WHALE WATCHING IN MARCH

/ The Whale Centre /

March is a key month for the migration of grey whales along the Pacific Coast. These whales travel from their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico, to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. Tofino is a popular spot to witness this migration.

In addition to whales, Tofino's waters are teeming with other marine life such as sea lions, seals, porpoises, and a wide variety of seabirds. Whale watching tours often offer the chance to observe these diverse species in their natural habitat.

Not coming in March? Whale Watching is available March to November. You can view resident grey whales, humpback whales, minke whales and killer whales during the spring, summer and fall.

Tofino has a strong commitment to eco-tourism, conservation and research. The Whale Centre is committed to responsible wildlife viewing practices to minimize the impact on the environment and wildlife. Supporting these eco-friendly initiatives allows visitors to contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems.

Whale watching tours are a popular activity in Tofino, and experienced guides can provide valuable information about the whales and other marine life you encounter.

 

WHY VISIT THE HOT SPRINGS NEAR TOFINO

/ The Whale Centre /

Experience the epitome of relaxation and adventure with our exclusive Hot Springs Tour in Tofino! Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the rugged west coast as you embark on a journey to the enchanting Hot Springs Cove. Here's why our tour is an absolute must:

  1. Scenic Coastal Exploration: Begin your adventure with a breathtaking boat ride along the picturesque coastline of Vancouver Island. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, coastal wildlife, and perhaps catch a glimpse of majestic whales or playful sea lions.

  2. Tranquil Rainforest Boardwalk: Traverse a captivating rainforest boardwalk (2 km each way), surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery. The boardwalk provides a magical passage to the hot springs, creating a seamless blend of nature and relaxation.

  3. Natural Hot Springs Pools: Nestled in the heart of Maquinna Provincial Marine Park, Hot Springs Cove boasts mineral-rich geothermal pools. Submerge yourself in the soothing warmth as you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the natural hot springs, offering relaxation for your mind and rejuvenation for your body.

  4. Cultural Significance: Learn about the rich cultural history of the region, including the historical connections of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations people to Hot Springs Cove. Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders surrounding you.

  5. Professional and Knowledgeable Guides: Our experienced guides are not just experts in navigating the waters, but also passionate about sharing insights into the local ecosystem, flora, fauna, and the significance of Hot Springs Cove.

  6. Small Group Experience: Enjoy an intimate experience with a limited group size, ensuring personalized attention and a more immersive journey.

  7. Photography Opportunities: Capture unforgettable moments against the backdrop of pristine wilderness. The juxtaposition of hot springs, rainforest, and ocean vistas creates picture-perfect memories.

Don't miss the chance to indulge in the ultimate blend of nature and relaxation. Book your Hot Springs Tour in Tofino now and treat yourself to an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the west coast!

How to book your tour: Book online, call us 1-888-474-2288 or stop by our office in Tofino.

 
 

Shorebird Migration in Tofino

/ The Whale Centre/

Shorebirds are a diverse group of birds that are known for their long migrations. They typically breed in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions during the summer months, and then migrate to warmer regions in the winter.

Every year from late April through May, flocks of sandpipers, plovers, whimbrels and many other shorebirds pass through our local beaches and mudflats. Thousands of shorebirds stop here to feed and rest as they make their impressive journey from South and Central America northward to their Arctic breeding grounds.

The Tofino Mudflats comprise one of ten most critical wetland areas for migratory birds on the west coast and have been designated an “important bird area” of Canada. The mudflats rich nutrients and organic sediment host the marine worms, clams, crabs, and ghost shrimp that make the site a critical stopover site for migrating shorebirds, particularly Western Sandpipers. The best look out for shorebirds on the mudflats is at the end of Sharp Road. The mudflats at this location offer some of the best and most accessible high-quality shorebird viewing in Tofino. We suggest going to view the birds at low tide.

Bird Watching Tofino

Bear Watching Tour

/ The Whale Centre/
Bear Watching Tour

The Bear Watching Tour is a unique and unforgettable experience that provides visitors with an opportunity to observe black bears in the natural habitat and learn about their behaviour and ecology. It is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the west coast of Vancouver Island. This tour is perfect for those guests who prefer to boat on calm and protected waters.

Bear Watching Tours in Tofino take visitors by boat to observe black bears in their natural habit, foraging for berries and shellfish on the low tide. Guides are knowledgable about bear behaviour and will help visitors understand the importance of respecting the bears’ space and avoiding interfering with their natural activities.

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WHY VISIT THE HOT SPRINGS?

