Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whale-Watching
Each spring around 20,000 Pacific gray whales migrate between Baja and Alaska, passing
through the waters off Tofino between March and May. Most of them continue north, but
somestayinlocalwatersthroughsummer.TheirfeedinggroundsarenorthofTofinowith-
in
Maquinna Marine Park.
During the spring migration and some feeding periods, gray
whales are also frequently sighted in the calm inland waters around
Meares Island,
just
off Tofino.
Whale-watching is one of the most popular activities in town, and companies search out
whales to watch them cruise up the coast, diving, surfacing, and spouting. On the whale-
watching trips, you'll likely spy other marinelife as well; look for sea lions and puffins
sunning themselves on offshore rocks, dolphins and harbor seals frolicking in the bays
and inlets, and majestic bald eagles gracefully swooping around in the sky or perching
in the treetops. Trips depart mid-March to early November and generally last 2-3 hours.
Expect to pay $85-100 per person. Head to any of the following:
Jamie's
(606 Campbell
St., 250/725-3919 or 800/667-9913,
www.jamies.com
),
Remote Passages
(51 Wharf St.,
250/725-3330 or 800/666-9833,
www.remotepassages.com
), or the
Whale Centre
(411
CampbellSt.,250/725-2132or888/474-2288,
www.tofinowhalecentre.com
)
,whereagray
whale skeleton is on display. Even with all of these operators, business is brisk, so book
ahead if possible.
Kayaking
Aside from surfing, exploring the waters around Tofino by sea kayak is the most popular
recreation activity in Tofino.
Tofino Sea Kayaking Company
(320 Main St., 250/
725-4222,
www.tofinoseakayaking.com
)
has designed tours to meet the demand and suit
all levels of experience. Excursions range from a 2.5-hour harbor paddle ($60 per person)
toasix-houroceanpaddletoVargasIsland($119perperson).Thecompany'sexperienced
staff will also help adventurous, independent paddlers plan an itinerary—many camping
areas lie within a one-day paddle of Tofino. Single kayak rentals are $48 for one day or
$40 per day for two or more days. Double kayaks are $84 and $74, respectively. Rental
prices include all accessories. The company base, right on the harbor, has a shop selling
provisions, accessories (such as marine charts), and a wide range of local literature; a cof-
fee shop; a bookstore; and a few rooms renting for $79 single or $89 double per room per
night.
