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Popular Things To Do | Miscellaneous Things To Do Tips | All Tips (75) This was an experience to rival the whale watching trip in Tofino as “best bit of the holiday” – in fact on reflection this one maybe just takes the prize! We both love flying but had never had the chance to go up in a float plane before, so when we saw this tour on offer we couldn’t resist. We were lucky enough to be the only passengers, and the whole flight was amazing! Firstly, taking off from water rather than a runway was of course new for us. Then, the views as we flew out over Clayoquot Sound were fantastic – deserted coves, unspoiled wooded hills and here and there a picturesque home tucked away on a private bay. Further out we came to the real highlight, viewing some of the grey whales from above, including this mother and calf. Far too soon the 20 minute flight was over and we headed back to Tofino for the final treat, the touch-down on the sea. A truly memorable experience!
Our tour cost $65 (Canadian) per person back in 2002, but I haven’t been able to find out what they charge now. Whatever it is, if you can afford it it’s worth it!
NB There are more photos in my travelogue if you're interested Phone: 250 725 4454Directions: Flights leave from the main jetty at the end of First Street – we just turned up there and booked late morning for a trip the same afternoon.Website: http://www.tofinoair.ca/tofino-air-tours.html Other Contact: tofair@seaviewcable.net
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There are quite a few companies in Tofino offering whale-watching trips. I can’t remember why we chose this one, but we certainly had a wonderful experience. One thing we liked was that the boat was small. This means that everyone gets a seat close to the action. It also means that this might not be a good choice if you’re nervous of water or of the whales themselves. At one point a grey whale swam alongside our boat for several minutes. I know that she knew we were there and had decided to keep us company for a while, and perhaps check that we weren’t a threat. I found that an incredible experience, but I think a couple of the more nervous passengers were a little concerned she might swim under our small boat and surface beneath it, sending us shooting into the water! But please don’t let that put you off taking this trip, it really is amazing. Of course there’s no guarantee that you’ll see whales, let alone get as close to them as we did, but the company make this offer on their website: on trips that do not see whales we offer our passengers a complimentary trip with no expiry date. They wouldn’t do that if they weren’t pretty confident!
Trips last 2 ½ hours and run 3 times a day, Mar 1st – Oct 15th. You buy your ticket at the Whale Centre Museum on Campbell St - it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in high season. You’re asked to be at the museum an hour before the trip to be kitted out in appropriate gear (see photo 2) and the group then makes its way down to the jetty together.
During the trip the guide will do their best to make sure you get as close to whales as possible, and will also point out other interesting wildlife – we saw seals, sea lions, various birds. We also saw a grey whale with her calf, although perhaps unsurprisingly she didn’t come quite as close!
This isn’t a cheap outing – tickets cost $69 for adults, $59 for students and seniors, and $45 for children aged 4-12. But I really think it is worth every penny and would highly recommend it. Address: 411 Campbell Street, Tofino, V0R 2Z0Phone: 250 725 2132Directions: Corner Campbell and ThirdWebsite: http://www.tofinowhalecentre.com/ Other Contact: More photos in my travelogue
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on May 5, 2007
on August 13, 2003
