Tofino Bear Watching Cruises with Jamie’s Whaling Station
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to remain seated and steady for the duration on a stable boat.
Overview
Cruise through Clayoquot Sound’s coastal wilderness on a 2.5-3 hour tour with Jamie’s Whaling Station, spotting Black Bears and their cubs in their natural foraging habitat. Experience wildlife viewing from the comfort of the panoramic Stellar Sea vessel.
Tofino Bear Watching - Cruiser Tour
2.5-3 Hours • Family Friendly •
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 2.5-3 hour cruise through Clayoquot Sound, where you’ll witness Black Bears and their cubs foraging along the stunning rainforest shoreline. Enjoy panoramic views from the Stellar Sea, guided by an expert crew sharing fascinating wildlife insights, all while keeping safety as a top priority.
Cruise through the calm inlets and pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of Black Bears foraging for food along the stunning shoreline of the rainforest.
Duration
Approximately 2.5-3 Hours
Tour length varies depending on sightings, weather, skipper discretion, and other factors.
About
Starting in April once the Black Bears start to emerge from their winter dens, we depart daily at low tide to travel through Browning Pass to the rocky coastline of Fortune Channel as the bears roam out of the rainforest and onto the shores to forage for food. Abundant in Clayoquot Sound, Black Bears are often seen with their cubs, turning massive rocks in search of crabs and clams.
Cruising through these scenic passageways allows for many opportunities to view other wildlife like Seals, Porpoises, Eagles, Herons and more in their natural habitat. Throughout your tour, our informative and personable crew will keep you entertained with interesting and fun facts about wildlife and the surrounding area.
Our Vessel: the Stellar Sea
Our covered-panoramic view cruiser was specially designed for viewing bears in Clayoquot Sound. It is equipped with large panoramic windows that fully open, as well as a thoughtfully designed seating layout, offering great views for everyone onboard.
Some features of the Stellar Sea include:
- Seating for up to 40 passengers
- Full commentary by captain and naturalists
- Indoor heated seating
- Onboard washroom
- Fully certified, well-trained crew
- Transport Canada Certified Vessel
Raincheck Guarantee
With almost 40 years of wildlife viewing experience, we know where and how to find bears for you. We have a High Sightings Success Rate in finding bears on our tours.
If you join us on a Bear Watching tour and do not see a bear, we will provide you with a Raincheck Ticket, allowing you to join us on another tour - FREE of charge!
Guests using a Raincheck Ticket for Bear Watching tours:
- Are able to join tours aboard our large cruiser vessels, or our open zodiac vessels, from either Tofino or Ucluelet.
- Are on a stand-by basis, dependent on capacity levels.
- Are able to confirm seats 60 minutes prior to departure.
- Can not use a Raincheck Ticket for a Whale Watching or Hot Springs Cove tour.
Safety
At Jamie’s, the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, we have extensive training and vessel maintenance schedules in place and have made significant investments in ensuring we have safety and life-saving equipment on our vessels that not only meet, but exceed Transport Canada standards.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in and be ready for boarding.
Bring Layered Clothing
The coastal weather can be cool and wet; dress in layers and waterproof gear for comfort onboard.
Keep Noise to a Minimum
Use quiet voices during the tour to avoid disturbing bears and other wildlife near the shoreline.
No Outside Food Allowed
Snacks and food are prohibited on the vessel to prevent attracting animals and maintain safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black Bears turning over rocks for crabs and clams
- Bald Eagles soaring above the rainforest canopy
History
Clayoquot Sound is part of traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, whose stewardship has shaped this pristine coastal environment.
Conservation
Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres follows strict wildlife viewing guidelines to minimize disturbance and supports local conservation efforts preserving Clayoquot Sound’s ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tofino
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against coastal rain and wind during open water cruising.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Binoculars
Enhances distant wildlife viewing along the shoreline.
Layered Clothing
Allows adjustment to fluctuating temperatures and damp conditions.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera with Zoom Lens
Captures high-quality images of bears and scenic vistas.