Sea lion in the herring spawn in Tofino

Environmental Stewardship

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An orca whale in Tofino

Research & Conservation

A $3 conservation fee is added to every fare to support marine wildlife research, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education in Clayoquot Sound.

In 2000, Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. While this designation is symbolic, it serves as an important reminder to residents and visitors of Tofino that this region is a rare and remarkable convergence of ecosystems — including temperate coastal rainforest, ocean habitats, and rugged shorelines — all deserving of respect and protection.

The Whale Centre is committed to protecting and preserving the extraordinary natural environment where we live and operate. To further support conservation and scientific research in the region, we have increased our eco-conservation fee to $3, allowing us to contribute more meaningfully to local initiatives that safeguard wildlife and habitat.

We would like to thank all our patrons who come out on tours with us! We could contribute to local conservation without you!

Environmental Stewardship at The Whale Centre

At The Whale Centre in Tofino, environmental stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. Operating in the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Vancouver Island’s west coast, we are committed to protecting the marine ecosystems that make whale watching in Tofino so extraordinary.

Protecting Marine Wildlife in Clayoquot Sound

Our whale watching tours follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines designed to minimize disturbance to grey whales, humpback whales, killer whales, sea otters, sea lions, seabirds, and other marine life found off the coast of Tofino, BC.

We strictly adhere to Transport Canada marine mammal regulations and best practices for ethical whale watching on Vancouver Island. Our captains are highly trained in marine conservation awareness, safe vessel operation, and respectful wildlife viewing distances.

Supporting Research & Conservation

The Whale Centre proudly contributes to marine research, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education initiatives in Clayoquot Sound. A portion of every tour supports ongoing conservation efforts that help protect whales, coastal rainforests, and ocean habitats for future generations.

We collaborate with local conservation organizations, researchers, and community partners in Tofino to promote sustainable tourism and responsible ocean stewardship.

Sustainable Tourism in Tofino, BC

As a locally owned whale watching company in Tofino, we believe tourism should positively impact the environment and our community. We:

  • Reduce fuel consumption through efficient routing and responsible vessel operation

  • Limit wildlife interaction times to reduce stress on animals

  • Educate guests about marine ecosystems and conservation challenges

  • Promote Leave No Trace principles

  • Support local environmental initiatives in Clayoquot Sound

Why Stewardship Matters

The waters surrounding Tofino are home to migrating grey whales, feeding humpback whales, transient orcas, and thriving sea otter populations. Protecting these species requires responsible operators, informed visitors, and ongoing conservation commitment.

When you choose The Whale Centre for whale watching in Tofino, you are choosing an eco-conscious tour company dedicated to protecting the wild coast we call home.


A few of the important organizations we support:

  • BAY CETOLOGY

    We enable conservation and understanding of cetacean populations that are data deficient or threatened by climate change and human development by using various methodologies to conduct field operations and studies, analyze data, and communicate findings. 

    Much of our work is made possible through collaborations with governments, grants from private organizations, partnerships with universities, and donations from individuals. 

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  • PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL

    The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is an annual event celebrating the return of Pacific Grey Whales to the West coast of Vancouver Island on their Northern migration route. The week-long festival hosts a number of fun events throughout Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

    Highlights are the Parade of Wonder, Baleen Bash, Chowder Chowdown and Maritime Kids Day. This year’s festival on the west coast is March 14 - 21, 2026

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  • TLA-O-QUI-AHT TRIBAL PARKS

    We uphold the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Nation’s relationships and responsibilities within the web of life that exists here – and use these teachings to guide, balance, and inform newcomers’ influences. 

    ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Tribal Parks Guardians tend to the Intergenerational Gardens, which include the largest intact ancient coastal rainforest on Vancouver Island. The Tribal Parks Allies provide experiences which connect to our story, and support our collective vision for a culturally and ecologically rich coastline forever.

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