Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
3 Best Whale Watching Tours In Tofino
Looking for the best whale watching in Tofino?
I’ve got you covered!
Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is well known for being Canada’s surf capital, but surfing isn’t all there is to do here. There are plenty of other things to do in Tofino, such as bear watching, kayaking, and whale watching.
I’ve visited British Columbia numerous times, and I love to go whale watching there.
When it comes to whale watching tours in Tofino, there are plenty of options to choose from. There are multi-day tours, private tours, cruises, and zodiac whale-watching tours.
To help you decide which tour is right for you, I’ve picked and reviewed my favorite Tofino whale-watching tours and everything you need to know.
Let’s get started!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Whale Watching Tours In Tofino
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
Why Go Whale Watching From Tofino, Vancouver Island?
Vancouver is known for being one of the best places for whale watching in Canada and possibly the world!
Tofino has some of the best whale watching opportunities on Vancouver Island. It is located in Clayoquot Sound, home to dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, grey whales, and many species of eagles and seabirds.
This is an excellent place to see Pacific gray whales. The gray whales migrate from Baja, California, Mexico, and begin to arrive along the west coast of Vancouver Island in February. Over 200 ‘resident’ gray whales can be seen feeding in the waters from March through October.
The Clayoquot Sound is beautiful, and traveling through it by boat will give you some fantastic views of the surrounding rainforest and pristine landscapes.
Even if you have been whale watching elsewhere in Canada, I still recommend trying whale watching from Tofino. Each whale watching trip is unique, and you are likely to see different species and have an entirely different experience with each trip.
What Can You Expect To See On A Whale Watching Tour Tofino?
The Clayoquot Sound and the waters off of Vancouver Island are home to many different species of whales. Humpback whales and Orca are the most commonly spotted species.
In addition to spotting whales, there is a good chance you will also see other wildlife.
Some species that you are likely to see on a whale watching tour Tofino include:
- Pacific gray whale
- Orca whales (also known as “killer whales”)
- Humpback whale
- Porpoise
- Minke whales
- Dolphin
- Sea otters
- Steller sea lions
- Harbour seals
- Bald eagles
- Osprey
Remember that wildlife and nature are unpredictable, so you never really know what you will see, which is all part of the fun!
Best Whale Watching Tours in Tofino
1. 3-Day Tofino Whale Watching + Nanaimo Tour, Vancouver In/out
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!
This private 3-day tour will take you to several different destinations around Vancouver Island. You will spend time in Neck Point Park, Pacific Rim National Park, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, MacMillan Provincial Park, and Tofino.
In Tofino, you will visit the whale center and take a whale watching cruise along the Clayoquot Sound, where you have to see the resident gray whales and all the other wildlife this area is known for.
All transportation is included during this 3-day trip, making it a super convenient way to get around Vancouver Island and see as much as possible.
2. Whale Watching & Sightseeing Tour In Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
This whale watching boat trip sets sail from Ucluelet, just a short 35-minute drive south of Tofino and one of the best places for whale watching in BC.
The tour takes place on a comfortable covered boat, which is heated and protected from the elements, making this a family-friendly cruise suitable for all ages.
The English-speaking guides are very knowledgeable about the whales’ behavior and will be on hand to answer any of your questions. You will learn many interesting facts about these incredible creatures like that their dorsal fins can be up to 2 meters high!
Binoculars are provided on the boat so that you won’t miss a single sighting.
You can expect to see gray whales, humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions, and occasionally, at low tide, you can see bears along the shoreline.
3. Vancouver 4 Days Island Adventure Tour – Victoria, Ucluelet, Tofino, Nanaimo
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 days | ✅ Book it!
This 4-day adventure tour starts in Vancouver and will take you to Victoria, Ucluelet, Nanaimo, and Tofino.
You will spend 2 nights in Tofino, where you can participate in kayaking, surfing, taking a hot springs cove tour, hiking, seeing the botanical gardens, and going on a whale watching tour.
You’ll see marine life in its natural habitat in the Pacific Ocean, and get some land-based activities.
This tour is a great way to experience the best of Vancouver Island in just a few days. You will also have your own private air-conditioned vehicle to transport you around the island.
Best Time To See Whales In Tofino
Tofino whale watching season lasts from March to October, although you may be able to spot whales as early as February. This is when the Pacific gray whales migrate up from Baja, California, in Mexico.
The best time to whale watch in Tofino is from June to August, when there is the highest number of whales feeding in the surrounding waters. You are almost guaranteed to get a sighting.
The Pacific Rim Whale Festival in Tofino takes place in mid-March and lasts two weeks. The festival includes educational events, conservation activities, and some first-nation traditions. This would be a great time to plan your whale watching trip.
Pro Tips For Whale Watching In Tofino
Here are a few helpful tips to maximize your whale watching experience:
Bring binoculars – Many tours provide binoculars, but you may want to consider bringing your own.
Decide what type of tour appeals to you – Whale watching Tofino prices can vary depending on what kind of boat you are traveling on, the length of the tour, and whether they are private tours or group tours.
Bring warm clothing – The ocean air can get chilly even in the summer months! I recommend bringing rain jackets as the weather can change quickly here. Also, you’ll get sprayed on the zodiac boats.
Stay in a resort – Tofino Resort & Marina (located at 634 Campbell Street) is an excellent place to stay during your ultimate adventure in Tofino. hab
Listen to your guide – Always listen carefully to your guide’s instructions, especially regarding safety advice.
