The Whale Centre

The Whale Centre Experience the wild beauty of Clayoquot Sound with The Whale Centre! Join us for an unforgettable adventure! All photography by John Forde and Jennifer Steven.

For over 40 years, we've offered eco-conscious Whale Watching, Bear Watching, Bird Watching, and Hot Springs Tours in Tofino, BC. Offering eco-friendly whale watching, bear watching and hot springs tours in Tofino, British Columbia since 1988! We also offer tours for pelagic bird watching, private charters, large groups and photography tours.

There’s nothing quite like watching a black bear roam the shoreline in search of breakfast—crabs, fish and more are on t...
06/04/2025

There’s nothing quite like watching a black bear roam the shoreline in search of breakfast—crabs, fish and more are on the menu at low tide.⁠
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Our Bear Watching Tours take you by boat into the quiet inlets of Clayoquot Sound, where coastal bears emerge from the rainforest to forage along the rocky beaches. ⁠
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Peaceful, powerful, and uniquely Tofino.

Tours daily from Tofino from April - October.

Bring your camera!

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Wild and watching…The elusive Coastal Grey Wolf stands silently in the surf, eyes locked on the shoreline, foraging for ...
05/20/2025

Wild and watching…

The elusive Coastal Grey Wolf stands silently in the surf, eyes locked on the shoreline, foraging for its next meal. A rare and humbling encounter with one of the Pacific coast’s most mysterious predators.

These sea wolves are powerful swimmers and expert hunters, often seen searching the intertidal zone for fish, mussels, and even seals.

Nature at its rawest. Respect the wild.

Photo: Jennifer Steven




A rare and unforgettable sighting!This is a transient killer whale (also known as a Bigg’s killer whale), photographed o...
05/18/2025

A rare and unforgettable sighting!

This is a transient killer whale (also known as a Bigg’s killer whale), photographed on our Whale Watching Tour near Tofino. These apex predators travel in small groups and rely on stealth and power to hunt marine mammals like seals and sea lions.

We don’t see these whales every day, which makes encounters like this even more special. Witnessing this behaviour in the wild is a reminder of just how raw and dynamic the ocean ecosystem truly is.

Photo: Jean-Yves Daniel

✨ Book your tour now for a chance to experience the wild beauty of the west coast — every trip is different, and you never know what the ocean will reveal.

Bald Eagle Sighting! 🦅One of the most majestic birds we see regularly on our tours here in Tofino — the iconic bald eagl...
05/17/2025

Bald Eagle Sighting! 🦅

One of the most majestic birds we see regularly on our tours here in Tofino — the iconic bald eagle!

With their piercing eyes and impressive wingspans (up to 7 feet!), bald eagles are powerful hunters often seen perched high in the trees or soaring over the coastline. Despite their name, they’re not actually bald — the white feathers on their heads just make it look that way!

Did you know?

They can spot prey from over 1 km away.

They mainly eat fish — watch for dramatic dives!

They mate for life and build some of the largest nests in the bird world.

Keep your eyes on the sky — you never know when one will swoop by!

Photo: Jean-Yves Daniel


We spotted this grey whale feeding near Grice Bay. Grey whales are bottom feeders, stirring up the seafloor to filter ou...
05/02/2025

We spotted this grey whale feeding near Grice Bay. Grey whales are bottom feeders, stirring up the seafloor to filter out tiny crustaceans like amphipods snd ghost shrimp. They scoop up the sediment and then filter out the food. Messy, gritty and absolutely amazing to witness.

Photo: John Forde




Tomorrow marks the start of our first Bear Watching Tour of the season! Spring low tides bring hungry black bears to the...
04/12/2025

Tomorrow marks the start of our first Bear Watching Tour of the season!

Spring low tides bring hungry black bears to the coast, turning over rocks in search of crabs and other treats. It’s the perfect time to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

Join us on the water for a front-row seat to the wild side of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound.

Call or book online to reserve your spot.

This tour runs April to early October.

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Chasing rainbows and catching views 🌈There’s nothing like the beauty of Tofino, where the mountains meet the sea and nat...
03/17/2025

Chasing rainbows and catching views 🌈

There’s nothing like the beauty of Tofino, where the mountains meet the sea and nature always surprises us. Who else is loving this coastal magic?


🐋✨ Rare Sighting Alert! ✨🐋Yesterday was legendary! We had the incredible privilege of spotting T063, aka “Chainsaw”, the...
03/14/2025

🐋✨ Rare Sighting Alert! ✨🐋

Yesterday was legendary! We had the incredible privilege of spotting T063, aka “Chainsaw”, the famous Bigg’s (transient) killer whale, right here in Tofino! 🖤🤍 Known for his unmistakable jagged dorsal fin, Chainsaw is a true icon of the Pacific Northwest and rarely ventures into these waters.

Moments like these remind us why the ocean is full of surprises!



Happy World Wildlife Day! Today, we’re celebrating the incredible creatures that call our oceans home - like this curiou...
03/03/2025

Happy World Wildlife Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible creatures that call our oceans home - like this curious sea lion! These playful marine mammals are a vital part of our coastal ecosystems, reminding us of the beauty and importance of protecting our wildlife.

Let’s do our part to keep our oceans clean and support conservation efforts.



Get ready, Tofino! Our whale watching tours kick off this March at The Whale Centre! Witness the incredible migration of...
02/18/2025

Get ready, Tofino! Our whale watching tours kick off this March at The Whale Centre! Witness the incredible migration of grey whales as they make their way up the coast by Tofino, along with possible sightings of humpback whales, killer whales, sea otters, sea lions and more!

Join us for an unforgettable adventure on the open ocean, surrounded by breathtaking coastline and incredible wildlife. Don’t miss out - book your tour today! 🐋

Photo: John Forde




Out here on the wild west coast, it’s not just whales that steal the show! Keep your eyes on the shoreline, and you migh...
02/18/2025

Out here on the wild west coast, it’s not just whales that steal the show! Keep your eyes on the shoreline, and you might catch a glimpse of Tofino’s elusive coastal wolves. These sea-savvy predators roam the beaches, hunt for shellfish and even swim between the islands.

Unlike their inland cousins, coastal wolves are smaller, more agile and have adapted to a life intertwined with the ocean.

Sightings are rare but unforgettable.

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Address

411 Campbell Street
Tofino, BC
V0R2Z0

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

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The Whale Centre has over thirty years experience in sharing Tofino and Clayoquot Sounds ecosystems with guests from all over the world. We are proud leaders in responsible and safe Whale Watching, Bear Watching, Bird Watching and wildlife viewing and have a strong passion for educating guests about the wonders and the fragility of Clayoquot Sounds and Tofino. The Whale Centre offers Tofino Whale Watching, Tofino Bear Watching, Tofino Bird Watching and Hot Springs Cove Tours. Ask about our private tours. Book you adventure with us today.

All photos by John Forde and Jennifer Steven