Tofino: whale and bear watching
If I had to pick only one place in the world to return to, to be immersed in nature and wilderness, Tofino would definitely be on the top of my list. This town has so much riches to offer! And I couldn’t say it better than the official tourism website introducing this wonderful gem:
“Here, the full power of the Pacific comes to rest on vast sandy beaches. Ancient forests calm the spirit with mist and mystery. Quiet inlets ripple with life.
Situated within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, we’re surrounded by the breath-taking expanse of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region—cherished for its profound biodiversity.
We savour our acclaimed food scene and delight in the creativity of the coastal arts community, while treading softly and sharing respect for all who call Tofino home.
Because here, everything is connected. And, just like Tofitians, you’ll want to get up early to take it all in.”
This was not my first time visiting the area: In fact, I had already fallen in love with it back in 2018. This time though, my mom and I went all in! And this is what I want to share with you today: our two excursions offering us the chance to watch brown bears and whales (and even more wildlife) in their natural habitat! It was incredible and unforgettable!
Jamie`s Whaling Station
We arrive in the town center shortly after lunch, and headed towards the white wooden house in front of the harbor with a big sign: Jamie`S Whaling Station, Authentic, Family-Friendly Eco-Adventures since 1982. We definitely knew we were at the right spot!
There, we shook hands with Ering before squishing ourselves and all our layers into red water and wind proof jumpsuits. As unflattering as it looks, we waddled down to the pier and hopped on his Zodiac, our home for the next three hours.
At first, the water was smooth and shinny, and the ride was enjoyable. We left Tofino`s sight and sailed through Clayoquot Sound in search of our favorite mammals.
Ering was an amazing guide, teaching us so much about the area`s ecosystem, the whale`s ways of living, spotting the birds and the beauties of his land.
Once we hit the big waters, the zodiac was dancing with large waves and I must admit that my sea-sickness was quite strong.
My state removed nothing from the amazing show I was experiencing though!
Grey whales, Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Seals and Eagles were showing up in front of our mesmerized eyes. It was so beautiful that I teared up (and did NOT puke haha).
I strongly recommend Jamie`s Whaling Station for this tour, as the care and respect they have for their fauna and flora is priceless and adds to the beauty of the experience.
Bear Watching in the rain
On the 10th day of our breathtaking road trip, my mom and I woke up at 7.30, enjoyed a lovely breakfast and drove to meet Liam and Lenny by Tofino`s pier. The weather was moody, and rain was incoming, but our excitement was real!
I don`t know if you know this about me, but I have for favorite animal the grizzly bear. I love everything about them! And even though this particular specie was not what we were going to encounter, meeting any other bear overwhelms me with joy! And it is well known that Vancouver Island has the highest number of brown bears in the country, so I believed in my odds!
Time to stop the chit-chat and hop in Lenny`s flat boat and sail away, silently and close to the coast.
Despite the rain, I stood at the front of the boat, binoculars in hand, ready and happy.
According to Liam, the average bear encounter is 2 a day… so believe me when I tell you how lucky we were to spot 9 of them as well as Sea Lions and Bold Eagles!
What an amazing day to be alive!
Just like Ering during the whale watching, Liam was extremely skilled in spotting any animal in the distance, as well as answering all our questions. He thought us so much about the bear`s behaviours that it made the experience even better!
Those two adventures are the reason why traveling is so important to me. Because spotting Nature doing what she does is a honor and I would have any no other way.