/ The Whale Centre/
WHY VISIT THE HOT SPRINGS?

There are several reasons to visit the hot springs in Maquinna Marine Park, located north of Tofino.

  1. Relaxation: Soaking in the natural hot springs is a great way to unwind and relax. The heat from the water can help soothe sore muscles and relieve stress, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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TOFINO HOT SPRINGS TOURS

/ The Whale Centre/

There is nothing more relaxing than spending time soaking in a natural geothermal hot spring with a view of the Pacific Ocean! Hop aboard the Hot Springs Cove Tour on a Covered Cabin Cruiser Boat to Maquinna Provincial Park, 27 nautical miles north of Tofino. Once your guide delivers you at the dock, you walk 2 km (30 minutes) on a cedar boardwalk trail through old growth forest. At the Hot Springs, you have two hours to soak your worries away in the succession of pools cascading from the waterfall to the ocean edge. As the tide comes in some pools get cooler while others are far enough away to stay pleasantly warm. Be sure to sit under the waterfall! After two hours of some serious soaking you walk back to the dock to and meet your guide and boat back to Tofino. Whales are not guaranteed on this tour but we do our best to show you whales, sea lions, sea otters and more.

We recommend bringing a picnic lunch, good walking shoes, swimsuit, towel, water and a backpack to carry your gear. Hot Tip: We wear Teva sandals or water shoes in the hot springs - they can be slippery. Your feet will thank you later!

Please note we are only permitted one boat with up to 12 passengers per day. Book your tour sooner than later to avoid disappointment! You can book with us online here, call 1-888-474-2288 or pop by our office in downtown Tofino.

Tofino Hot Springs Tour

May Whale Watching in Tofino !

/ The Whale Centre/
May Whale Watching in Tofino !

May was another great month on the water around Clayoquot Sound. Did you know that we share our sightings with researchers? Whenever possible we submit images of the whales to support ongoing efforts to catalogue the whales. Last month we photographed 29 different grey whales, and submitted those sightings along with location information to the Pacific Wildlife Foundation.

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Back in Tofino: Bigg's Killer Whales T109B's, T109C's and Lone Bull T065A2

/ The Whale Centre/
Back in Tofino: Bigg's Killer Whales T109B's, T109C's and Lone Bull T065A2

Yesterday was a great day for Killer Whale sightings for our guides in Tofino! In the morning Howie Tom picked up the T109B’s and T109C’s at Cleland Island. These two gangs spent the afternoon slowly making their way to Lennard Light eating many seals along the way. These two gangs are the offspring of T109 (aka Big Momma) and are frequent visitors to Clayoquot Sound.

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Big Momma! Transient Killer Whale T109 in Tofino!!

/ The Whale Centre /
Big Momma! Transient Killer Whale T109 in Tofino!!

Big Momma! T109 (born in the mid 1970’s) is a frequent visitor to Clayoquot Sound. This matriarch is a mother to 4 daughters and 1 son plus Grandmother/Great Grandmother to 13 offspring. She was in Tofino yesterday with T109D, T109D1 and T109E. Yesterday was our first encounter with her since T109B and T109C split off with their offspring.

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Finally! The T109A's come back to Clayoquot Sound with T097!

/ The Whale Centre/
Finally! The T109A's come back to Clayoquot Sound with T097!

This morning John and I were going to head out to try and photograph Blue Sharks but our plans changed when we got word that there were 9 Bigg’s Killer Whales off Lennard Light. The T109A’s, now a gang of eight, were back! They had not been photographed in our waters since winter. This gang is locally known as The Runaways and they are frequent visitors to the Tofino area. The gang had a bull with them today. T097, who was born in 1980, has only been photographed in our area once in 2011. We were excited to photograph a new to us Killer Whale and use the new DFO Photo-Identification catalogue! The Killer Whales spent most of the day slowing moving up the coast killing several seals along the way.

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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES: T075B's, T075C's and T037A1 were in Tofino the past two days!

/ The Whale Centre/
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES: T075B's, T075C's and T037A1 were in Tofino the past two days!

Yesterday we got word that 6 Killer Whales were making their way into Templar Channel. We met up with the Killer Whales as they were making their way through the Channel into the Tofino Harbour. They swam through the harbour and up Browning Passage. We identified the whales as the T075B, T075B2, T075B3, T075C, T075C1 and T037A1. They were last seen last night in the Bedwell.

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Are the T023's the new locals?

/ The Whale Centre /
Are the T023's the new locals?

