Bear Watching Tours
Traverse along the inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound—minutes from the dock— and track bears as they scavenge for rock crab in their natural habitat. Riding in open-concept boats gives you the best possible opportunity for sighting bears, and our knowledgeable guides are the resource for all your questions. This tour stays in the inlet, so waters will be flat and calm. Great for all ages! Keep your eyes open—you’ll spot so much more than bears alone.
Book in Advance! Available May – October
Michael, May 2019
“Bear watching was exceptional! We saw at least 5 bears, even cubs chasing each other. The boat was small so we got closer than the bigger boats. And less people meant we didn’t have to fight to see.”
95% of our tours result in a bear spotting. Considering the wild and unpredictable nature of Vancouver Island’s West Coast, we are really proud of this.
If luck, weather, and the almighty universe conspire against us—and you don’t see the wildlife you came for—we will give you The Tofino Promise, a raincheck that will not expire, and guarantees you can come back for free to see the wildlife you deserve, whether on the same day or decades later.
If there’s an open spot on the boat, it’s yours. You can also trade it for a appetizer or drink in The Hatch Waterfront Pub.
The White Raven
Zodiac, Uncovered Boat
We invest in your experience which means we have brand new vessels. Our spacious 16 seat boats ensure you are not fighting the crowds to get a glimpse of the bears. We guarantee a stress-free and intimate experience making your trip unforgettable.
The bears don’t mind it when it is a little wet outside and neither do our boats. We have both uncovered and covered options.
Please note, the Zodiac boat is not suitable for children under 145cm or pregnant women.
The Black Fish
Covered Boat
The bears don’t mind it when it is a little wet outside and neither do our boats. If you prefer, you can enjoy the trip in our covered boat.
Your Ultimate Adventure
This is the best value if you can gather up 3 of your buddy’s. You get your own little boat, drop some crab traps on the way out, and depart on the quest for an intimate experience with the local bear population. This trip will not only get you up-close and personal with the bears, but also is one of the best ways to see the Clayoquot Sound. Miraculous coast lines, rugged points and exciting weather make this a trip that you will not forget. Once you have experienced the inlets, retrieve your crab traps on the way back to the dock and if fishing is good enjoy fresh crab cooked at the 1909 restaurant for dinner.
Cost: $600
Capacity: 4 Adults max
Cook Your Catch
Retrieve your crab or prawns traps on the way back to the dock and if fishing is good, enjoy your fresh crab cooked at the 1909 Kitchen restaurant for dinner with the only Cook Your Catch option in town. Let our chefs create a meal with your own sport caught fish + seafood. Please help us sustain future fish stocks by retaining only what you need. Includes sides + sauce.
+ $ 49 pp
Tour Facts
Rates
- Fees: 2% Clayoquot Sound Eco Fee + Fuel surcharge $5.50 per person
Bear Watching FAQ
Let our adventure team know you’d like to add a cook your catch to your bear watching trip, and our captain will make sure to drop crab traps on your way out with your group. Upon return, the captain will retrieve your crab traps and you can make a reservation the same night or the next night for our 1909 Kitchen team to cook your crab for your dinner. This add-on is $49 per person plus taxes and fees.
- Warm clothes (layers are best) – we will provide all safety and outerwear jackets depending on weather
- Lunch or your own snacks
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Bears
- Eagles
- Wolves (although they are much more elusive than the bears)
If you want to get intimate with the natural surroundings of Tofino you will not be disappointed.
- 20-minute boat ride up Tofino inlet
- 2-hours of bear and wildlife viewing up Tofino Inlet
- 20-30 minute boat ride back to Tofino Resort and Marina
WANT TO MAKE THIS THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME?
bear watching + crabbing + cook your catch
Let us know once you’ve booked that you would like to add a Cook Your Catch for an additional $49 per person. Contact our marine adventure centre team at 778.841.0186 or email marina@tofinoresortandmarina.com.
