WHALES, BEARS AND HOT SPRINGS – a wild west coast experience.
Imagine the sound of whales ‘pfooshing’ 
as they surface on the open ocean, bears rumble-rolling boulders as they scour the water’s edge for food. Imagine -- slipping into natural hot springs, an ocean surge gently stirring the pools, ancient cedars towering overhead.
Whales and bears forage in habitat only a short distance from Tofino; further north along the coast is a natural hot spring surrounded by old-growth rainforest. On our two-part “Wild West Coast” itinerary, guests explore this rich wilderness area in small groups with a local guide.
On day one of their experience, guests join our “Hot Springs Explorer” excursion, travelling the open 
ocean coast in search of Gray and Humpback Whales. While observing the whales, guests may also examine a piece of baleen, or check out some whale food skimmed from the ocean by their guide; sea lions, seals and otters also abound in this area. The day-excursion continues north to a unique seaside hot spring, where hot mineral water cascades over a cliff into soaking pools perched at the ocean’s edge. A 2 km boardwalk guides guests from the dock, through lush rainforest, to the hot spring pools, where an escape into the relaxing waters of the pools awaits. A sunset boat trip to Tofino caps off the day.
On another day, guests join our “Coastal Bear Watch” launch to explore the calm inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound. This boat-based program focuses on Black Bears, including mothers with cubs – the bears work the shoreline at low tide in search of crab and other tasty morsels. Photographers enjoy this program, but any sharp-eyed guest may pick out a wolf lurking in the forest edge, or a flock of shorebirds resting on nearby mudflats.
Price from $388 per adult + First Nations & BC Parks fees / fuel surcharge / research donation & GST
Consider staying with Tofino's renowned Wickaninnish Inn to complete your west coast.experience.
