Tofino Bear Watching Tour - Browning Passage Boat
4 Hours of Zen: Plenty of time to cruise, relax, and find bears without the rush.
Yacht Comfort: Heated cabin, upper viewing decks.
Low-Tide Timing: We go exactly when the bears hit the beach for their daily snack.
From $179 for expert guides and the best views in Tofino.
Washroom on board
Book Tofino Bear Watching on the Yacht Cruiser
BEAR WATCHING TOUR – BROWNING PASSAGE
May – September | 4 Hours | All Ages
Cruise through the calm, sheltered waters of Clayoquot Sound aboard the Browning Passage, a 37 ft Canoe Cove yacht designed for comfortable wildlife viewing. At low tide, coastal black bears often emerge from the forest to forage along the shoreline, creating incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Highlights:
Black Bears • Scenic Coastal Cruise • Harbour Seals • Washroom • Outdoor Viewing Decks
Boat: Browning Passage – 37 ft Canoe Cove Yacht
Heated indoor cabin • Upper and forward outdoor viewing decks • On-board washroom • Maximum 12 passengers • Transport Canada certified.
Rates:
Adult: $179
Senior (65+) & Youth (13–18): $169
Children (2–12): $159
Private Charter (up to 12 guests): $1,900
Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
Departure times vary depending on low tides and daylight.
Prices do not include taxes and booking fees.
Find Your Date Below and Book
Bear Watching Tour in Tofino
Discover the wild beauty of Clayoquot Sound on a guided bear watching tour in Tofino. This tour takes you through the nutrient-rich coastal waterways of Clayoquot Sound, where black bears forage along shorelines and tidal flats.
Travel aboard our comfortable vessel—the 37 ft Canoe Cove Yacht with outdoor viewing decks and heated cabin with seating for up to 12 guests. Our experienced guides provide expert wildlife spotting and identification, making this tour suitable for beginners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Alongside black bears, guests may see bald eagles, harbour seals, and other coastal wildlife, all set against the stunning backdrop of Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforest and rugged coastline.
Book your Browning Passage Bear Watching Tour today with The Whale Centre and witness black bears and coastal wildlife in their natural habitat on the wild west coast of Canada.
PREPARE FOR YOUR BEAR WATCHING TOUR
On the Browning Passage you can bring water and lite snacks (granola bar, apple, nuts, etc) on the boat.
Guests are advised not to wear strong smelling deodorants, cologne or perfumes on the tour.
Noise and movement must be kept to a minimum aboard the vessels to not disturb the black bears.
Smoking or vaping is not permitted on the boat or in our safety gear at any time.
This vessel has a washroom on board.
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TOFINO BEAR WATCHING TOUR:
Dress warmly in layers for the open boat (long sleeves, pants, fleece or sweater)
Rain gear (if it is raining)
Enclosed shoes (sandals not recommended)
Winter hat and gloves (early Spring / late Fall)
Binoculars
Camera
Drinking water
Sunglasses / sunscreen
Your sense of adventure!
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Cabin Cruiser Boat: PFD’s and life jackets.
WHAT WILL WE SEE ON THE TOFINO WHALE TOUR:
Black bears, harbour seal, bald eagles and blue herons.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s departure time to be outfitted in floater suits and sign a waiver. At the office our team will provide a safety briefing plus an overview of the tour and area we will be exploring. The boat is docked a short one minute walk from our office.
Make sure you read & understand our booking policies and waiver terms before processing your reservation.
Read our cancellation policy and note we have a 48 hour policy to cancel.
These trips may not be suitable for people who are pregnant or with serious back or neck problems - please let us know at time of booking of any such conditions.
Each passenger is required to sign a Release of Liability at check-in. Participants must be 19 years of age or require a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.
An eco wildlife conservation fee of $3 will be added to each fare in support of maintaining the ecosystem in Clayoquot Sound.
Multi-tour discounts, $15 off second and additional tours, contact us to book your tours so you receive the discount.
Prices are subject to change.
Our vessels do not have washrooms on board.
We reserve the right to delay or cancel a departure if there are fewer than 4 guests reserved at the time of departure.
Bear Watching Sighting Guarantee
At The Whale Centre, we’re committed to an unforgettable wildlife experience. If you don’t see a bear on your tour, come back for a second trip—free of charge.
Nature is unpredictable, but we’ll always do our best to connect you with the wildlife of Clayoquot Sound.
Raincheck Details:
Valid for your original tour type
Standby only, subject to availability
Seats confirmed 60 minutes before departure
Non-transferable and must be used by the original guest
No expiry
Tofino Bear Watching Tour FAQs
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On our bear watching tours, we set our departure times according to low tide, as that is when the bears come down to the shoreline to find crabs and other shellfish to feast on. Check our online booking system to see the departure time for your desired bear watching date.
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Our bear watching tours run April through October when the bears are out and about feeding on the shoreline.
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You do not have to worry about seasickness on our bear watching tours because we stay in calm, protected inlets.
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Heated Cabin Cruiser
Our cabin cruiser is a larger vessel with a heated indoor cabin and large viewing windows, offering a warm and comfortable ride in all weather conditions. Guests can move between the indoor seating area and the outdoor viewing deck, making it a great option for families, photographers, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed tour. Heated cabin boats are typically smoother and provide more protection from wind and sea spray.Open Boat with Mustang Floater Suits
Our open Boston Whaler Boats offer an adventurous wildlife experience closer to the water. Guests wear full Mustang Floater Suits to stay warm and dry. These boats are maneuverable, allowing you to travel quickly and reach wildlife viewing areas efficiently. The open design also provides unobstructed views and an exciting, immersive ride making it a great option for photographers and adventure seekers.Which one should you choose?
Choose the heated cabin cruiser for comfort, shelter from the elements, and a smoother ride.
Choose the open boat for a faster, more adventurous experience with incredible eye-level wildlife viewing.
Both vessels are guided by experienced captains and offer the same opportunity to see whales and other marine wildlife in Clayoquot Sound.
Pair It With Other Wildlife Tours
Whale Watching Tours — Enjoy whale watching aboard our cabin cruiser or open boats to see grey whales, sea otters, humpback whales, sea lions and more.
Hot Springs Tour — Our signature 6 hour tour up to Hot Springs Cove includes a scenic boat ride, rainforest hike and 2 hours to soak in the hot springs pools.
Bird Watching Tours — Explore the coastal wildlife and marine birds of Clayoquot Sound.
Booking & Online Discounts
How to Book:
Booking your whale watching tour is easy — simply reserve your spot online or call us at 1‑888‑474‑2288. Online booking ensures you get the best available dates and times for your preferred vessel.
Exclusive Online Discount:
Book a second tour online with us (e.g., whale watching or another wildlife tour) and receive a special discount — the more you explore, the more you save! When you book online the system will prompt you to book a second tour with that discount before you check-out.
