Whales, Birds, and Big Adventures for Spring!

Tofino, nestled on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and world-class surfing but also for its exceptional whale and bird watching opportunities.

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this coastal haven to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of migrating whales and an array of captivating bird species. Whale watching in Tofino offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. From March to October, the waters off Tofino become a bustling highway for a variety of whale species, including majestic grey whales, humpbacks, and orcas. Knowledgeable local guides lead excursions into Clayoquot Sound and the surrounding Pacific Ocean, providing insights into the behaviour and biology of these magnificent creatures while ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural habitat.

In addition to the mesmerizing world of whales, Tofino boasts a vibrant bird-watching scene. The region’s diverse ecosystems, from lush temperate rainforests to windswept shorelines, provide sanctuary to an abundance of avian species. Birdwatchers can spot bald eagles soaring overhead, or or marvel at short-tailed albatross, northern fulmar, sooty shearwater, laysan albatross, rhinoceros auklet, pigeon guillemot, or the Brewster’s brown booby, and cormorants. Whether exploring the pristine beaches, hiking along forested trails, or embarking on boat tours through secluded coves, Tofino offers endless opportunities for bird enthusiasts to connect with nature in its purest form.

Every spring, from late April to May, you’ll spot flocks of shorebirds on the beaches of Tofino. Sandpipers, plovers, and whimbrels arrive to replenish their energy and rest before continuing their remarkable journey from South and Central America towards their breeding grounds in the Arctic.

The Tofino area’s protected forests, vast mudflats, extensive sandy beaches, and rugged shorelines provide a diverse range of habitats that attract an array of shorebird species, including a notable migratory congregation of whimbrels, the largest in British Columbia. 

Come enjoy the abundance of Spring!

April Highlights: