Whale watching in Tofino
A three-hour small-boat trip into Clayoquot Sound and out to the whale feeding grounds on the open Pacific. Twelve guests at most, a local skipper, and enough time on the water to watch, not just glimpse.
Hour by hour
A typical morning departure. Wildlife and weather decide the exact route, so the times move a little from day to day.
- 07:45
Check-in and safety briefing
Meet at our dock shed on the Tofino waterfront. We fit everyone with a floater suit, explain how the boat moves in swell and where to stand, and hand out binoculars.
Arrive 15 minutes early - 08:00
Leave Tofino harbour
The first twenty minutes run through the sheltered channels between Meares Island and the town. Calm water, cedar shorelines and, often, a bald eagle or two.
- 08:20
Bear shoreline at low tide
From April to October, black bears forage along the rocky beaches at low tide, flipping stones for crabs. We idle offshore and watch quietly.
Spring to fall, tide permitting - 08:40
Grey whale feeding grounds
Past the islands the swell begins. Grey whales feed in the shallow bays, and humpbacks travel the outer coast. Engines off, cameras ready, and about an hour on the grounds.
The heart of the trip - 09:50
Sea lion rocks
Steller sea lions haul out on the offshore rocks, loudest from fall to spring. Harbour seals and cormorants share the ledges.
- 10:20
Hot drinks in the lee
We tuck in behind an island for hot chocolate and a chance to ask the skipper anything: tides, whale behaviour, where to eat tonight.
- 11:00
Back at the dock
Floater suits off, photos swapped. Afternoon departures follow the same plan from 1:00 pm.
What to bring
The boat is open to the air. Even on a sunny July morning, it is several degrees cooler on the water than in town.
- Warm layers: a fleece or wool sweater under our rain shell
- Toque and gloves, even in summer
- Camera or phone on a wrist strap
- A water bottle
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them, taken before departure
- Closed shoes with grip for a wet deck
When the whales are here
Grey whales pass the coast on their spring migration and some stay to feed all summer. Humpbacks are seen more each year from spring to fall.
| Tour | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale watching | Not running | Not running | Best● | Best● | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Not running | Not running |
| Bear watching | Not running | Not running | Not running | Running○ | Best● | Best● | Best● | Running○ | Running○ | Running○ | Not running | Not running |
Sightings promise
Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. If we do not see a whale, you can join another departure at no charge, space permitting.
Respectful distances
Canada’s marine mammal regulations set minimum approach distances for whales, with larger distances for killer whales. Our skippers follow them and let the animals choose how close they come.
How close do you get to the whales?
We stay at or beyond the minimum distances set by Canada’s marine mammal regulations, and we turn the engine off once we are in position. Whales sometimes surface closer on their own; when they do, we wait for them to move on.
Is whale watching suitable for children?
Yes, from six years old. Children wear a child-size floater suit and sit with an adult. For younger children, call us first and we will suggest a calmer afternoon departure.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your skipper checks the marine forecast the evening before. If the swell or wind is too strong, we call you to move to another departure or give you a full refund.
Will I get seasick?
The first part of the trip is in sheltered water. On the open coast there is often a gentle swell. If you are prone to seasickness, take tablets before you board and stand at the back of the boat, looking at the horizon.
Pair it with
Pick a date. We will check the water.
Send an enquiry with your tour, date and group size. We reply within one business day, and nothing is charged until your departure is confirmed.