FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is important to dress in warm, layered clothing as it is colder on the open ocean than on land. We recommend your layers include a waterproof jacket or windbreaker, sweater and closed-toe shoes. The company will provide clean gloves and toques to borrow and return. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, too!

Yes, it is possible, especially if you are prone to motion sickness. You may wish to consider taking motion sickness medication or speaking with your doctor if you are unsure.

Yes, our tours run rain or shine. We offer both covered vessels and open-air zodiac boats, so you can choose how you’d like to experience the adventure. Wildlife remains active in the rain, and our guides are trained to ensure a safe, comfortable journey. We closely monitor weather and sea conditions and will only cancel if safety is compromised. In that case, we’ll offer a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule.

This is for safety reasons. All guests must be properly fitted into floatation suits, which is only possible above a certain height. These suits are essential in case of emergency.

Nature doesn’t offer guarantees, but our guides work with up-to-date knowledge of animal behavior, migration, and feeding patterns. We also collaborate with other operators to share sightings. Historically, we’ve had a 95% success rate for viewings.

Most tours require a minimum of four guests to confirm. During peak season (mid-June to mid-September), this is rarely an issue. In slower months, some departures may not be available. Booking early increases the likelihood of your tour being confirmed.

Arriving early helps ensure an on-time departure and a full experience. You’ll have time to find parking, complete any waivers or outstanding payments, use the restrooms, and even grab a coffee before heading out.

Absolutely. Our guides welcome questions. Each has a personal relationship with the cultural knowledge they carry, and stories may vary from one guide to another. That’s part of what makes each tour unique.

There’s always a chance of sea spray, especially on the zodiac. Storage compartments are available under the seats to help keep belongings dry. If you’re bringing valuables, we recommend securing them or packing them in a waterproof bag.

Yes, we offer discounts for groups of five or more. Contact our office directly for details.

Yes! We offer private charters for bear and whale watching, trips to Hot Springs Cove, and fully customized experiences. These are priced hourly with a two-hour minimum. Contact us to create your ideal tour.

Yes. If you book a second tour during checkout or after experiencing your first, you’ll receive a multi-tour discount. Just let us know!

Infants only require payment of the stewardship fee and fuel surcharge. They must be included on our passenger manifest as required by Transport Canada, and count toward the 12-passenger limit. Please notify us in advance if you’re traveling with an infant.

Yes. Present your Status Card in person at our office to receive a 20% discount on tours and merchandise.

Yes, we keep a sightings calendar in our office to help monitor patterns and share insights about local wildlife activity.

The boardwalk trail is approximately 2 km each way, with about 700 steps. Most guests complete the hike in 30–35 minutes. Those with limited mobility may find the trail challenging. Please note that extra time on the trail may reduce your time at the hot springs.

The water is rich in minerals, which may tarnish or impact certain metals. To be safe, consider removing any jewelry before the tour.

Whale sightings on this tour are rare but possible. While not guaranteed, our captains are always on the lookout for marine wildlife to enhance your journey.

Yes, camping is allowed, but facilities are very basic — no power, no fresh water, and a strict zero-waste policy. It’s a magical experience with sunset soaks and trail exploration. We offer full-fare transport to the cove and discounted standby pricing for the return trip.

The Hot Springs Cove tour is an ocean excursion to remote natural hot springs surrounded by temperate rainforest inside Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands and waters). This excursion combines boating, hiking and soaking in natural thermal pools – the best of everything!

The tour can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, our tours require a minimum age of 2 years old. The boardwalk hike takes 30-45 minutes (each way). Children must be closely monitored as the majority of the boardwalk does not have railings.

There are restroom facilities near the hot spring pools, as well as change rooms. It is essential to dispose of litter properly and pack out all waste.

No, pets are not permitted on the tour.

The best time of year is from March to October. Bear watching is best April through September. Both whales and bears have an overall sightings success rate of 95% throughout the season.

This is a personal preference. Covered cabin-cruiser vessels offer the comfort of indoor seating and viewing, as well as access to an outer viewing deck. Rigid-hulled inflatable vessels (commonly called zodiacs) are open boats that offer an exhilarating ride and require that floatation cruiser suits be worn on the tour. There are height and health restrictions applicable to the zodiac vessels that must be inquired about.  

Yes! You may also see sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds depending on the season (ie. oyster catchers and occasionally puffins are crew favorites!).

Yes, whale watching tours are operated with safety as the number one priority for our visitors and crew. We follow the policies and procedures contained in a formal Safety Management System (SMS) and all of our guides are experienced and Transport-Canada certified.

We prefer if you enjoy drinks and snacks after your whale and bear watching tours. For the longer Hot Springs Cove tour, we recommend you bring a snack and beverage, however, we do not permit any glass or plastic bags onboard the vessels. We also offer a full service coffee bar at our retail location, where you can order hot beverages upon your return. They help to bring back warmth and comfort after an exhilarating experience on the ocean!