayoquot Sound. Did you know that we share our sightings with researchers? Whenever possible we submit images of the whales to support ongoing efforts to catalogue the whales. Last month we photographed 29 different grey whales, and submitted those sightings along with location information to the Pacific Wildlife Foundation.
A Visit From the T068C's
A visit from the Bigg’s Killer Whales T068C’s in the Tofino Harbour on March 31, 2021.