Adventure Collective
Bear Watching Tours in Tofino with The Whale Centre - Vancouver

Bear Watching Tours in Tofino with The Whale Centre

Tofinoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated and gentle movement aboard the boat.

Overview

Cruise the calm waters of Clayoquot Sound on a cabin cruiser with The Whale Centre for up-close encounters with foraging black bears and stunning coastal scenery. This small-group bear watching tour offers comfort, expert commentary, and a rare glimpse of British Columbia’s unique coastal ecosystem.

Victoria, British Columbia

Bear Watching Tour - Cabin Cruiser Boat

Sheltered Water Inlet Tour • 95% Sightings Success Rate • All Ages • 2.5 hours

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable Bear Watch in Tofino, where you’ll cruise the serene waters of Clayoquot Sound. Witness Black Bears foraging along the shoreline, often with their playful cubs. Enjoy expert commentary and breathtaking views, all from the comfort of a spacious cabin cruiser. A unique wildlife adventure awaits!

Join us for a Bear Watch in Tofino. We will navigate the protected waters around Meares Island to explore the scenic inlets and find Black Bears on the shoreline.

Duration

2.5 Hours

Departure times vary depending on tides & daylight. Check-in time for the tour is 30 minutes before departure time.

About

Leave from the Tofino harbour and travel the calm, protected inter-tidal waters of Clayoquot Sound to find the Black Bears. When the tide rolls out, the Black Bears lumber from the forest down to the shoreline in search of their next meal. From a safe distance, watch the bears forage the shoreline for their favourite delicacy, rock crabs and fish. Sometimes we see the sow with her new cubs in tow, teaching them how to forage for food on the beach. Cubs will come out onto the beach starting in May with the sow. View Black Bears in the natural habitat in the protected inlets of Clayoquot Sound. Your knowledgeable guide will share information about Black Bears and other wildlife that you may come across such as Bald Eagle's, Seals, Harbour Porpoises, Wolves, Blue Herons and River Otters. The Black Bears come out of hibernation in April, and they stay in the Tofino area until October, when they head to the rivers to feast on salmon. The Tofino Bear Watching Tour is recommended for everyone, and especially those sailors who prefer flat and calm waters. Please note, the daily departure times vary with the low tide.

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.
  • Smoking is not permitted on the boat at any time.

What to bring

We recommend sweaters, long pants and closed-toe shoes to be worn by all passengers for their comfort. Remember to bring sunglasses, a warm hat, sunscreen, camera and your sense of adventure!

Terms & Conditions

This adventure has a hassle-free 48-hour cancellation policy. Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your departure to cancel and receive a full refund, no questions asked. Groups of 10+ guests are subject to a 72-hour cancellation policy.

We reserve the right to delay or cancel a departure if there are fewer than 4 guests reserved at the time of departure or in case of events beyond our control (adverse weather conditions, technical or mechanical issues etc.).

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers for changing coastal weather

Temperatures can shift rapidly on the water; bring warm sweaters and a waterproof jacket.

Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing

Enhance your chance to spot distant bears, eagles, and marine life along the shoreline.

Avoid strong scents before boarding

Refrain from using perfumes or deodorants to avoid disturbing nearby bears during the tour.

Keep noise and movement minimal

Reduce sudden noises and avoid loud conversations while close to wildlife for better viewing chances.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Coastal Black Bears
  • Harbor Porpoises

History

Clayoquot Sound has been a vital habitat for Indigenous peoples and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000.

Conservation

The Whale Centre follows strict wildlife viewing guidelines to minimize disturbance and support the protection of local ecosystems.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Vancouver

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Protects against rain and wind on the coastal waters.

spring specific

Warm layers

Essential

Keeps you comfortable during cooler moments and fluctuating temperatures.

all specific

Binoculars

Enhances distant wildlife viewing from the boat.

all specific

Camera with extra batteries

Essential

Captures memorable moments of bears and scenic landscapes.

all specific