Tofino is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities among Tofino visitors. Clayoquot Sound, located near the Tofino, is a sandy shoreline with rich rainforest.
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is accessible via Highway 4 from Parksville. Driving 40 km (25 miles) north of Ucluelet or 126 km (78 miles) west of Port Alberni, visitors can reach the Tofino area by their vehicle. It takes about 4 hours of travel time by car from Victoria to Tofino.
The most commonly reported whales are Grays. However, humpbacks and orcas may also appear. Orcas are studied widely in British Columbia. These creatures are the most widespread marine mammal on the earth. There are different types of Orcas. Offshore Killer Whales, found off Vancouver Island's west coast, are among the least observable Orcas. Therefore, there may be little chance to watch such whales on any tour.
These mammals travel in large groups. This type of Orcas may eat larger fishes, including sharks. Resident Killer Whales are a different category of Orcas that specialize in hunting salmon. Chinook salmon are among the largest and most critical diet of Resident Killer whales. Transient Killer Whales are the third category of whales that eat only warm-blooded marine mammals such as sea lions, porpoises and dolphins. Transients are the most encountered type of whales witnessed by visitors. Pacific gray whales are mainly found around the island's west coast and southern tip as their annual migratory zone.