The Whale Centre

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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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

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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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

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!

04/22/2024

Seeing black bears in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience. Watch the bears forage along the shoreline at low tide for crabs and fish. Our bear watching tours are led by experienced guides who will provide valuable insights into black bear behaviour, habitat conservation and the local ecosystem. Guides prioritize responsible wildlife viewing practices to minimize disturbance to the bears and their environment.

The scenery is Tofino is breathtaking, with lush rainforests, rugged coastline and mountains providing a stunning backdrop to your bear watching adventure.

Our bear watching tours in Tofino offers guests a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of British Columbia’s wilderness and wildlife.

Book your bear watching adventure online or call our office 1-888-474-2288.

Photo: John Forde

04/07/2024

Read our latest blog post by Mark Sawyer with a recap of the grey whales sighted in March near Tofino!

https://www.tofinowhalecentre.com/blog

04/01/2024

Grey Whales have a mottled grey body with small eyes located just above the corners of their mouth. Their pectoral flippers are broad, paddle-shaped and pointed at the tips.

This grey whale was photographed giving us a wave over the Easter weekend in Duffin Cove, Tofino.

Photo: John Forde

03/24/2024

Our team is very sad to hear that T109A3 passed away yesterday. This whale has been a member of the Runaway Gang since 2009 and has been a very frequent visitor to Clayoquot Sound. If you have been out on a tour with us and seen killer whales then you likely saw this whale and her family. We are supporting Bay Bay Cetology in any way we can in hopes they can coax T109A3A out of the lagoon. And we are hoping the rest of this whale's family is close by.

T109A3 and her calf were last sighted in Tofino on March 16th with her gang.

03/24/2024

The Grey Whale migration is one of the longest known migrations of any mammal. These whales travel between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and their breeding and calving grounds in the warmer waters of the Baja, Mexico. This migration spans thousands of miles and is a remarkable phenomenon.

Lucky for us Tofino is located along this migration path. We are seeing many grey whales on our whale watching tours right now.

Book a tour online or call us 1-888-474-2288.

Photo: Mark Sawyer

03/17/2024

What a week for wildlife viewing near Tofino! We have two major events happening right now: the Grey Whale Migration and a few Herring Spawns in Clayoquot Sound! This week we have been seeing many grey whales, humpback whales, killer whales, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, wolves and more on our tours.

If you have the opportunity to get out on the water this is a great time for whales and wildlife viewing in Tofino. Book a tour online or call us 1-888-474-2288.

Photo: Jennifer Steven

03/06/2024

March is a key month for the migration of grey whales along the Pacific Coast. These whales travel from their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico, to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. Tofino is a popular spot to witness this migration.

In addition to grey whales, you may also have the chance to see other marine wildlife such as sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, and various seabirds during your excursion.

Not coming in March? Whale Watching is available March to November. You can view resident grey whales, humpback whales, minke whales and killer whales during the spring, summer and fall.

Whale watching tours are a popular activity in Tofino, and experienced guides can provide valuable information about the whales and other marine life you encounter.

Book a whale watching tour online here:

https://www.tofinowhalecentre.com/whale-watching

Photo: Jennifer Steven

02/27/2024

NEW BLOG POST: TIPS ON BIRD WATCHING IN TOFINO

Tofino is a wonderful destination for bird watching, offering a diverse range of habitats that attract various bird species. Here are some tips to enhance your bird-watching experience in Tofino. Read more below:

https://www.tofinowhalecentre.com/blog/2024/2/20/tofino-bird-watching-tours

Tofino is a wonderful destination for bird watching, offering a diverse range of habitats that attract various bird species. Here are some tips to enhance your bird-watching experience in Tofino. Book a bird watching tour at The Whale Centre.

12/18/2023

We are OPEN over the holidays! Join us for a winter Hot Springs Tour.

Holiday hours; closed December 25, 26 and January 1.

Book online below or call us 1-888-474-2288.

https://www.tofinowhalecentre.com/hot-springs-tour

11/16/2023

We are still Whale Watching! Orange Crush (CSG589) is happily feeding in Clayoquot Sound with several other Grey Whales.

Book a whale watching tour in November on the Cabin Cruiser Boat with Mark and Jean-Yves. 🐋

How to book a tour: book online or call us 1-888-474-2288.

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09/10/2023

Today we saw the rare Short-tailed Albatross on our Pelagic Bird Watching Tour off Tofino!!

The bird we saw today was a juvenile. This birds plumage as an adult is overall white with black flight feathers and yellow stained nape and crown.

Did you know: The Short-tailed Albatross came close to extinction. Millions of these birds were harvested by feather hunters prior to and following the turn of the 20th century.

Photo: John Forde

08/07/2023

Humpback whales! When they breach it can be spectacular.

Did you know:

Humpback whale flukes can be up to 18 feet wide.

Humpback whales are believed to live 40 - 50 years.

A humpback whale can eat up to 1.5 tons of food (krill and small school fish) per day.

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08/01/2023

Whale Watching has been fantastic this summer. Grey Whales, Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Sea Otters, Sea Lions and more.

This humpback whale is laying on its side and giving us a pectoral slap.

Book your tour online or call us 1-888-474-2288.

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06/23/2023

Highway 4 has been RE-OPENED in the Cameron Lake area (Koen Road to Cathedral Grove) following recovery from the Cameron Bluffs wildfire. We very much appreciate your continued patience!

This section of the highway is currently open ONLY for single lane, alternating traffic.

Expect some delays on your drive to Tofino.

https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/?fbclid=IwAR3Nl4J8b3Hx0x_HbCBFRwkHknVU53a0vWUMr1d7cRoOo-I2jDRLTTkIyy8

Emergency highway messaging

06/11/2023

The infamous mother and son duo T068 and T068A were sighted again in the Tofino Harbour last night. They have been seen several times in the Clayoquot Sound area over the past month.

These whales were involved in the first ever sighting of infanticide amongst killer whales in 2016. And the first ever documented sighting when a mother (T068) assisted her son (T068A) in this act.

Photo: Jennifer Steven