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Wildlife of Tofino Photo Gallery

By Author Hal Brindley

Posted on Last updated:

Black bears peek under barnacle-encrusted stones, colorful starfish cling to wave-battered rocks, and gray whales spout into the misty morning air. These are the sights of Tofino on the Pacific coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island.

We spent three days at the Wickaninnish Inn while searching for Tofino’s wildlife, wandering the beach, hiking the forests, and catching boat tours with The Whale Centre. Here are a few of the creatures we saw along the way. All photos by Hal Brindley and Cristina Garcia.

Ochre Sea Stars exposed at low tide in front of the Wickininnish Inn
Ochre Sea Stars exposed at low tide in front of the Wickininnish Inn
A Gray Whale showing the "knuckles" behind the dorsal hump.
A Gray Whale showing the “knuckles” behind the dorsal hump.
Black Oystercatchers comb the rocks during a stormy sunset.
Black Oystercatchers comb the rocks during a stormy sunset.
Harbor Seals steaming in the morning sunshine.
Harbor Seals steaming in the morning sunshine.
Bald Eagle perched in a tree in the center of Tofino harbor.
Bald Eagle perched in a tree in the center of Tofino harbor.
Sea Otters are making a comeback around Tofino.
Sea Otters are making a comeback around Tofino.
Huge Banana Slugs are common along the Combers Beach Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino
Huge Banana Slugs are common along the Combers Beach Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino
Steller Sea Lions haul out on a wave-battered island near Tofino.
Steller Sea Lions haul out on a wave-battered island near Tofino.
Sunflower Star and Green Anemones in a tide pool in front of the Wickaninnish Inn
Sunflower Star and Green Anemones in a tide pool in front of the Wickaninnish Inn
Black Bears lift up rocks along the shore and search for crabs. Sighted on bear tour with The Whale Centre.
Black Bears lift up rocks along the shore and search for crabs. Sighted on bear tour with The Whale Centre.
The last thing you see on a gray whale before it dives down to feed. The End!
The last thing you see on a gray whale before it dives down to feed. The End!

Many thanks to The Whale Centre in Tofino. Most of the above photos were taken during the whale and the bear watching tours that we took with them. Also thanks to the Wickininnish Inn for providing lodging during our stay in Tofino.

Hal Brindley at the Antarctic Circle

Hal Brindley

Brindley is an American conservation biologist, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, writer, and illustrator living in Asheville, NC. He studied black-footed cats in Namibia for his master’s research, has traveled to all seven continents, and loves native plant gardening. See more of his work at Travel for Wildlife, Truly Wild, Our Wild Yard, & Naturalist Studio.

Jim O'Donnell

Thursday 10th of October 2013

These are stunning Hal. Well done.

Hal Brindley

Thursday 10th of October 2013

Thanks Jim! Though I have to give credit to Cristina for the oystercatchers and the sunflower star!

Sand In My Suitcase

Thursday 3rd of October 2013

So glad you made it to Tofino - it's one of our fave wild places. And the Wick is a wonderful place to stay... (BTW - your photos are awesome!) You may be interested to read our post on "Tis the season... for storm watching on Vancouver Island." http://www.sandinmysuitcase.com/tis-the-season-for-storm-watching-on-vancouver-island/

Mary @ Green Global Travel

Friday 27th of September 2013

Tofino is rumoured to be magnificent but I am none the less absolutely in awe of the extraordinary proof you have offered in the form of this brilliant photo essay! The photo of the playful sea otter is amazing, as are the Sunflower Star and Green Anemones though the sea lions in the waves are my favourites in this stellar list of images!