At The Whale Centre, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service from the moment you step foot in Tofino until the time we bid you farewell. As a locally owned and family operated Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour Company with a legacy dating back to 1986, our commitment to excellence is unwavering.

Our passionate team is devoted to ensuring that your time on the water with The Whale Centre is nothing short of spectacular and memorable. With a reputation as an industry front-runner, we prioritize safety and environmental responsibility in all our wildlife watching endeavors.

Join us for an experience that combines adventure, education, and conservation, as we embark on a journey to discover the wonders of Tofino's marine life while upholding the highest standards of stewardship and service.

JOHN FORDE - OWNER & LEAD GUIDE  

John's bond with Tofino's waters is profound, cultivated over 35 years of exploration that have left him with salt in his veins. His story began as a young boy, spending idyllic summers on the shores of North Chesterman Beach. Tofino's enchantment gripped him, and he found himself unable to resist its allure. Before taking the helm at The Whale Centre in 1996, John's journey unfolded through stints at two whale watching companies, where he honed his expertise and deepened his love for the ocean. Today, he leads The Whale Centre with a passion fueled by decades of connection to Tofino's marine wonders. John's affinity for capturing moments beneath the waves is evident in his frequent presence behind his trusted Nikon lens. Beyond photography, he dedicates his time to serving the community, whether through volunteering with the Tofino Fire Department or sharing the joy of surfing with his daughters. However, John's commitment extends far beyond his personal pursuits. For over 20 years, he has been a steadfast member of the Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society Board, tirelessly advocating for the conservation of Tofino's marine ecosystems. His dedication shines through in his efforts to rescue entangled whales and in his contributions of Transient Killer Whale ID photos to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, furthering scientific understanding and conservation initiatives. In John, Tofino finds a guardian of its waters, a steward of its wildlife, and a beacon of community spirit, whose legacy of conservation and service continues to shape the region for generations to come.

JENNIFER STEVEN - OWNER & GENERAL MANAGER 

Jennifer's story is as unique and captivating as the landscapes of Tofino itself. A true local, born and raised in this picturesque coastal town, she shares her life with John, her partner of 25 years, and their daughters, amidst the stunning beauty of Clayoquot Sound.

With a background in business, Jennifer honed her skills during her two-decade tenure with renowned artist Roy Henry Vickers. However, her true passion lies behind the lens of her Canon camera, capturing the mesmerizing moments of Tofino's wildlife, especially her beloved killer whales. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Jennifer is deeply involved in the community. As the former president of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, she's dedicated to the prosperity of local businesses and the well-being of the community.

Adding to her repertoire, Jennifer is also the proud owner of SALT TOFINO, a shop nestled above The Whale Centre, where she curates treasures inspired by the coastal lifestyle.

Jennifer's journey embodies the spirit of Tofino—rich in culture, immersed in nature, and driven by passion.

ALISTAIR HORNE - GUIDE

Alistair's journey on the West Coast began in 2005 as a deckhand on salmon trollers, he quickly formed a deep connection with the maritime life that surrounded him. In 2017, he found his true calling as a guide at The Whale Centre, where he shares his passion for the ocean and its inhabitants with visitors from around the world. When he's not navigating tours, you'll find Alistair strumming his guitar. As a true mariner at heart, he also dedicates his time to maintaining and perfecting his own boat, which serves not only as his vessel but also as his home.

OWEN CROSBY - RESERVATION AGENT/GUIDE

Meet Owen, a Tofino local whose love affair with his coastal hometown runs deep. When he's not busy capturing breathtaking moments through his camera lens, you'll likely find him orchestrating unforgettable tours and gearing up guests in our office. He is an industry veteran with years behind him already. If you have questions he will certainly be able to answer. His keen eye for detail and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as a talented photographer with a knack for capturing the essence of the west coast. Give him a follow on Instagram to see what he is capturing - @ocroz_

MARK SAWYER - GUIDE

Mark is a former teacher from the UK. He's always been obsessed with wildlife, and he feels the opportunity to view wildlife here is amazing. He runs wildlife tours out of Tofino and Ucluelet, and as much as possible uses these tours to provide local researchers with information to support their work. He's been involved with SIMRS in terms of reporting sightings since 2015, and a board member since 2019. Currently Mark is most involved in the Killer Whale Monitoring Project and the BC Marine Mammal Response Network.

MANUEL CHOQUETTE

Manuel has found his sanctuary in Tofino since 2017, where the rugged coastline and ocean captured his heart. Originally hailing from the east coast of Canada this soul brings a unique blend of maritime heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. Fluent in English & French, he effortlessly connects with people from diverse backgrounds, making every interaction an enriching experience. Beyond the waves, he's a seasoned traveler with a zest for exploration. Whether surfing, scuba diving or navigating the seas aboard his sailboat, this adventurous spirit knows no bounds. Deeply passionate about wildlife and the rich history of Clayoquot Sound, Manuel goes above and beyond to ensure that every journey is unforgettable.

JEAN-YVES DANIEL - GUIDE

Nearly a decade ago, Jean-Yves made the impulsive decision to move to Tofino and shift his focus on pursuing his passion for wildlife. His first encounter with whales had left him humbled and mystified.  Acting as an advocate for nature, Jean-Yves hopes to replicate that experience with his guests.  Fuelled by a strong desire to connect with the surrounding wildlife and sharing what knowledge he has acquired over the years, he hopes to spread awareness to help conservation movements.

RILEY BANKS - GUIDE

Riley was born on Vancouver Island and raised in Tofino, His family has been in Tofino since the mid 1960’s. A third generation Tofitian and a true local to heart. When Riley was a boy he would spend his summers fishing with his grandfather or exploring Clayoquot sound in an aluminum skiff. Running boats and being outside is what he is best at! If you can't find him on the ocean, there's a good chance he is halfway up a mountainside somewhere. If you want to learn about the deep and intricate history of Clayoquot Sound, ask him away, because his family has lived a big chunk of it.