4-Day Bear Spotting Tour in the Pacific Rim National Park - Canada

The small towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are located at the northern tip of the Pacific Rim National Park, jutting out into the sea and the perfect base to explore the area. Today you will probably arrive from either Vancouver city or Victoria, your arrival will take you down winding roads as you head west to the coast of Vancouver Island.  Your home for the next couple of days is a lodge just minutes walk from a wide private beach.

This morning you’ll travel to Clayoquot Sound, where black bears go scavenging for food at low tide on the beach. You’ll take a ride in a ‘Zodiac’, a large dinghy, along the waterline of the fjords. Pack your binoculars so you can watch the bears close up. It can get pretty cold on the boat, so you’ll be provided with a red suit with a built-in life jacket. You might resemble the Michelin man, but you’ll be glad you wrapped up warm! After around 2.5 hours, you’ll arrive back at Tofino port.

The rest of the time here is yours to explore the Pacific Rim. So, strap on your walking boots, and embark on one of the many walking trails on offer. We recommend the Rainforest trail (about 1km each way), which takes you past giant cedar trees, moss-covered firs and ferns. You’ll follow the wooden boardwalk through the forest, with water dripping down from the leaves, giving you the true rainforest experience. We also suggest taking the Wild Pacific Trail, a walk along the dramatic, rugged coast.

Today you’ll take a day trip in Clayoquot Sound to spot mighty Whales and relax in natural hot springs. You’ll spend the first half of the day on a boat gliding through the calm waters where you will hopefully spot wildlife such as Gray whales, sea lions, seals, seabirds and Killer whales. After your morning of whale spotting, you’ll head to the natural hot springs accessed by wooden boardwalk from the dock. You can spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying a soak in the natural sulphur hot springs.

Today it’s time to say goodbye to the Pacific Rim National Park, and travel to your next destination – after all Canada has so much to offer! We suggest travelling on to Telegraph Cove, where you can continue your wildlife adventure with Orca spotting. Fancy something more active? Head to Quadra Island for sea kayaking at sunset.