A big shout out to Captain Chris McCue from Jamie’s Whaling Station for picking up the T023’s coming into the Tofino Harbour yesterday. It was a windy and choppy afternoon so the Killer Whales in calm waters were a real treat for everyone. John and I caught up with the Motley Crew gang (all of them: Janice and the C’s and D’s) in Browning Passage. We left them last night at the entrance to Gunner.

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A Quick Glimpse of Killer Whales T117 and T120

/ The Whale Centre /
A Quick Glimpse of Killer Whales T117 and T120

Yesterday we got word that there were two Bigg’s Killer Whales heading up the coast off Cleland Island. Jamie’s Whaling Station was on scene and said there was a male bull and a female traveling quickly up the coast. We headed out in the Eco. These whales were traveling at 10 knots so we caught up with them off of Hot Springs Cove. T120 (born 1986) was with his mother T117 (born T117). We were able to capture a few photo ID’s of both whales and then we let them go. They were on a mission!

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Another Day with Motley Crew - T023 Killer Whales in Tofino!

/ THE WHALE CENTRE /

Another day with the whole family! First we got word that T023 and the T023D’s were back in the Bedwell this morning, right where we left them last night. John and I headed out in Lil’ Salty at 9:45 to the back side of Meares Island. When we arrived on scene the gang of Transient Killer Whales had just made a kill and were on the move heading out towards Rant Point.

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Biggs Killer Whales - More of the T023's

/ The Whale Centre/
Biggs Killer Whales - More of the T023's

A few days ago we had a visit from the Bigg’s Killer Whales T023C’s. Yesterday we had a report of Killer Whales at Indian Island. John and I jumped into the Eco and went up to have a look. We met up with the whales traveling at Windy Bay with Howie on the Goolka. T023 and T023D’s booked it out Browning Passage and through the Tofino Harbour, then headed out past Lennard Light and down the coast. We observed T023D with her two calves plus the matriarch Janice, aka T023.

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A Rare Visit from the T050s Killer Whales near Tofino!

/ The Whale Centre /
A Rare Visit from the T050s Killer Whales near Tofino!

On Thursday evening we got a report that there were Killer Whales off Hippie Point. John and Howie headed out in the Eco at 5:30 pm. They came across a gang of Transient Killer Whales between Monks and Hippie Point. They followed the whales to Saranac Island and then back to Roberts Point. The T050’s were spy hopping and traveling. They spent about an hour with these Killer Whales. Tim on the Hootka Kootla was on his way back from Hot Springs Cove and was able to get a few looks of the gang too!

We don’t see the T050’s often in Tofino. The last time we photographed them was October 2015. This gang like to work the inlets and have been successful hunters while visiting Tofino. These Killer Whales are more frequently seen in Alaskan waters.

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Killer Whales up Tofino Inlet (T023C's)

/ The Whale Centre/
Killer Whales up Tofino Inlet (T023C's)

The T023C Killer Whales make an appearance in Tofino today!

Early this morning I was drinking my tea and getting ready for a busy Saturday when I got a text from our Guide Tim Tom that a gang of Killer Whales were passing his window at Opitsaht. All my Saturday plans changed. John and I headed down to the Eco to set out up Browning Passage to find them. Tim had jumped into his boat and was with the T023C’s when we arrived on scene. We followed the orcas up Browning Passage, into Tofino Inlet where they led us up Tranquil. Along the way they tangled with a sea lion but left it alone after a few breaches.

The T023C’s have broken off from T023’s, aka Motley Crew. T023C was born in 1990 and she appears to have three calves (born in 2009, 2013 and a new one that looks like it was born in the last year or more.

The last time we saw the T023C’s was in May 2016 and they were still with the Matriarch T023. They all took the same path of coming through the Tofino Harbour and headed up Tofino Inlet.

Both the morning and afternoon Whale Watching Tours were able to get out to see the Killer Whales!

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TOFINO BEAR WATCHING TOURS

/ The Whale Centre/
TOFINO BEAR WATCHING TOURS

Our Bear Watching Tours for 2019 will start up mid-April from Tofino. The Black Bears will be waking up from winter hibernation hungry and looking to forage on the coastline. Vancouver Island has the highest density of black bears in North America, and a total estimated population of 12,000. 

Unlike whale watching, which ventures out on the open ocean's waves, bear watching is done from covered vessel with a viewing deck, or open Boston Whaler boat on the calm inside waters in and around Tofino Inlet. This is where black bears can be witnessed at low tide, as they approach the shore on their quest for nutritious shore crabs by turning over beach boulders and rocks. 

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