Once on Vancouver Island, head west to Tofino and arrive at your leisure. You can check in to the Tofino Harbour House anytime after 16:00 (4pm) at the West Coast Aquatic Safaris office (101 Fourth Street) where you can also confirm your scheduled excursions the next day. Once checked in, explore the dramatic waterfront of Tofino, or visit the small shops and restaurants around town.

Good morning! It’s your first full day in Tofino and it’s going to be exciting! Depending on when your tour is scheduled for (morning, mid-day, afternoon, or evening), you’ll gear up, charge your camera and prepare for your 2.5 hour whale watching tour. Tofino’s waters, known as the Clayoquot Sound, is the best whale watching location in the world as the waters are rich with food and you’ll get to observe these iconic animals in their natural habitat. Gray whales leave their wintering grounds to head north, often lingering near Tofino from March until late October. In the summer, Humpback whales often put on a show of breaching and crashing back into the waves. The tour is conducted from a specially-designed vessel with high, open viewing decks, indoor areas and washrooms. During your free time, do what the locals do and visit the beach. With a variety in the area, you can find the best spot for sand, surf, sun and storm watching. Nearby beaches include Chesterman, Cox Bay, MacKenzie, Wickaninnish, and Long Beach.

Spectacular views and burly bears await you today as you get to enjoy a 2.5 hour wildlife safari tour. You will be transported to Fortune Channel or Tofino Inlet at low tide, for an opportunity to view black bears foraging in the tidal pools as well as many other animals, like bald eagles, sea lions, harbour seals, and harbour porpoises. The adventure doesn’t end there! When you are not sailing the sea, strap on your shoes and venture off into nature to see widespread vegetation. Tofino and Clayoquot Sound provide ample hikes and nature walks to suit everyone, from the novice nature explorer to the seasoned hiker. Just a few minutes’ drive down Highway 4, you’ll find the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, offering several trails. Option to receive a guided tour.

Its time to pack up your belongings and check out of your accommodations by 11am. Don’t forget to search your room for any left-over belongings; its a long way to return to pick up any forgotten items! If you haven’t done so already, be sure to charge your devices, view the road reports and check in for your flight. Depending on the airport you are leaving out of, be sure to give yourself enough time to arrive and grab a snack before you depart.