Check out our Local Calendar of Events and plan your visit around one of the many exciting festivals or events that take place in Tofino and Ucluelet throughout the year.
Sea Activities
Explore all that our ocean and streams have to offer:
Surfing- Sea Kayaking
- Whale Watching
- Traditional Canoe Trip
- Boat Cruises
- Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing
- Hot Springs
Surfing
The surf and beaches are more than a pleasure to the eyes. Surfing has been a major pastime and lifestyle choice for many year- round residents. Now, more and more visitors are experiencing the joys of surfing on our wild West Coast. Best of all, our location at Cox Bay is the top surfing beach in our area.
You can rent all the gear that you will need, or have one of our local experts help you with the experience. From short lessons to full surf camps the Long Beach area offers you a chance to experience the surfing culture. For beginners, lessons are highly encouraged. If you really catch the bug we can direct you toward one of our local builders for your own custom board!Ask about our Spring & Summer Surf Packages with Pacific Surf School!
Surf Lessons:
- Pacific Surf School www.pacificsurfschool.com
- Live to Surf www.livetosurf.com
- Storm Surf Shop www.stormsurfshop.com
- Long Beach Surf Shop www.longbeachsurfshop.com
Sea Kayaking
People from all over the world come to kayak in Clayoquot Sound, Deer Group Islands, Barkley Sound and the Broken Island Group. This area of unspoiled pristine wilderness is the best anywhere. Experience sightings of whales, sea lions, otters, seals, black bears and much more from a kayak! Experienced guides, with an abundance of knowledge about the area, history and wildlife, will teach the novice the basic skills required for kayaking.We recommend the following operators in the area:
-
Clayoquot Sound–Paddle West www.paddlewest.com
-
Clayoquot Sound-Remote Passages www.remotepassages.com
- Tofino–Sea Kayaking www.tofino-kayaking.com
- Barkley Sound–Subtidal Adventures www.subtidaladventures.com
- Barkley Sound-Majestic Ocean Kayaking www.oceankayaking.com
Whale Watching
Whale SightingDuring the months of March to May witness first-hand the incredible 15,000km (9500 mile) annual northern migration of approximately 20,000 gray whales. These whales feed in the food rich waters and protected bays of Clayoquot Sound on their way to the Bering Sea from the lagoons of Baja Mexico.From June to November, view the ‘resident gray whales’ plus a whole host of other mammals that visit our coast, including transient Orcas (Killer Whales), Humpback Whales, a variety of Porpoises, Stellar and California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. If you are fortunate enough you may also spy a Sea Otter, which are making a comeback from virtual extinction.
A number of excellent operators offer tours in a variety of vessels, from Zodiacs to large cabin boats:
Traditional Canoe Trip
A nice alternative when spending time on the water is paddling with the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations guides aboard a 34-foot , dugout canoe. For this unique experience we recommend:- Tla-ook Cultural Adventures www.tlaook.com
Boat Cruises
A relaxing and fabulous alternative that gets you out on the water in luxury! Join Al & Toddy Landry aboard their luxurious and comfortable 53 foot Canoe Cove yacht, the "Raincoast Maiden". Archipelago Cruises offers two trips, one day and one evening that allow you to enjoy all that Barkley Sound has to offer, including the incredible Broken Island Group. Your five hour day trip will introduce you to the history of Barkley Sound and Ucluelet whilst enjoying the scenery and you'll also have a chance to view the wildlife including sea lion colonies, and of course, whales! Gourmet food and private charters are available as well, inquire for details.For more details visit www.archipelagocruises.com
Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing
For the small coastal community of Tofino, fishing has always been a major attraction, with fish and seafood stocks creating the backbone for its growth many years ago. These rich aquatic resources continue to attract sport fishermen from far and wide, providing world-class angling opportunities for mighty Chinook salmon, acrobatic Coho Salmon, powerful Halibut and a variety of fascinating bottom fish species.And the remote and pristine mountain lakes and coastal rivers of the Clayoquot Sound area provides anglers with a variety of unique, world-class freshwater fishing opportunities. Runs of Winter, Spring and Summer Steelhead can be caught on flies or light tackle throughout the year, complemented by a variety of Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout in the same clean clear watersheds that meander through the coastal mountain valleys.
An experienced local outfitter can ensure a memorable day for your group with detailed preparation, planning and top quality equipment:
- Jay's Clayoquot Ventures www.tofinofishing.com
- Westcoast Fishing Expeditions www.westcoastfish.com
- Tofino First Class Fishing www.tofino1stclassfishing.com
- Salmon Eye Charters www.salmoneye.net
Hot Springs
Hot Springs CoveLocated 48 kilometers (about 1.5 hours by boat) the Hot Springs are located right in the heart of pristine Clayoquot Sound in Maquinna Provincial Park. Still in their natural state, the springs offer you an opportunity to experience the warm soothing geothermal water. Upon arriving at Hot Springs Cove, there is a marvellous two kilometer boardwalk through the temperate rainforest to the Springs. Take a picnic lunch (available from the hotel), wear good walking shoes and don’t forget to pack your towel, bathing suit and sunscreen.Visit the Hot Springs by boat with the following operators:
- Ocean Outfitters: www.oceanoutfitters.bc.ca
- Jamie's Whaling Station & Adventure Centre www.jamies.com
- Remote Passages www.remote passages.com
- Atleo River Air Service www.atleoair.com
- Tofino Air www.tofinoair.ca

