Bear Watching Cabin Cruise with Jamie’s in Ucluelet
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires only the ability to board and disembark the vessel.
Overview
Cruise Barkley Sound’s shoreline with Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres for a close-up of Black Bears and rich coastal wildlife. This 2.5-3 hour guided tour delivers memorable wildlife encounters along BC’s wild west coast.
Ucluelet Bear Watching - Cabin 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 Barkley Sound, where you’ll witness Black Bears and their cubs foraging along the stunning rainforest shoreline. With expert commentary and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, this unique adventure promises captivating sights and a high success rate for bear sightings, ensuring a memorable experience.
Cruise through the pristine waters of Barkley 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 Barkley Sound along the rocky coastline as the bears roam out of the rainforest and onto the shores to forage for food. Abundant in Barkley 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 Sea Lions, Seals, Eagles, 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 Vessels: the Pacific Springs & Eagle 44
Travel in the comfort of one of our cabin cruisers, the Pacific Springs or Eagle 44.
Some features of the Pacific Springs and Eagle 44 include:
- Full commentary by your skipper
- Indoor heated seating
- Open rear deck for wildlife viewing
- Marine Toilet
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 or cabin 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.
Before each tour, our crew will gather all guests for a safety briefing while also distributing Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) to each individual.
Adventure Tips
Wear layered waterproof clothing
Weather on the water can shift quickly; dress in layers and bring rain gear to stay comfortable.
Bring binoculars for distant wildlife
Enhance your viewing experience by spotting bears and sea life from afar with a good pair of binoculars.
Keep cameras ready but hands free
Use a neck strap or wrist strap for your camera to avoid drops and capture wildlife moments safely.
Check tide schedules before booking
Tours depart at low tide to maximize bear viewing along the shorelines; verify tide times for optimal sightings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Coastal Black Bears with cubs foraging at the tide line
- Bald Eagles perched in ancient old-growth trees overlooking the water
History
Barkley Sound has long been a traditional territory for Indigenous peoples, with a cultural connection to the land and sea that informs local conservation efforts.
Conservation
Jamie's commitment to responsible wildlife viewing practices supports sustainable tourism that minimizes disturbance to animals and preserves habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tofino
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against rain and wind while on the water.
spring specific
Binoculars
Helps spot wildlife at greater distances.
Camera with zoom lens
Captures detailed images of bears and coastal scenery.
Warm layers
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures drop, especially on the water.
fall specific