Photo and story by: Kelly Hamilton, Greenanswers.com
West Coast Aquatic Safaris is always looking for interesting stories both locally and abroad.
Today we came across a great story of a black bear caught on tape giving birth to cubs. This amazing sight was captured for online views and was a truly incredible experience.
NANUQ with Grey Whales
Over the past couple of years we have heard comments from captains from various companies state that they felt military air exercises have perhaps scared off the Humpback Whales or that Humpbacks had not been spotted for several weeks coinsiding with a period when there has been training going on. This article on “Whale advocates sue Navy over sonar exercises” is and interesting one that we felt was worth passing on.
If you have experience with this from either standpoint we would be very curious to hear your thoughts after having a read. Thanks to CBSnews.com for posting the article and to all those that share an opinion with West Coast Aquatic Safaris!
WHAT A GREAT QUESTION!!
You can only guess how many times I have been asked that this year. It is a 2 part answer. As of TODAY, Saturday, January 21, 2012 West Coast Aquatic Safaris’ office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Please feel free to call and we will be more than happy to answer any questions. As mentioned this is a 2 part answer. Our vessels and tours start at the end of February and our scheduled trips start as of WHALE FEST (Spring Break for the kids).
West Coast Aquatic Safaris - Whales, Bears, Hot Springs
Well everyone thank you for following our BLOG for the last year or more!!!
First What is there to do in TOFINO for NEW YEARS??
FIREWORKS down on COX BAY 7PM
NEW YEARS Party at Schooner Restaurant
OUR 2011
We just wanted everyone to note what has happened for US, West Coast Aquatic Safaris! First of all NANUQ our 36 passenger vessel was extended… She ran better than we could image for the 2011 season and she is getting ready for the 2012 season. NANUQ should be back in the water well ready for SPRING BREAK aka Whale Fest!
For many of us the first time we have a chance to see whales can be quite a profound experience. Whether they are in a far off part of the world and we are traveling or perhaps in our own back yard for those that live in or around the Pacific, it is something truly amazing that will stick with us forever.
We would love to hear from past visitors, local residents and those that have had the chance to be in the presence of a whale. Tell us what kind of whale you saw, where you were when you saw it and what it meant to you. We also welcome you to post your photos on our Facebook page so that we can add them to a future gallery of whales around the world!
Today we are asking our guests, both past and future what is your favourite time of year to visit?
For many people Tofino is a town that is frequented over and over again and for some it is always the same time of year for very specific reasons. With so many people looking to get the inside scoop on this special place we are asking individuals to share with our viewers their personal favourites, tips and tricks for Tofino 101. We are looking for discussion so please feel free to write or respond to posts from others as well as us.
We will be the first to admit that the wildlife on the west coast is absolutely fantastic! There is almost nothing better than watching a Black bear feeding at a low tide. Flipping over massive rocks as if they weigh nothing, picking at crabs and mussels from underneath. What you may not know is the bear watching tour is more then just wildlife. The tour takes place completely in the sheltered waters of the calm inlet, and the scenery is truly breathtaking. Luscious temperate rainforest covers every inch of land, high and low. It is an unforgettable experience, there is no better way to view the Tofino rainforest then aboard our first class vessels WASCO and NANUQ, they can take you where your feet may not able you to go!
The Tofino sunshine has surprised us once again! Just when you think the warm weather is over it comes back for more, and just in time for the thanksgiving weekend! Our weather is not the only thing we have been excited about; our sightings have also been absolutely amazing!
When the swell grows we head for shelter (sheltered waters that is!) We had a great time with a pod of transient Killer whales about a week ago. The sun was shining and the conditions were so calm you could literally hear the whales breathe and move through the waters of the inlet, AMAZING! Grey whales and Humpbacks have also been spotted daily, preparing to head out for there winter migration, as well as Black bears, Wolves, Steller sea lions and so much more! Don’t miss a chance to view their amazing creatures, under the warm Tofino sun!
Parking in front of our office...sometimes a little confusing.
We love when guests from all over the world visit us. Few things bring us as much joy as showing this beautiful coastline and the amazing animals that inhabit it here on the West Coast. We love the exchange of cultural ideas and traditions between those of us from Tofino, British Columbia and Canada with anyone from anywhere else. One of those cultural exchanges we wish to share with our overseas guest evolves around the idea of parking. We have a fair number of parking spots in front of and beside our main office in downtown Tofino.
A peaceful morning in Tofino
Fall is such a perfect time to visit Tofino if you are interested in escaping the stressful city and visiting the relaxing coast. From reserving that perfect beach cabin that has been booked up all summer to getting that table with the best view at your favorite restaurant, the town is yours!
Labor Day weekend has come and passed and although town has settled down, the ocean never does! Our wildlife sightings and weather have only been getting better as the summer has come closer and closer to an end. So if your interested in spending some one on one time with our wildlife, our Crew could use a little company this fall!