Tofino Bird Watching Tours: Discover Seabirds at Cleland Island
For bird lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, few places on Canada's west coast compare to Cleland Island Ecological Reserve, just offshore from Tofino. Home to one of British Columbia's most important seabird nesting colonies, this protected island offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe some of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating birds in their natural habitat.
From May through September, The Whale Centre offers 2.5-hour Bird Watching Tours aboard our small open boat, providing exceptional viewing opportunities and incredible photographic angles while exploring the rugged coastline of Clayoquot Sound.
A Protected Seabird Sanctuary
Located just a short boat ride from Tofino, Cleland Island is one of the few places where visitors can safely observe nesting seabirds without disturbing this fragile ecosystem. As an Ecological Reserve, landing on the island is prohibited, helping protect the thousands of birds that return each spring to breed and raise their young.
Our experienced guides know where to find the best viewing locations while respecting wildlife and maintaining safe distances from nesting colonies.
Meet the Birds of Cleland Island
Every tour is different, but these are some of the remarkable species you may encounter.
Tufted Puffins
The unmistakable Tufted Puffin is the star of the show for many guests. With their bright orange bills, striking golden head plumes, and comical appearance, puffins spend most of their lives at sea before returning to coastal islands like Cleland to nest each summer. Watching them fly—rapid wingbeats carrying them low over the water—is an unforgettable sight. Please note we do not guarantee we see puffins on every tour.
Rhinoceros Auklets
Often seen carrying small fish back to their burrows, Rhinoceros Auklets are remarkable seabirds named for the small horn that develops on their bill during breeding season. These excellent divers spend much of their lives offshore and are one of Cleland Island's most important nesting species.
Black Oystercatchers
With jet-black feathers, vivid red bills, and bright pink legs, Black Oystercatchers are among the most striking shorebirds on the Pacific coast. You'll often spot them calling loudly from rocky shorelines as they search for mussels, limpets, and other shellfish.
Pigeon Guillemots
The elegant Pigeon Guillemot is easy to recognize by its dark body, crisp white wing patches, and brilliant red feet. These agile diving birds are commonly seen close to shore, often carrying fish back to rocky nest sites.
More Than Just Birds
Although the focus is on seabirds, every trip offers opportunities to experience the incredible marine wildlife of Clayoquot Sound.
Depending on the day, you may also encounter:
Sea otters floating among kelp forests
Harbour seals hauled out on rocky reefs
Steller sea lions resting on offshore rocks
Bald eagles soaring overhead
Grey whales feeding nearby
The rich waters surrounding Cleland Island support an incredible diversity of wildlife, making every excursion unique.
Perfect for Birders and Photographers
Our open boat provides an immersive experience with unobstructed views in every direction. The low profile of the vessel makes it ideal for photography, allowing guests to capture birds in flight, dramatic coastal scenery, and marine wildlife without shooting through windows or glass.
Whether you're an experienced birder adding species to your life list or simply discovering the beauty of British Columbia's seabirds for the first time, our knowledgeable guides will help identify species, explain nesting behaviours, and share fascinating facts about the local ecosystem.
Tour Details
Season: May through September
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Departure: Tofino, British Columbia
Boat: Small open wildlife viewing boat
Experience One of British Columbia's Best Bird Watching Destinations
Cleland Island is one of the premier seabird colonies on the west coast of Vancouver Island, offering visitors a rare chance to observe puffins, auklets, guillemots, oystercatchers, and many other species in a spectacular natural setting.
If you're visiting Tofino between May and September, join The Whale Centre for a Bird Watching Tour and experience one of the most rewarding wildlife adventures on the Pacific coast.
