CartTofino Bear Watching Tours
Experience a Guided Wildlife Adventure Through Clayoquot Sound
Bear watching tours in tofino
- Multiple Daily Departures
- Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
- Tour Dates April 1 - October 31
- Daily departures at low tide
Our Tofino bear watching tours begin with a relaxing 30-minute boat ride from Tofino through tranquil and sheltered inside passages by Meares Island, Fortune Channel or Tofino Inlet.
- Bear Tour Duration
2 — 2.5 hours
Looking for unforgettable Tofino bear watching tours? Join us on a coastal wildlife safari through the stunning inlets, estuaries, and forest-lined shores of Clayoquot Sound. This guided boat tour offers the rare opportunity to observe Vancouver black bears in their natural habitat—feeding, foraging, and thriving in the wild—just minutes from downtown Tofino.
Bear watching tours around Tofino often do not end just at the black bear. It is also common to see other wildlife in Tofino including:
- Bald Eagles
- California Sea Lions
- Harbour Seals
- Harbour Porpoise
- Osprey
- Wolves
What to Expect on Our Bear Watching Tours
Departing daily at low tide from Tofino Harbour, your bear watching adventure begins with a relaxing 30-minute cruise aboard one of our covered and heated wildlife viewing boats. You’ll glide through calm, sheltered waters—past Meares Island, Fortune Channel, or Tofino Inlet—on the lookout for one of the West Coast’s most iconic residents: the coastal black bear.
These bears, a unique subspecies adapted to marine foraging, emerge from the forest to turn over rocks and boulders along the shore in search of crab, clams, and other intertidal delicacies. Their shoreline behavior offers a spectacular viewing opportunity that’s safe, respectful, and incredibly photogenic.
Other Wildlife You May Encounter
Our Tofino bear watching tours are about more than just bears. These coastal ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, so be ready for surprise sightings of:
- Bald Eagles perched in towering trees
- California Sea Lions lounging on rocky outcrops
- Harbour Seals swimming beside the boat
- Harbour Porpoises surfacing in the distance
- Osprey fishing mid-air
- Wolves occasionally spotted along the shoreline
Don’t forget your camera—wildlife viewing is at its best in this remote and beautiful setting.
Accessible Tour Options
This tour can be an Accessible Tour, please note this requirement when booking the tour.
VIew Our Other Tours
Whale Watching Tours
Bear Watching Tours
Hot Springs Cove
Chartered Tours Tofino
Tour Details At A Glance
Enjoy your morning coffee or tea as the mist lifts off the water and the bears make their way down to the shoreline. Morning tours typically offer the best light for photography and highest wildlife activity.
- Departure Times: Multiple Daily, timed with low tide
- Duration Time: 2.5 – 5 hours
- Season: April 1 – October 31
- Family Friendly: Great for kids and adults of all ages
- Vessel Features: Covered, heated, wheelchair-accessible boats with 360° viewing decks
Comfort & Accessibility Onboard
All of our boats are purpose-built for wildlife viewing and guest comfort.
Features include:
• Heated indoor seating
• Spacious covered decks
• Unobstructed 360° viewing areas
• Restroom facilities
•Accessibility for mobility devices (please request in advance)
We believe every guest should have the chance to explore Tofino’s wild side in comfort and safety.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Want to double your wildlife encounters? Combine your bear watching tour with one of our Tofino whale watching tours for a complete land-and-sea adventure. Our experienced guides know the region’s tides, wildlife patterns, and hidden gems—helping you create unforgettable memories during your stay.
Spaces on our Tofino bear watching tours fill quickly—especially during peak season. Book early to reserve your seat and experience one of British Columbia’s top-rated eco-tours.
📞 Call us at: 1-877-5-WALES (94-2537)
