VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 244

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
some stay in local waters through summer. Their feeding grounds are north of Tofino with-
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 marine life 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-early November and generally last 2-3 hours. Expect to
pay $85-100 per person.
Hot Springs
Pamper yourself and take a boat or floatplane to Hotsprings Cove, Vancouver Island's only
hot spring. Water bubbles out of the ground at a temperature of 87°C (189°F), tumbles over
a cliff, and then drops down through a series of pools—each large enough for two or three
people—and into the sea. Lobsterize yourself silly in the first pool, or go for the ultimate in
hot/cold torture by immersing yourself in the last pool, where at high tide you'll be slapped
by breathtakingly refreshing ocean waves.
Several companies offer excursions out to the hot springs, and although prices vary
slightly, expect to pay around $100-120 for a six- to seven-hour trip departing around 10am,
with about three hours ashore at the hot springs and the chance to see whales en route.
Tofino Air (250/725-4454), based at the 1st Street dock, offers a scenic 20-minute flight to
the hot springs by floatplane; cost is $200 per person round-trip, minimum three persons.
Kayaking
Aside from surfing, exploring the waters around Tofino by sea kayak is the most popular
recreational 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) to a
six-hour ocean paddle to Vargas Island ($119 per person). The company's experienced 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