Post Last Modified – March 01, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com
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Go Whale Watching In Tofino, British Columbia
If you’re planning a visit to Vancouver Island in British Columbia Canada’s; Rugged West Coast, then I highly recommend going …
Whale Watching In Tofino
We did just that a few seasons ago with a company called Ocean Outfitters Adventure Tours. Although they are now retired and closed, this business was one of a few reputable whale watching tours, to enjoy when visiting this beautiful part of Vancouver Island.
This was a very popular and well respected business, best known for their incredible; whale watching excursions, which departed right from the town center of Tofino.
Tofino is world renowned for its spectacular beaches, including infamous ‘Long Beach’ that stretches for 10 kilometers. This fabulous stretch of beach is along the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Pacific Rim is just one of the beautiful {National Parks} located in Canada. Visitors travel to this stunning destination from all parts of the world year round.
They come for its amazing beaches, endless outdoor activities and to just experience nature in this vast and mostly untouched wilderness in British Columbia.
Surfing at Spectacular Long Beach
It has also attracted Surfers from across the globe, having being recognized as a; world class cold water surfing destination.
Spectacular Whale Watching Tours From Tofino
Picturesque Tofino Harbour & Home of Ocean Outfitters
Of course one can’t forget whale watching!
It is definitely something everyone should experience at least once, while visiting this beautiful part of the Province.
The months of {March right into November}, bring thousands of Gray Whales along the; Pacific Rim Coast. A number of these enormous creatures will actually stay in the region, throughout the year.
During our whale watching experience in late September, these were the whales we viewed, while on our exciting tour in … Clayquot Sound.
For those of you traveling from {May into September}, you will also get the opportunity to view the beautiful; Humpback Whales, that will be in this part of the island feeding.
As well, keep your eyes peeled for the odd {Orca Whale} passing thru!
Footnote If you prefer not to bring your pet along &/or have your home more secure while away,
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Ocean Outfitters For Whale Watching On Vancouver Island
Our Excellent Skipper & Whale Watching Guide
My family and I were fortunate enough to experience a wonderful afternoon with Ocean Outfitters, along with our superb; Captain.
We’re always looking for excitement and adventure on our travels. Taking their; high speed, rigid hull inflatable for our whale tour, was outstanding!
Ocean Outfitters Whale Watching Vessels
Heading Down to Our Whale Watching Zodiac
You have a choice of selecting their fast and exciting inflatable vessels, as we did. For a more relaxed ride, they also offered a comfortable; deluxe powered vessel as well, keeping you covered from the elements, in increment weather.
Wild One
All Aboard & Ready to Head Out to Sea
A 30 foot aluminum rigid hull inflatable built to Canadian Coast Guard standards. It comes equipped with very comfortable seating for shock absorbency, safety bars, on-board head and state of the art navigational equipment.
MISS CHIEF
The Miss Chief Joining Us at Sea
This was Ocean Outfitters 30’ deluxe covered vessel. Ride in comfort with its wide custom built padded seats, a furnace for those cold days, an on-board head (bathroom), state of the art navigational equipment and an extra large stern (rear) viewing deck.
All their vessels were first class, along with their very experienced skippers and guides, making the tour all the more enjoyable.
Safety Always A Priority With Whale Watching Tours
Staff Member Reviewing Survival Suit & Safety
For our ride, we were suited up in; regulation safety suits, rain coats and even comfortable eye wear
(ski masks), which we found excellent, for breaking the cool wind and ocean spray during our high speed journey!
Before embarking on your tour, you are given a safety briefing and detailed instructions on the; survival suit and much more.
My Daughter All Suited Up in Her Safety Gear
The company’s attention to safety is priority one!
“We take safety very seriously at Ocean Outfitters.
We go above and beyond Transport Canada requirements to provide a safe and reliable experience. We continue to work diligently reviewing and enhancing our already exemplary safety record.”
Unforgettable Whale Watching Experience On Vancouver Island
Our Skipper & Guide Pointing Out the Various Sea Life
The weather for late September was absolutely perfect!
It started out cloudy, but after a short period of time, the clouds began to break and the sun, started to shine.
We left the harbor and began heading out into the open Pacific Ocean on the west coast in search of Whales!
We couldn’t have been more impressed with our skipper and guide, keeping us well informed and sharing his extensive knowledge of the region, the sea life and wild life that inhabit the area, throughout the whole tour.
A very experienced skipper and top notch guide, who made the whole tour outstanding!
Viewing More Than Just Whales In Canada’s Rugged West Coast
Sea Lions Sunning on the Rocks
This beautiful rugged coastline is simply breathtaking and during our tour, we were able to view;
Seals, Sea Lions, Grey Whales, 🦅 Bald Eagles and much more!
You really get a taste of nature at its best, on one of these select ocean tours.
A Large Gray Whale Surfacing for Air
We’ve enjoyed whale watching tours on different parts of Vancouver Island, but to actually head out into the open Pacific Ocean and view its spectacular coast line, is simply a must for nature lovers!
My Wife & I Enjoying the Adventure
Your tour will last 2 ½ to 3 hours, taking you into beautiful Clayquot Sound. This is where many of the whales and sea lions come to feed.
We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to return and enjoy another exciting whale watching tour, in Tofino!
Handy Tips for Your Whale Watching in Tofino Experience
After taking this tour, I thought I would list a couple of helpful tips, for those who may be planning to go … Whale Watching.
Bring Sunglasses:
The glare on the water can be very bright at times. As you can see in the our picture above, it’s slightly overcast and my wife and I wear {Transition Eye Glasses} that went completely dark, from the glare!
Motion Sickness:
If you are subject to …
🤢 Motion Sickness 🤢
I do recommend taking and/or wearing something for this, to make your tour much more enjoyable. Remember, at times you are out in the open ocean and the swells can be quite large, at times.
My family members had a blast riding over the waves, but for me at certain times, the rolling swells were starting to make me feel a bit queezy wishing I had taken my; Gravol before leaving, which seems to help.
Camera:
It goes without saying – Don’t forget your camera or you’ll be sorry!
Have Fun!!
Don’t be afraid to ask your skipper and guide any questions you may have. They are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the area and wildlife.
Amazing Coastal Scenery in Clayquat Sound
Update 2025
After many successful seasons, Ocean Outfitters has retired. However, be sure to check the links below for other exciting Whale Watching Tours offered, in Tofino and Ucluelet.
Check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for Tofino’s exact location.
Tofino Tourism Guide
I Only Endorse Products/Services That Can Be Trusted & Verified &/Or That I’ve Personally Used!
Safe and Healthy Travels!
Although our tour was in collaboration with Ocean Outfitters, rest assured, all content and opinions are mine and reflect my personal experience only.
All personal photographs on this post are the property of gr8traveltips.com and are copyright protected.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Did You Know …
“Vancouver Island In British Columbia, Canada Is 460 kilometers Or 286 Miles In Length, Running North To South.” Join Me On Instagram For Travel Photos, Video’s & More!
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