June

Sea Otters

Rafts of Sea otters are now starting to spread out as the outside waters are more accessible.

Humpback whales

June 15th The Humpback whales have returned to the coast and have been activily feed the last few days.

May

May 15th – Black bear update. Mom with cubs have been observed the last two days…right on time.

In early May there were still Grey whale migrating past Tofino which is getting a bit late for the migration months of March and April.

Humpback & Grey whales have been feeding along the coast. We are now waiting for the Grey whales with calves – usually seen later in May. The Grey whale cow / calf pairs often travel close to shore, passing Tofino and Hot Springs Cove if they are headed north for the summer.

Black bears have been right on time and are feeding during low tide. We are now waiting for the cubs to show up over the next few weeks.

Kayakers have seen Harbour seals and Sea otters while out on the water paddling to the rainforest on Meares Island.

March

March 15th – Pacific Rim Whale Festival event – Dr Jim Darling presented an update on west coast whales to a full house at the Remote Passages boathouse in Tofino. We were sorry that we could not seat everyone that showed up for this popular event. The presentation was interrupted by an Orca named Rainny who swam past the boathouse, causing participants to flood out onto the wharf to catch a glimpse of this solo Orca.

March 14th – Whale Festival starts. Seewww.pacificrimwhalefestival.comfor further information. Get your rain gear ready for the weather!

March 5th – Herring spawning reported north end of FLores Island in Steamer Cove by George Island.

February

***Herring Spawn Update***

February 25th – Herring spawning in Millar Channel north of Tofino near Flores Island. Grey whales feed on the eggs so we expect to see Grey whales in the inlets in a few weeks.

– Humpback whales reported in the inlets north of Tofino.

– Herring spawning north Clayoquot Sound near Hot Springs Cove.

– Grey whales migrating back from Mexico. Whales starting to be seen off the coast from Tofino!

Notes from 2024

Grey whales feeding near Tofino. One of the returning resident Grey whales Orange Crush ID CSG589, is a returning female that has been observed in Clayoquot Sound since 1977.