Ocean Outfitters
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Whale Watching on Board a Covered Vessel (2.5 hrs.)
Ocean Outfitters the “Miss B Haven” is a 30’ covered family vessel that’s perfect for those with children, or any traveler who is looking for a smooth ride. Position yourself in the comfort of the cabin, or step out on the spacious deck for a more exhilarating experience- whatever you choose, you’re sure to feel thrilled as you spot the majestic whale spout, dive or breach. Possible whale sightings include Gray Whales, Humpbacks, and transient Killer Whales. And here’s more good news: you’ll travel through some of the most stunning landscape on Earth and may even catch sight of seals, sea lions, black bears, bald eagles, sea otters and over 200 species of seabirds. There’s no doubt- you’re in for a few hours of magical wildlife entertainment. While whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, it’s rare that a boat returns to dock without spotting some of these grand mammals. Should no sightings occur, you’ll be offered a raincheck. The covered vessel is powered with an eco-friendly 4 stroke motor. Because the vessel is covered, it continues to operate during the fall season. Ask your skipper about a sea otter named ‘Hannibal’ and ‘2 Dot Star’, a favorite gray whale who has been visiting Ocean Outfitters for over 20 years!
$84 CAD Per Adult (14-64) -
Beautiful Black Bear and Wildlife Adventure (2 hrs.)
Imagine this. The wind enlivens you as you cruise the protected, tranquil waters that surround marvelous Meares Island searching for the splendor of watching a regal black bear forage along the beach for his next meal. Then the special moment arrives; you spot a mother and her cub foraging the coastline for a scrumptious treat such as rock crab or starfish. Safely viewing black bears in their natural habitat, totally undisturbed by man is a rare occasion indeed. Get your camera at the ready; this is an adventure you’ll want to relive time and again! You may also view an eagle aerie with many bald eagles, Harbour porpoises, seals, river otters, blue herons and a variety of other wildlife! This activity operates from approximately May 1 (as bears wake from hibernation) until October 1 (when bears travel upriver to feast on salmon. Thanks to their poor eyesight, and the respectful distance the boat stays from land, the Black bears are usually unaware of the boat’s presence- offering you a special peek into their natural daily lifestyle. Choose to travel on the open-air Zodiac or the covered vessel.
$79 CAD Per Adult (14-64) -
Enlivening Hot Springs and Wildlife Tour (6-7 hrs.)
This is an adventure you’ll be boasting about for years. Your destination is the hot springs, but along the way you’ll view over 20 miles of amazing coastline and be treated to the prospect of spotting whales, black bears, seals, sea lions, puffins, sea otters and bald eagles too! Once you arrive at Hot Springs Cove you’ll meander 1.5 km over a cedar boardwalk that twists through a magnificent rainforest. At the end of your short journey, you’ll be rewarded with a succession of mesmerizing natural geothermal hot spring pools, a lovely waterfall and a simply fabulous view of the wild Pacific Ocean. Sink your tired soul into these warm waters and emerge revitalized, refreshed and unmistakably renewed. We told you you’d be chatting about this for years! If you crave a bit more adventure you have the option of flying home to Tofino from the Hot Springs Cove in a float plane (additional charge.) Please inquire for details on our Sea to Sky package. Hot springs tours are offered year round (weather permitting). But please note that bears and whales are not viewed during the winter season. Please note BC Parks charges a $3 fee per person at the Hot Springs Cove. Please bring exact change. Clayoquot Sounds is bursting with charming inlets and stunning islands- making the perfect photo opportunity!
$119 CAD Per Adult (14-64) -
Thrilling Zodiac Whale-Watching Trip (2.5 hrs.)
Travel the waters of British Columbia’s west coast on Ocean Outfitters speedy yellow Zodiac and experience the exhilaration of wind in your hair, sea mist on your face and the prospect of watching whales spout, dive and breach; teasing you with their grace and acrobatics. Welcome to your whale watching adventure! Possible whale sightings include Gray Whales, Humpbacks, and transient Killer Whales. But you may also catch sight of seals, sea lions, black bears, bald eagles, sea otters and over 200 species of seabirds. While whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, it’s rare that a boat returns to dock without spotting some of these grand mammals. Should no sightings occur, you’ll be offered a raincheck. Zodiac is powered with an eco-friendly 4 stroke motor. Clayoquot Sound is very popular with gangs of transient killer whales on the hunt! Ask your skipper about a sea otter named ‘Hannibal’ and ‘2 Dot Star’, a favorite gray whale who has been visiting Ocean Outfitters for over 20 years!
