Duffin Cove Resort

Hugging the west coastline of Vancouver Island, Duffin Cove Resort boasts an air of rustic charm and West Coast flavour with waterfront cabins, studios and suites nestled in a remote rainforest backdrop . . . yet only one block frm downtown Tofino. Duffin Cove offers you lodging in a cabin on the shoreline or in a modern unit with all the amenities that are expected.

This unique character setting and location allows the quiet solitude to relax, explore the shoreline and enjoy West Coast living . . . yet only walking distance to dining, shopping and other interesting adventures.

Find yourself only minutes by motor vehicle to world renowned Long Beach or the Pacific Rim National Park. Bike, hike, tour by car or take an unforgettable excursion with "Seaside Adventures," to see marine life in its natural habitat, or visit the secluded Hot Springs Cove to relax and enjoy nature's hot tub.

Another well-kept secret of Vancouver Island that is a must see . . .the sight and sound of the awesome power mother nature displays as the surf thunders and crashes in, pounding the shoreline during late fall and in the winter months.

Get away from civilization and into the quiet lifestyle of West Coast living!

Whale Watching

By spring, summer and fall you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the giant gray whales feeding and frolicking in their natural habitat on the Pacific west coast of Canada. While on the cruise be on the lookout for pods of orcas (killer whales) which also pass through Clayoquot Sound on their hunt for prey. Visit colonies of sea lions, seals, eagle aeries and a bird sanctuary out on the open ocean.

Savour the thrill of cruising the open waters and enjoy a myriad of marine spectacles that you will never forget, from the eagles soaring overhead to the majestic gray whale in the depths below. Choose a craft to cruise on . . . a large fully equipped family vessel or an exhilarating Zodiac.

Our knowledge and experienced guides take pride on sharing both scientific facts and relevant folklore of days past throughout the entire cruise.

This is an adventure not to be forgotten so don't forget to bring along your camera. You'll want to share these moments with others upon your return.

Walk the Wild Side
A five to seven hour nature cruise and hike.

Start off the day checking in at Seaside Adventures, then board our vessel for a half-hour boat ride from Tofino, 15 km north to the remote, aboriginal (First Nations) Village of Marktosis where stops will be made for the shutter bugs and nature lovers when local marine life such as whales, sea lions, otters and eagles are seen.

The village is located in the northern portion of Clayoquot Sound on Flores Island, which is the largest island in the sound. From here we walk through part of the village on our start of the Pacific Wilderness Trail. Our trail takes us through 11 km of pristine wilerness and spectacular Pacific Ocean coastlines which range from quiet serene coves to rugged surf pounding beaches. The trail is made up of hand hewn cedar boardwalk, which connects eight beautiful white sandy shores. While on the Wilderness Trail we will be travelling by the summer feeding bays of the gray whale and a multitude of wild life and bird life, inhabiting the old growth forest. Our naturalist guides take pride in sharing their well versed knowledge of the local flora, fauna and rich native history and folklore. The more energetic hiker can continue on an additional 4 km to the top of Mount Flores, which is at ana elevation of 3,000 ft. or 970 meters. from this lofty perch the views are breathtaking and second to none at the edge of the Pacific Rim.

The list of necessities includes a ggod pair of walking shoes, a small knap-sac, refreshments, a lunch, and a camera, (an absolute must!). Lunches can be provided for a nominal fee. Trips can be guided or unguided by customer discretion.

Hot Springs Cove
A five to seven hour land and ocean eco-tour in paradise.

This is a real west coast treat - starting with an hour and fifteen minute cruise through the heart of Clayoquot Sound to Hot Springs Cove. Travel by First Nation village sites, temperate rainforests, mysterious sea caves and a multitude of marine life! Upon arriving, descend into the cascading hot springs to soak and relax in the natural heated mineral waters for two to two and a half hours.

After the relaxing soak, head back on the boardwalk to the awaiting vessel to provide a relaxing ride back to Tofino. Stops will be made on the way to and from Hot Springs Cove for whale sightings . . . weather permitting.

Salmon, Halibut and More Salmon
Set out in our comfortable fishing vessel, the ORCA IV, and relax knowing you are in the hands of a skipper well seasoned in the navigation of our local waters. After an hour of travelling time, you will be dropping lines off the downriggers. Sit back a while, have a coffee, enjoy the scenery, and then WHAM, the rod goes down. We bait fish, catch and release, and jig for halibut and when available, we use live needle bait. The ex-commercial fisherman guides may also have some commercial tips to share. While fishing these bountiful waters, sightings of whales, sea birds including osprey and sea lions enrich your outings to provide a truly satsifying "West Coast Experience."

Bear Watching
A two hour bear/wildlife cruise.

Abundant to the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the black bear make their presence known as they roam along the shores in search of their favorite delicacies, rock crab and fish. These occurances offer grand opportunities to view the black bears in their natural habitat. Tours are daily from May 1st through to October 15th. In these special tours, we cruise the calm, sheltered inlets of Clayoquot Sound and Tofino to find the black bears foraging for food on the beachesm which we will observe by boat. We may also see bald eagles, harbour seals, porpoises, blue herons, otters, raccoons and other resident wildlife. We cruise the ancient temperate rain forest coastline that range in age from 700 to 1,500 years old. Our guides take pride in sharing both history and relative native folklore through the entire cruise. Bears and plenty of marine life can be seen from the boats so don't forget your camera and videos!