Quick Details
Adult
Ages 19-64
CA$ 159
Youth
Ages 13-18 • Must be at least 4' 8" tall for Zodiac option
CA$ 139
Child
Ages 12 & under • Must be at least 4' 8" tall for Zodiac option
CA$ 119
Senior
Ages 65+
CA$ 149
Go Bear Watching near Tofino and Learn Clayoquot Sound’s Cultural History!
This Tofino bear watching excursion will take you into the inlets of Clayoquot Sound, where you’ll not only have the chance to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, but also learn about the region’s rich cultural history. In addition to watching black bears, you may also spot wildlife such as sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds.
More elusive, but not completely out of the question, are sightings of coastal wolves. Our guides will also share some of the history of the region, including the effects of colonialism and the resilience of First Nations peoples in preserving their cultural traditions and relationship with the land. You’ll learn about the significance of the area’s old-growth forests, and how they have been an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage for generations.
More Info on Tofino Bear Watching Tours and our local guides
Ahous Adventures is an eco and cultural adventure tour company owned and operated by the Ahousaht Nation, that offers an exciting variety of excursions within Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands, waters and culture) including tours to Hot Springs Cove, whale watching, and bear watching.
Ahous Adventures invites visitors to explore Ahousaht territories through the lens of the people who have lived on and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. Visitors will learn about Ahousaht’s Indigenous culture, language, history and storytelling. We believe by openly sharing Ahousaht knowledge, locals and visitors can deeply connect with the true spirit of this remarkable ecosystem. We hope our guests will feel called to honor the sacredness of the territories and seek to experience a guest-host relationship that is rooted in traditional Ahousaht values of respect and reciprocity. Visitors can offer the gifts of openness, patience and respect to Ahousaht in return.
What’s included on a Bear Tour of Tofino
- All vessels comply with Transport Canada guidelines
- All safety & floatation equipment is provided in accordance with Transport Canada safety requirements.
- Please note: Our vessels are not equipped with washroom facilities. We recommend guests use the onshore restrooms prior to departure for their comfort during the tour.
My partner, friends and I went on the bear watching tour and it was amazing! It was one of the best experiences we've had since being in Canada. We were lucky enough to see a few black bears, hundreds of otters, eagles and seals. Our guide was so knowledgable and happy to have a chat. It was beautiful to see Tofino & surrounding islands from the water. Thanks guys!
– Clair M., TripAdvisor
Thanks so much Ahous Adventures! We did a whale watching and a bear watching tour and both were fantastic! Great guides/captains and a personalised approach. Staff are so friendly. Trips I will remember for a lifetime.
– Imogen C., TripAdvisor
We did two tours with Ahous Adventures. On the first day we went Whale watching and were lucky enough to find a pod of transient orcas. We also encountered grey whales seals and sea lions. Our skipper was excellent and was very knowledgeable and just as excited to find the orcas as we were. The second trip was the next day to look for bears. It was a very misty and foggy day but our skipper did his best to find us some wildlife, managing to find just one bear but lots of sea otters. Both tours were in an enclosed vessel rather than an open air rib which worked better for us. The onshore team at the HQ were friendly and made us feel very welcome. There is a small coffee shop within the meeting point as well as a couple of restrooms. Be careful about parking as the limited number of Ahous spaces fill up quickly and on street parking is available but needs paying for as the parking wardens vigorously enforce both payment and violation such as parking on the wrong side of the road.
– Kettering20, TripAdvisor🐻 Bear Watching Tour FAQs
(See general FAQs for zodiac info, private charters, group discounts, and more.)
🌊 General FAQs (Applies to All Tours)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, we offer discounts for groups of five or more. Contact our office directly for details.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Yes. Present your Status Card in person at our office to receive a 20% discount on tours and merchandise.
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Yes, we keep a sightings calendar in our office to help monitor patterns and share insights about local wildlife activity.