$84 CAD Per Adult (14-64) -
Magical Meares Island Exploration
Explore magical Meares Island, an unspoiled land that’s covered in a carpet of vibrant ferns and absolutely amazing, massive, old trees aged between 800 and 1300 years! Your 10-minute voyage to Meares Island will take you past mud flats where migratory birds gather to rest and feed, then past several small picturesque islands. From here, grand Meares Island rests straight ahead. Once you arrive at Meares Island’s Big Tree trailhead, your real adventure begins. A boardwalk will lead you past a multitude of dynamic natural wonders, including a tree which boasts a circumference of 18.3 meters! If you’re in the mood to do some real exploring, then continue on and a loop trail awaits you- leading you through landscape that’s almost unbelievable. The opportunity to be up close and personal with these regal life forms is a precious gift that will make a lifelong memory. The boardwalk is 620 meters in length and takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully enjoy. If you add the loop trail, the length is 3163 meters total. During the 1980’s, Tofino residents, environmentalists and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations joined together to save Meares Island from the danger of clear cut logging. Please help keep Meares Island pristine- pack out what you bring in!
$35 CAD Per Adult (14-64)
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Whale Watching
Discover the secluded pristine islands and lively waters of Clayoquot Sound, where wildlife and tranquility marry- presenting a one of a kind nature experience. Troll past rocks, reefs and isolated stretches of beach; be surrounded by endless expanses of tree covered islands scattered with black bear looking for a tasty treat; delight at the bald eagle that watches you from overhead; gaze in wonder at the grace of a massive whale breaching in the distance. There’s no telling what marvels your day holds. Tour providers offer whale, bear and nature tours of Clayoquot Sound that respect the boundaries of these animals while letting you close enough to observe a fantastic show. Tours last from just a few to several hours. Skilled, knowledgeable guides share their familiarity and awareness of this marvelous region, while pointing out Harbour porpoises, seals, river otters and a number of dynamic birds. Some tour providers also journey to famous Hot Springs Cove, located in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, where rejuvenation is compulsory! You’ll depart your whale, bear or nature tour with a personal insight into the vivacious life that subsist just off Tofino’s shore.
Starting at $79 CAD -
Nature Tours
If a quick trip to Long Beach or the view from your hotel window has left you wanting to explore more of Tofino's world-famous scenery, a plethora of options await. Observe majestic black bears, spot seabirds, cruise by killer whales or journey to nearby gems such as Meares Island or Hot Springs Cove. It won't take long to realise why this area's natural beauty has made it a destination for travellers from all over the globe.
Starting at $35 CAD -
Bear Watching
Tofino’s remote location on western Vancouver Island make it a great place to embark on a bear-spotting safari. Black bears can be found in many of the areas surrounding Tofino, and tour operators offer chances to hop on a boat and see these curious creatures feeding along the shoreline. As an added bonus, you’re likely to see other wildlife, such as bald eagles, seals, porpoises and even whales on these types of tours.
Starting at $74 CAD -
Hotsprings
Just when you thought Tofino couldn't be any more of an idyllic destination, you hear about Hot Springs Cove. This secluded spot near Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, 27 nautical miles or 1.5 hours away by boat, is considered a must-see by anyone who has visited. Enjoy beautiful scenery and a short stroll down a boardwalk before dipping into this rugged hot spring's steaming pools. Bundle your visit with a whale-watching excursion to make it a true west-coast experience. If you think a day trip just isn't enough time, extend your stay by opting for one of the cove's accommodation options.
Starting at $105 CAD
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From their base in Tofino, on the gorgeous west coast of Vancouver Island, Ocean Outfitters offers guests a variety of ways to discover the many hidden delights of renowned Clayoquot Sound, a designated UN Biosphere. Whether you’re hoping to find whales, hot springs, seabirds or experience a relaxing rainforest, Ocean Outfitters has an excursion to meet your desires. And you’ll have two choices to get there: a covered vessel, or for a real thrill, a zipping open-air Zodiac!
