Tofino & Bear Watching

Trip Information

The covered-panoramic view cruiser - named the Stellar Sea - was specially designed for viewing bears out in the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It is equipped with large panoramic windows that fully open, as well as a thoughtfully designed seating layout, offering great views for everyone onboard. The Stellar Sea has indoor heated seating keeping you warm for the ride to and from the bears’ habitat. 

Departing daily at low tide, we will travel through Browning Pass to the rocky coastline of Fortune Channel as the bears roam out of the rainforest and onto the shores to forage for food. Abundant in Clayoquot Sound, Black Bears are often seen with their cubs, turning massive rocks in search of Rock Crabs and clams. Cruising through these scenic passageways allows for many opportunities to view other wildlife like herons, eagles, harbour seals and porpoises in their natural habitat. All the while, there will be an informative and personable crew member onboard that will keep you entertained with interesting and fun facts about wildlife and the surrounding area. 

What to wear

• Bring clothes for warm and cold weather
• A warm sweater and a light jacket (waterproof jacket if possible)
• Warm pants (if you have waterproof pants you may want to bring them)
• Appropriate footwear (running shoes, hiking boots, or gum boots)

What to bring:

• A change of socks, shoes, and pants: your clothes may get wet
• Water bottle 
• Snacks
• Money for shopping
• A small camera
• A packed lunch and dinner (unless you would like to buy your food)
• A warm hat or toque & gloves

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255 - Main Lobby at 8 am

Trip Includes:

Transportation to and from Tofino, bear watching boat tour (professional guide included), shopping & free time

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person in Building 255.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Hours & Locations for Signing Up with us:

Faculty of International Education Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm in Building 255, Second Floor Reception.

Lunchtime Activity Information Desk Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 1pm in Building 255 - First Floor Learning Commons.

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2737