TOFINO WILDLIFE BLOG
Open Boat vs Covered Boat for Whale Watching & Bear Tours: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re planning a wildlife tour in Tofino, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is which type of boat to book.
Both open boats and covered boats visit the same areas, travel at similar speeds, and see the same incredible wildlife—whales, bears, sea lions, and more. The difference comes down to your experience on the water.
Tofino Whale Watching Tours: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Whale watching in Tofino is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the West Coast of Canada. Located on the edge of the wild Pacific Ocean, Tofino offers some of the best opportunities in Clayoquot Sound to see migrating gray whales, humpbacks, sea lions, and even the occasional orca.
If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers everything you need to know about Tofino whale watching tours — including the best time to go, how to choose between open boats and cabin cruisers, what to wear, and when to book.
Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino: What to Expect on This West Coast Adventure
One of the most unforgettable experiences on the west coast of Vancouver Island is a visit to the natural geothermal pools at Hot Springs Cove. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, this remote destination offers visitors the chance to soak in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by ancient rainforest and the wild Pacific Ocean.
At The Whale Centre, we run our Hot Springs Cove Tour from Tofino year-round, combining scenic cruising through the breathtaking waters of Clayoquot Sound with incredible opportunities to spot west coast wildlife along the way.
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: Where can you see them in Tofino
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.
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.