Whales, bears and hot springs from Tofino
Small covered and open Zodiac groups run March to October, guided by marine biologists and local guides.
How a day on the water unfolds
Book a departure time online, then meet your guide and head out through the sound.
1
Choose a departure
Pick a whale, bear or hot springs departure time online.
2
Meet your guide
A marine biologist or long-time local briefs you before you board.
3
Travel through Tla-o-qui-aht territory
The route crosses the nation’s territory, and two of our guides come from it.
4
Watch from a respectful distance
Boats follow Be Whale Wise distance guidelines around every animal.
Guides are marine biologists or long-time Tofino locals
Follows Be Whale Wise distance guidelines
Groups capped at twelve per boat
One percent of sales goes to local research
Three ways out on the water
Whale watching, bear watching and hot springs day trips, each run from Tofino.
- Whale watching in covered or open Zodiac boats, March to October
- Bear watching on inlet shorelines at low tide, April to October
- Boat day trips to Maquinna Marine Provincial Park hot springs
What guests said after a departure
“
“Two humpbacks surfaced beside the boat and the guide went quiet so we could just listen to them breathe.”
Priya N.
Whale watching · August
“The weather cancelled our first morning, they rebooked us for the afternoon without any fuss, and we saw a mother bear with two cubs.”
The Hendersons
Bear watching
“We learned more about Clayoquot Sound in three hours than in a week of reading.”
Greg L.
Hot springs trip
Questions guests ask before booking
Straight answers on weather, wildlife, the season and group size.
Pick a time and get on the water
Book online by departure time. The cancellation policy is set out on the tours page.