Activities in Tofino BC

Whale Watching

Whale watching off the west coast of Vancouver Island is absolutely breathe taking, viewing whales can be done from shore but the best way is to go out on a tour.  Whale Watching tour outfits run a range of different vessels from high speed inflatables to closed cabin cruisers.  Whale watching starts in March and continues through to mid September, Gray Whales are the first to show up at the beginning of the season and late in the season Humpback Whales are more prominent in the area.  

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Clayoquot Sound is spectacular the inlets are magnificent and alive with an abundance of sea life.  Clayoquot Sound is located in an inlet where tide changes sweep you in one way when the tide floods and back the other when it ebbs definitely a great way to enjoy your adventure.  If you have your own gear you should be able to contact a boat operator that will take directly to some great exploration spots, as the Pacific Rim is known it's the grave yard of the Pacific and yes there are ship wrecks!

Kennedy Lake

Kennedy Lake is one of the largest lakes on Vancouver Island, the lakes has many steams that flood into the lake.  Kennedy Lake exits into Kennedy River, the river runs into Clayoquot Sound.  When driving to the Pacific Rim you will think it's the ocean how ever it's the lake that runs along the road side for many kilometers.  There is a boat ramp and several camping spots that are just off the highway, the lake offers some fantastic swimming spots and is a great way to spend a day with friends and or family.  The lake is in the wilderness so make sure to keep a close eye on children and check for any reports of carnivore activity in the area.

Thornton Creek Hatchery(Bear Watching)

Thornton Creek Hatchery is one of the best places to watch Black bears while they feed on returning salmon each year.  Prime time for viewing starts at the end of August and extends to December depending on the amount of rain at the end of August the returning salmon may splash out front of the stream waiting for the stream to rise.  By September the spawning salmon will be in the creek and bears in numbers, always have an escape route when viewing the wildlife.

Off Roading

Pacific Rim back roads are beautiful it's recommended to purchase a Back Road Map Book, several local stores will have copies to purchase.  The back roads wind through the mountain ranges past lakes, creeks and rivers and will wow you with untouched natural beauty.  If one vehicle is going on a back road adventure let someone know in the event your vehicle suffers a break down.  Several hours of driving through switch backs can equal several days of walking out, play it safe plan ahead and tell someone where your going and will arrive back.

Golf

Long Beach golf course is centrally located between Ucluelet and Tofino near Grice Bay.  The course is currently 9 holes there is a driving range and a club house with a restaurant.  The course is well maintained and open all year long.  Wynd and Sea is at a stand still right now construction wise once this golf course is completed it is said to be rated in the top 10 golf courses of the world. The course is a Jack Nichols design and is located on the coastline of Ucluelet.  There is no start date when this course will continue with construction how ever the plan is in place for the next developer to complete the project.

Kayaking

Kayaking from Tofino BC is absolutely breathe taking from inner harbor trips rich with wildlife to venturing outside the calm waters of Clayoquot Sound into the massive Pacific swells.  Clayoquot Sound is easily accessed from Tofino as it is right there in front of you when you look out into the harbor front and the waters are protected.  Tofino has several gentle sandy beaches which are excellent for launching your kayak.

Bird Watching

The West Coast of Vancouver Island offers fantastic bird watching well eagles sit perched up high in hundred plus year old trees, little sand pipers scurry across the shoreline and mudflats.  The Pacific Rim has many viewing platforms and mudflat locations where photographers can go enjoy the scenery and snap some beautiful shots of many different species of birds while they are in action.