Ocean Outfitters

Located in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Ocean Outfitters offers nature lovers and adventure seekers the opportunity to experience spectacular scenery of the Pacific Rim and enjoy the beauty of Clayoquot Sound. With a total of four boats, all with state of art navigation equipment, the marine and wildlife tours include whale and bear watching aboard new covered family vessels and an open Zodiac for an unforgettable fun ride. Trips are accompanied by knowledgeable guides and skippers.

Tours & Excursions:

The Whale Watching tour is a 2.5 hour exciting trip offering guaranteed sightings which may include gray whales, humpbacks, transient killer (orca) whales, seals, sea lions, black bears, harbour porpoises, sea otters, wolves, eagles and a number of seabirds such as tufted puffins and cormorants. Daily departures are available March to October.

The Bear Watching tour is a 2 hour adventure trip along the Clayoquot Sound and the surrounding calm waters of Meares Island viewing resident black bears, and sometimes their young, that forage at low tide. The trip includes other marine sightings such as bald eagles, harbour porpoises, seals, river otters and blue herons to name a few. Daily departures are available May to September.

The Hot Springs day trip is the ultimate 6-7 hour tour with whale and bear watching, and disembarking at Hot Springs Cove to enjoy a 1.5 km (little less than one mile) walk along a cedar boardwalk through the enchanting rainforest to the cascading waterfalls and natural geothermal hot spring pools - be sure to bring a bathing suit and towel. The trip may include the option to take the covered vessel one way and a float plane the other. Tours are available year round.

The Wildlife Extravaganza is the definitive of all packages for nature lovers and includes the Hot Springs Cove, whales, bears, and other west coast marine life and a guided bird walk with the international birder George Bradd. Departures are available May to September.

The Meares Island trip takes 10 minutes by boat from Tofino passing a variety of small islands on route to Meares Island's Big Tree trail. The Meares Island became a hot topic in the early 1980s when it was slated for clear cut logging. With trees ranging between 800 and 1300 years, the Tofino residents, Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and environmentalists banded together for its preservation and today stands as an attraction enjoyed by many. The Big Tree trail starts as a boardwalk guiding through 1.5 hours through the forest with special interests along the way such as the Hanging Garden Tree, which has a circumference of 18.3 metres (60 feet) and a height of 42.7 metres (140 feet). A longer hike is also accessible though the looped trail. Trips available year round.

Gallery:

The Ocean Outfitters Gallery offers an assortment of gift items and souvenirs made from local wood and rock art to wild salmon products, as well as organic Creekmore coffee from the espresso bar.

Contact Ocean Outfitters about daily departure schedules and to book your tour. Reservations are always recommended in advance to avoid disappointment.