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Bald Eagle, Bird Watching on Vancouver Island, wildlife watching, birds, apex predators
Grizzly Bear Watching on Vancouver Island, Bears, Grizzlies, wildlife watching, wildlife,
Whale Watching on Vancouver Island, whales, orcas, killer whales, gray whales, humpback whales
Seals on Vancouver Island, Marine life, seals, sea lions, wildlife watching, wildlife
Deer on Vancouver Island, wildlife watching, wildlife, tours




All skill levels

2-Day Tofino Bear Watching + Long Beach Blast

Let’s say Pacific Rim is the lost heaven of the West Coast of Vancouver Island; then Tofino is definitely the prime paradise of the Pacific Rim. The moment you enter this wonderful city you’ll be confused big time! Tofino is the hotspot for wildlife watching enthusiasts. Many people travel thousands of miles to come here for an amazing bear watching/viewing or whale watching. Bear watching is one of the popular outdoor activities here. Even locals would go on one of these tours once in a while. So, if you’re inspired enough, stay with us to see what options we are going to provide during this dreamy 2-day adventure.

Tour's Briefcase!

Tour's Info

How We Meet!?

If you are not a VanIslander yet, you may enter the Island from either Victoria or Nanaimo. That is why we decided to tell you what is the easiest and fastest road towards our bear watching location. Furthermore, Tofino is accessible by plane, sea planes, and ferries. Now, let's see how you can get to the destination where in you are going to have your dream come true.

The fastest route from downtown Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W for 317 km (196.975 miles) and it takes about 4 hr. 17 min. Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 mils). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N for 155 km (96.3 miles). Follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino for 161 km (100 miles), and there you arrive in the city.

You may also arrive at Downtown Nanaimo. The fastest route from Nanaimo is via BC-4 W for 207 km (128.6 miles) and it takes about three hours. Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles). Follow BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N for 42.8 km (26.5 miles). Follow BC-4 W to Campbell St in Tofino for 161 km (100 miles) and there you are in the city.

Itinerary for This Adventure

Day 1

Day 2

A whole day amongst bears! Live behind the noisy urban life and come to Tofino to get lost in the rare wilderness amongst creatures wandering around. We depart from the port by boat early in the morning since then bears come out of the forest in search of their morning meal. On the way, we may encounter some orcas out of the water for their good-morning breach. For lunch, we catch some fish, make our delicacy in the forest, and then go for a wilderness hike to refresh our lungs. Finally, we will go to Long Beach to rest and get ready for another day of adventure.


Day of sandcastles. Wake up early in the morning and go for a smooth run along the shoreline to inhale sea oxygen. See some seagulls dwindling for their early-in-the-morning hunt. Have a blast eating breakfast with other companions. Rent kayaks and float on the water for some wet adventures. The rest of the day is yours till the last moments of our Tofino fun day.


  • No food or beverage other than water may be ingested in bear/wolf viewing zones to avoid any possible human food training of bears.
  • In bear viewing zones, smoking is prohibited.
  • When observing or photographing bears, flash photography devices are not authorized.
  • Onboard the warships, noise and movement must be kept to a minimum.
  • Hand movements and aural cues are not permitted to be used to communicate with the bears.
  • Bears are highly sensitive to olfactory signals, thus guests are urged not to wear strong scented deodorants or perfumes.

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headlight
  • Drinking water
  • Binoculars (just in case)
  • Warm clothes
  • Suitable shoes
  • Antiemetics
  • Bear spray (just in case)

  • The opportunity of a lifetime! 2-hour kayaking along the longest beach on Vancouver Island, Long Beach.
  • Right Time, Right Place; and the Bonus Is Yours! The bonus of whale watching/ bird watching is included, provided that you visit during the right season.
  • The Amazing night sky and live music on the beach.

See the Itinerary, Dream About it, Ask Us to Make it Come True!

Vanisle Wildlife team is here to be the adventure planner of your Tofino blast. Put all your doubts aside and customize your bear watching tour!

The Cost of This Imaginary Package

This adventure will take place aboard (zodiac/boat), and the first day is fully designated to bear watching/viewing. On the second day, occasionally spotting bears might happen. Considering the costs for meals and transportation, the price for this tour will be …... plus taxes.

FAQ

In general, black bears live in forests where they can easily protect their cubs. But you know how vast the forest is, so bear watching without a guide is pretty much like a needle in a haystack. Thus, asking an experienced guide is the path to find the best bear watching location in Tofino.
Sometimes grizzlies swam off the shores of BC to come to Vancouver Island in search of food. Considering the location of Tofino, it is unlikely they have made it so far.
There haven’t been any reports indicating bears attacking humans for so long now. Nonetheless, for more safety, carry one in your backpack.

Ask! They Shall be Answered Soon!

Other Species You Can Enjoy Watching

Sea Lion Watching on Vancouver Island

Sea Lion Watching on Vancouver Island

Seal Watching on Vancouver Island

Seal Watching on Vancouver Island

Greater White-fronted Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Greater White-fronted Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Canada Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Canada Goose Watching on Vancouver Island

Brant Watching on Vancouver Island

Brant Watching on Vancouver Island

Porpoise Watching on Vancouver Island

Porpoise Watching on Vancouver Island

Eagle Watching on Vancouver Island

Eagle Watching on Vancouver Island

Humpback Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Humpback Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Gray Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Gray Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Orca Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Orca Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Grizzly Bear Watching on Vancouver Island

Grizzly Bear Watching on Vancouver Island

Black Bear Watching on Vancouver Island

Black Bear Watching on Vancouver Island

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