TOFINO BEAR WATCHING TOUR - OPEN BOAT
Get closer to the wild—an open boat bear watching adventure in the heart of Clayoquot Sound.
Maximum 12 passengers for a small-group experience
95% black bear sighting success rate on our tours
2.5 hour adventure exploring calm, protected inlets
Bear Watching Tours depart daily on the low tide
From $169 per adult
Tofino Bear Watching Tour - Open Boat Adventure
What you will experience on the Open Boat Bear Watching Tour
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WEAR FLOATER SUITS
Guests will wear Mustang Floater Suits to stay warm and safe on the boat. We suggest wearing a warm fleece underneath.
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SCENIC BOAT RIDE
Travel through calm, protected inlets behind Meares Island to watching black bears forage at low tide.
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BLACK BEARS FORAGE
Black bears come down to the shoreline at low tide to forage on rock crabs and fish.
What to Expect on your Tofino Bear Watching Tour
Discover the thrill of a Tofino bear watching tour aboard our open Boston Whaler boats in the pristine wilderness of Clayoquot Sound. Witness coastal black bears foraging along the shoreline, including mothers with cubs, along with a variety of coastal wildlife. Our experienced local captains know exactly where to go and share fascinating insights into these incredible animals.
Our open boat bear watching tours offer unobstructed views of both the bears and the surrounding rainforest—perfect for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families alike. With small group sizes, each tour provides a more intimate and responsible wildlife experience, ensuring the safety and well-being of both guests and bears.
Tours depart daily during low tide, when black bears descend to the shoreline to forage for crabs and fish. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most iconic wildlife encounters on Vancouver Island—book your Tofino bear watching tour today.
BEAR WATCHING TOUR - OPEN BOAT
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Season: April - October
Boat: Open Zodiac-Style Vessel
Ages: 4+ Recommended
Get closer to nature on this exhilarating bear watching adventure in Tofino. Travel quickly along the rugged coastline of Clayoquot Sound for incredible, unobstructed views of black bears feeding along the shoreline.
Bear Watching Tour Rates
Adult: $169 CAD
Senior (65+) & Youth (13–18): $159 CAD
Children (2–12): $149 CAD
Private Charter (up to 12 guests): $1,800 CAD
Prices do not include applicable taxes and fees.
Tour Experience:
With a maximum of 12 passengers, this open boat offers an intimate and immersive wildlife experience—ideal for photographers and guests looking for a more adventurous ride.
What to Expect:
Guests are provided with Mustang floater suits for warmth and safety. Expect fresh ocean air, a fast-paced ride, and unbeatable wildlife viewing opportunities.
Good to Know:
Departure times vary daily based on tides to ensure the best bear viewing conditions.
Check-In: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Find Your Date Below and Book
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
PREPARE FOR YOUR BEAR WATCHING TOUR
No food or beverages (other than water) is allowed on the boat during the Bear Watching Tour.
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.
Please arrive to check in for your Tofino Bear Watching Tour no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
We suggest you wear warm layers under your floater suit.
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:
Full narrative from your guide on the bears, wildlife and the history of Clayoquot Sound.
Open Boat: Full Mustang Floater Suits (XS to XXXL) for your safety and protection from ocean spray & cool air.
WHAT WILL WE SEE ON THE TOFINO BEAR TOUR:
Black bears, harbour seals, blue herons, bald eagles and more!
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.
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.
Book Tofino Bear Watching on the Open Boat
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.
Book a second tour online with us (e.g., Tofino whale watching or Hot Springs Cove 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.
Looking for more wildlife adventures? Explore our Whale Watching Tours, Hot Springs Tour and Bird Watching Tours
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![Tofino Hot Springs Tour Boat]()
HOT SPRINGS COVE TOUR
Year-round | 6 Hours | From $239 Adult | Ages 3+ | Boardwalk Hike
Experience:
Scenic Boat Ride • Hike • Soak • Wildlife Sightings -
![Breaching humpback whale on a whale tour in Tofino]()
WHALE WATCHING TOURS
March–November | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Humpback Whales • Grey Whales • Sea Otters -
![A sea otter eating a crab on a tour in Tofino]()
SEA OTTER TOUR
Year-round | 2 Hours | From $139 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Sea Otters • Sea Lions • Harbor Seals • Bald Eagles • Shorebirds -
![Tufted puffins on a bird watching tour in Tofino]()
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
May–September | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | Ages 8+
Wildlife:
Tufted Puffins • Surf Birds -
![Black bear on a Tofino & Whale Combo Tour]()
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOURS
March–November | 4 Hours | From $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Whales • Sea Otters • Seals -
![Black bear on bear watching tour in Tofino]()
BEAR WATCHING TOURS
April–October | 2.5–3 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Bald Eagles • Herons • Shorebirds
