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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires only the ability to board and disembark the vessel.
Wildlife
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.
Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres
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.
Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres is a Tofino, British Columbia-based marine and wildlife tour operator operating since 1982. The company runs a range of guided Zodiac and cabin-cruiser excursions around Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound, offering whale watching, bear viewing, hot springs access, island history tours, and interpretive wildlife cruises.
Trips include Tofino and Ucluelet whale-watching tours (Zodiac and large cruiser options), bear-watching cruises in both Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds, Hot Springs Cove day trips with a rainforest hike and two hours at the springs, the Broken Islands Lodge History Tour in Barkley Sound with a home-cooked lunch, otter and inlet tours, and Meares Island visits to the Big Tree Trail. Many departures emphasize comfortable vessels, knowledgeable naturalists, and fast-paced Zodiac experiences for shoreline wildlife viewing.
Jamie’s is known for high sighting success on targeted wildlife trips; guests commonly encounter Grey and Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Black Bears, sea otters, seals, porpoises, and eagles. Safety and guest experience are central to operations, with crews providing interpretive commentary and responsible wildlife viewing practices.
As a company featured on The Adventure Collective, Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres combines decades of local expertise, a variety of vessel types, and curated day-trip itineraries to connect visitors with the west coast’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
Tours depart from Tofino and Ucluelet harbours seasonally, with options for short two-hour cruises to extended full-day expeditions in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds, allowing photographers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts to select appropriate vessel types and pacing, and comfort.
Years Experience
Since 1982
Decades guiding west coast trips
Tours Offered
13 trip options
Whale, bear, hot springs, island tours
Local Guides
Knowledgeable naturalists
Experienced commentary on wildlife
Sighting Success
High success rate
Frequent whale & bear sightings
Reserve Zodiac, cabin cruiser, or large cruiser trips from Tofino and Ucluelet — secure a spot for whale watching, bear viewing, Hot Springs Cove, and island tours.
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.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against rain and wind while on the water.
spring
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.
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