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.

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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Nestled in the heart of Maquinna Marine Provincial Park lies a hidden gem: geothermal hot springs surrounded by lush rai...
01/27/2025

Nestled in the heart of Maquinna Marine Provincial Park lies a hidden gem: geothermal hot springs surrounded by lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls. With The Whale Centre, your journey begins with a breathtaking boat tour through Clayoquot Sound, where you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

Once you arrive, immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters that naturally soothe your body, rejuvenate your skin, and melt away stress. Picture yourself sitting on a rock beneath the waterfall, feeling the gentle rush of water while soaking in the serene beauty of this untouched oasis.

Book your adventure today with The Whale Centre!


NEW BLOG POST! Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body: The Benefits of Soaking in the Geothermal Hot Springs of Maquinna Marine P...
01/27/2025

NEW BLOG POST!

Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body: The Benefits of Soaking in the Geothermal Hot Springs of Maquinna Marine Park

www.tofinowhalecentre.com/blog/2025/1/27/nvw8j22bggsfklqlwa02vzvkyu9dui

Nestled in the heart of nature’s paradise, just a short boat ride away from Tofino, BC, lies one of the region’s most cherished treasures: the geothermal hot springs of Maquinna Marine Park. Accessible through a scenic adventure with The Whale Centre.

In Tofino, British Columbia, black bears are commonly seen from spring to fall, typically between April and October. Dur...
09/14/2024

In Tofino, British Columbia, black bears are commonly seen from spring to fall, typically between April and October. During this time, they forage along the shoreline for food, at low tide when they can access crabs, fish and other coastal treats. Sightings will decrease in late fall as the black bears begin to prepare for winter hibernation.

You can book our bear watching tours online, call us 1-888-474-2288 or pop by our Tofino office.

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Adult male killer whales have strikingly tall dorsal fins that can grow up to 6 feet. We do not see killer whales everyd...
09/07/2024

Adult male killer whales have strikingly tall dorsal fins that can grow up to 6 feet.

We do not see killer whales everyday on our tours but it sure is exciting when we do!

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Last night, chasing magic in Tofino. Witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky for a second time this year. Ph...
08/29/2024

Last night, chasing magic in Tofino. Witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky for a second time this year.

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This humpback whale’s tail is a powerful reminder of the beauty and mystery that lies beneath the waves. We can see Hump...
08/28/2024

This humpback whale’s tail is a powerful reminder of the beauty and mystery that lies beneath the waves. We can see Humpback Whales on our tours from March to October. These magnificent creatures can be spotted feeding in the rich waters off the coast, sometimes putting on a spectacular display with their tail flukes and breaches.

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Ever wonder what it’s like to see a sea otter in its natural habitat? Join us on a tour and discover the playful, curiou...
08/27/2024

Ever wonder what it’s like to see a sea otter in its natural habitat? Join us on a tour and discover the playful, curious and incredibly cute sea otters that call these water’s home. 🦦

Did you know sea otters have the densest fur in the animal kingdom, with up to 800,000 + hairs per square inch, which helps keep them warm.

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Experience the Wild Side of Tofino! 🐻Join us on an unforgettable Bear Watching Tour with The Whale Centre in Tofino! Wit...
06/09/2024

Experience the Wild Side of Tofino! 🐻

Join us on an unforgettable Bear Watching Tour with The Whale Centre in Tofino! Witness majestic black bears in their natural habitat as they forage along the shoreline for crabs and fish.

🚤 Set off on a guided boat tour with our expert naturalists who will share insights about these incredible wild animals and the stunning ecosystem they call home. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers and anyone seeking an authentic Tofino experience.

📅 Tours available daily - book your spot online or call us 1-888-474-2288.

📷:

🌊 Happy World Ocean's Day! 🌊Today, we celebrate the magnificent oceans that cover over 70% of our planet and support cou...
06/08/2024

🌊 Happy World Ocean's Day! 🌊

Today, we celebrate the magnificent oceans that cover over 70% of our planet and support countless forms of life. From the smallest plankton to the largest whales, our oceans are teeming with incredible biodiversity that sustains us all.

At The Whale Centre, we're dedicated to protecting and preserving these vital ecosystems. Join us in honouring the oceans by reducing plastic use and raising awareness about marine conservation.

Let's work together to keep our oceans clean and thriving for generations to come. Share your love for the ocean and tell us how you’re making a difference! 💙

📸: Jennifer Steven

Witness the majestic Humpback Whales in Tofino! There’s nothing quite like the sight of a humpback whale breaching off t...
05/29/2024

Witness the majestic Humpback Whales in Tofino!

There’s nothing quite like the sight of a humpback whale breaching off the coast of Tofino. These gentle giants grace our waters with their magnificent presence, captivating hearts and sparking wonder with every leap.

Whether it’s their powerful breaches, tail slaps or melodic songs, humpbacks offer an unforgettable experience. Come and see for yourself why Tofino is premier spot for whale watching and marine adventure.

Join us for journey into the wild, where the ocean meets awe. 🐋

BCY0978, known to Hawaii breeding grounds.

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Read our latest blog post: Experiencing the Wonder of Black Bear Cubs in Tofino: A May Adventure. https://www.tofinowhal...
05/23/2024

Read our latest blog post: Experiencing the Wonder of Black Bear Cubs in Tofino: A May Adventure.

https://www.tofinowhalecentre.com/blog/2024/5/23/experiencing-the-wonder-of-black-bear-cubs-in-tofino-a-may-adventure


Black bear cubs in May are typically around four to five months old, having been born in the winter, usually between January and February. During this time, they are still with their mothers, learning essential survival skills. In Tofino we start to see the bear cubs come down to the shoreline at lo

Dive into Nature's Bliss at Tofino's Hot Springs! 🌿🌊Looking for the ultimate relaxation getaway? Look no further than To...
04/23/2024

Dive into Nature's Bliss at Tofino's Hot Springs! 🌿🌊

Looking for the ultimate relaxation getaway? Look no further than Tofino's enchanting hot springs! Here's why you should make this natural wonder your next destination:

Escape to Serenity: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Tofino's coastal paradise. Surrounded by lush forests and the rhythmic sound of the Pacific Ocean, the hot springs offer a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Renew Your Spirit: Let the warm, mineral-rich waters work their magic on your body and soul. These natural thermal pools are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, soothing tired muscles and restoring vitality.

Connect with Nature: There's no better way to commune with Mother Earth than by soaking in her healing waters. Whether you're basking in the steamy embrace of the springs or hiking through the breathtaking wilderness to reach them, you'll feel a deep connection to the natural world.

A big thanks to JaseWandering for joining us on the Tofino Hot Springs Tour!

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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Our Story

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