RESEARCH & CONSERVATION

$3 will be added to all fares to make a difference and support marine wildlife research, ecosystem restoration and education in Clayoquot Sound.

Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 2000. This designation is largely symbolic but serves as a reminder to all of us living and visiting Tofino that it is indeed a rare mix of ecosystems – mainly temperate coastal rainforest, ocean, and rocky coastal shores - worthy of respect. The Whale Centre has made a long term commitment to protect and preserve the spectacular natural setting we are fortunate to live and do business in. This year we have increased our eco conservation fee to $3 to make a difference and contribute more to conservation and science in the Tofino area.

A few of the important organizations we support:

WHALES OF CLAYOQUOT & BARKLEY SOUND | MERS

Sharing information about the whales seen in the waters around Clayoquot Sound & Barkley Sound.

Mark and Ashley are MERS Research Associates in support of their work to catalogue Humpback Whales off the west coast of Vancouver Island (The Whales of Clayoquot & Barkley). These sightings help inform the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration. In addition to their work as MERS Research Associates, their Grey Whale sightings data contributes to monitoring efforts along the west coast and for this they are members of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group Consortium.

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.

The Queen of the Peak Women's Surf Championships was created in 2010 by Surf Sister and Shelter Restaurant to celebrate and showcase the amazing surf talent here on the west coast of Vancouver Island. We are once again sponsoring this year's event and encouraging surfers to join us for this fun, 2-day weekend event on September 28th and 29th, 2024.

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. 

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

We’re privileged to work, play and educate thousands of people every year from all over the world. We’re able to do this on the traditional territories of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Ahousaht First Nation and Hesquiaht First Nation.