Be mindful of seasickness – The open ocean water is choppy, so stock up on anti-sickness medication before you leave. I also recommend bringing a flask of ginger tea with you.
Other Tours In Tofino
If you are still looking for adventure after your whale watching tour, Tofino has plenty of other great things to do. You can try kayaking, fishing, hiking, and surfing.
Here are a few of the best tours on offer in Tofino.
Bear Watching Tofino
Tofino Private Tour: Coastal Excursion To Rainforest Waterfall
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This private wildlife-watching tour led by island locals is one of the best bear watching tours in Tofino. It’s an amazing way to get close to wildlife and experience its incredible beauty.
On this tour, you will experience breathtaking mountain viewpoints, amazing valleys with waterfalls, pristine rivers, lakes, and stunning rainforests.
The area is known for having a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, elk, and more. Watching bears in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may even spot some grizzly bears!
The local guides will know all the best places to view wildlife in the area and will ensure that you have a highly personalized and unforgettable experience.
Kayaking Tours In Tofino
3 Day Broken Group Islands Kayaking Expedition
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!
This 3-day, small-group Tofino kayaking tour of the Barkley Sound departs from Ucluelet and heads to the Broken Group Islands for 3 days of kayaking, hiking, exploring forests, beaches, and more!
In fact, Tofino and Ucluelet are some of the best places to kayak in Vancouver, BC.
“What an amazing adventure. Jonathan was our guide and he was great” – Kim H (Read more reviews)
Meals, camping, kayaking equipment, transport, and guided tours are all included, so you have all you need for an incredible adventure.
The maximum group size is 10, so the tour will still feel intimate and personal. Small group tours are a great way to meet like-minded people, especially for solo female travelers.
No kayaking experience is necessary, but you must be comfortable in the water and in good enough shape for 4 to 6 hours of daily kayaking.
Fishing Tours in Tofino
Tofino Fishing And Wildlife Charter
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!
This private fishing tour leaves from Tofino and sails out to the Clayoquot Sound or further offshore if you prefer. The tour is private and fully customizable based on what you want to do.
This fishing tour includes all fishing equipment, fish cleaning, and bagging. The most commonly caught fish in this area is salmon and halibut.
“The Charter Tofino was definitely the highlight of our trip and I can’t wait to go again” – A TripAdvisor reviewer (Read more reviews)
As well as fishing, you can also explore the remote inlets and islets of Clayoquot Sound. Keep your eyes out for black bears, eagles, and whales!
There is a heated cabin, washroom, and coffee maker on board the boat, so you will have everything you need for a relaxing day of fishing.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
FAQs About Best Whale Watching Tofino Tours
What Is The Best Time To See Whales In Tofino?
The best time to see whales in Tofino, BC, is from March to October when the Pacific gray whales and humpbacks migrate along the coast. June to August is the peak whale season in Tofino, with the highest number of whales spotted during this time.
Is Tofino Good For Whale Watching?
Yes, Tofino is good for whale watching! Many different types of whales can be found in the waters off Tofino, including humpbacks, pacific gray whales, orcas, and dolphins. Tofino is also known for its spectacular views and stunning landscapes.
Is It Better To Go Whale Watching In The Morning Or Afternoon?
It is better to go whale watching in the morning. This is because whales are most active during this time, and you will have a better chance of spotting them. The light is also better in the morning, perfect for great photos.
What 3 Places In Canada Are Great For Whale Watching?
3 of the best places in Canada for whale watching are Vancouver, BC, especially Tofino, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. The best place to go whale watching depends on what whale species you want to see.
Where Is The Best Whale Watching Tofino Or Ucluelet?
The best place for whale watching is in Tofino. The waters around Tofino are known to be rich in wildlife, and it is one of the best places for spotting whales in Canada. Ucluelet is also a good place to go whale watching, and there are great whale watching tours available there.
Wrap-Up: Best Whale Watching Tofino Tours
Tofino is an excellent place to go whale watching. There are many species to see, and the landscapes around the Clayoquot Sound provide a stunning backdrop to your whale watching adventure.
There are various tours to choose from, including private multi-day adventures or large group cruises on comfortable boats. Ultimately the best tour for you comes down to what you want from your experience.
Tofino is a wildlife lover’s dream. Whether taking a whale watching cruise, hiking the coast, kayaking around the islands, or fishing on open waters, you are bound to experience some incredible wildlife encounters.
If you can’t get enough BC whale watching tours, check out these whale watching trips in Victoria.
More About British Columbia:
- 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC Canada
- 37 Amazing Vancouver Bucket List Things to Do
- 7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Canada
- 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC: An Honest Review
- 37 Best Day Trips From Vancouver
- 29 Best Things to Do in Ucluelet, BC
- Where to Stay in Vancouver, British Columbia
- Where to Kayak in Vancouver, BC: 23 Best Places
- 11 Best Resorts in Whistler
- 30 Best Camping on Vancouver Island, BC
- 39 Best Waterfalls in Vancouver Island to Visit
- 17 Best White Water Rafting Vancouver Tours
- 23 Best Things to Do in Deep Cove, Vancouver BC
- 3 Best Whale Watching Tours In Tofino
- High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria BC
More Whale Watching Tours:
- 9 Best Places for Whale Watching Canada: Know Before You Go!
- 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC: An Honest Review
- 6 Best Whale Watching in Tadoussac Quebec: Tour Reviews
- 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
- 7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Canada
- 3 Best Whale Watching Tours in Tofino
- Whale Watching in Quebec: 9 Best Tours
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
