Nature & Wildlife

Tofino lies within the glacier-formed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Clayoquot Sound, where towering mountains meet ancient old-growth forests and expansive beaches along the Pacific Ocean, each creating a vibrant network of interconnected ecosystems brimming with diverse plants and animals.

Uncover the Pacific Ocean

Set along a critical migration path, Tofino’s nutrient-rich ocean waters burst with marine life. Each spring, the spawning of herring signals the arrival of gray and humpback whales as they journey between breeding grounds in Alaska and Mexico. Orcas, also known as killer whales, make more transient appearances, showcasing their intelligence and power while hunting in coordinated pods.

Fish populations, including salmon and halibut, serve as an essential marine food source and play a vital role in the cultural and economic life of the area. Closer to the coastline, kelp forests and coral reefs provide sanctuary and renewal for marine life. Sea otters, a conservation success story, can be seen floating serenely on their backs while Harbour seals and Steller sea lions bask on rocky outcrops and dive beneath the waves.

Harbour seal lying on a moss-covered rock surrounded by calm ocean water
A harbour seal resting on a sun-warmed, moss-covered rock in Clayoquot Sound
Giant green anemone with extended tentacles in a sandy tide pool
A giant green anemone in a Chesterman Beach tide pool
Couple with their dog crouched beside a tide pool near the Wickaninnish Inn
Exploring the tide pools below the Inn

Observe the tidepools & mudflats

The intertidal zone, where land and sea meet, is filled with discoveries. On Chesterman Beach, visitors can explore tide pools brimming with colourful sea stars, nudibranchs, anemones, and skittering crabs. Sea urchins cling to rocky crevices, while small fish, like sculpins, dart between pools. Mussels and barnacles form dense clusters on rocks, while limpets and chitons graze on rockweed, sea lettuce and bladderwrack. Be sure to tread lightly on this delicate ecosystem!

An often-overlooked area in Tofino is the mudflats, located in the sheltered estuaries and bays on the east side of the inlet. The mudflats are a nursery for marine life, including juvenile fish, crabs, and other invertebrates, which find refuge and food in the nutrient-rich sediment. Clams and worms burrow into the mud, creating an intricate web of life beneath the surface and a critical feeding ground for resident and migratory shorebirds. Look down to see the tracks in the mud of the resident birds and local animals.


"The closer I get, the more impressive the concentration of wildlife. Thayers and mew gulls by the hundreds. Bald eagles. Cormorants. Surf scoters. Porpoises. Seals. Sea lions everywhere - mostly California sea lions, chocolate brown with odd, abruptly bulging foreheads, but also a few Stellar sea lions, blond and massive. "

- David Pitt-Brooke, Chasing Clayoquot

Black bear walking across rocky, seaweed-covered shoreline while foraging
A black bear foraging along the intertidal zone at low tide

Wander through ancient forests

The old-growth temperate rainforests surrounding Tofino are breathtaking, with towering western red cedars and Douglas firs creating a canopy that shelters countless species. Walk the trails and observe the understory, rich with ferns, mosses, and shrubs like salal, huckleberry and cynamoka berries. Seasonal wildflowers like nootka roses and skunk cabbage add splashes of colour, while fungi are foraged as delicacies.

Larger animals like black bears emerge from their winter slumber in the spring and may be seen along shorelines at low tide, flipping over rocks in search of crabs and other delicious treats. Black-tailed deer move gracefully through the forests, grazing on the lush vegetation. Wolves, though shy and elusive, roam the woods and play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem by hunting smaller mammals like raccoons, mink, and squirrels, contributing to the region’s natural balance.

Three people standing among tall old-growth trees during a guided forest walk
Learning about the coastal rainforest during a guided walk
Close-up of salal leaves and pink-white spring blossoms with hanging lichen
Salal blossoms and old man's beard signaling spring

Look to the skies

Tofino’s skies are full of birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and a key destination on the BC Bird Trail. Bald eagles are a common sight, their sharp eyes scanning for fish or carrion. With their impressive wingspans and regal presence, they often perch atop tall trees near the coastline. Seabirds like tufted puffins, cormorants, and gulls are frequently seen near the water, diving for fish or scavenging along the shore.

Songbirds such as warblers, thrushes, and chickadees flit among the trees in the rainforest, filling the air with their melodies. Woodpeckers can be heard hammering on tree trunks in search of insects. During migration seasons, Tofino’s shores and mudflat estuaries host large flocks of sandpipers, plovers and other shorebirds.

Two black oystercatchers with bright orange bills standing on mussel-covered rocks
A pair of black oystercatchers perched on the rocks as the tide rolls in
Tufted puffin standing on lichen-covered coastal rock
A tufted puffin perched on offshore rocks in Clayoquot Sound
Group of sandpipers flying in formation over the reflective shoreline
A flock of sandpipers skimming the shoreline

Please recreate responsibly

Experience the beauty of Tofino's natural landscapes and wildlife with a spirit of respect and mindfulness. As you immerse yourself in this remarkable environment, please consult the District of Tofino for guidelines on drone usage, beach fires, and bringing dogs to the beach. Our aim as a community is to promote stewardship and responsible tourism, ensuring this region remains vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.