Wild Ride - Zodiac Tofino Boat Tour

Tofino, BC (52 degrees, chilly, grey skies)

Steller Sea Lion

Traveling by a zodiac boat along over 70 miles of Tofino coastline was a thrill. Adventure Tofino offered a 7 hour trip which takes you by numerous tiny islands, abundant sea life, and even a remote hot springs. We loved it!

We dressed up like lobsters in these suits for the journey. They had life jackets built into them and kept us mostly warm and dry.  There were only six of us and our captain Tim. He was terrific and really tried his best to show and explain to us a  lot about the wildlife and the islands. 

We passed a lighthouse which is still manned due to the treacherous seas.  During the winter Tim said there is a zip line to transport supplies to them. The seas here can get very high.

We were delighted to see Tufted Puffins swimming

Check out this Harbor Seal 

Harbor Seal - what a cutie

Tim took us to an island which had a huge colony of Steller Seals.  These are the largest eared seals and are rather smelly but so cool to watch. Some of them were barking and carrying on quite loudly.

Seal Love

Only three times a month the tides cooperate and allow Tim to go back to a waterfall.  We lucked out and picked one of those days.

Boat dock at Hot Springs Cove

Our last stop was the Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. It's only accessible by boat and a very pretty place. After docking we hiked about 1 1/2 miles on a board walk through an old growth forest.

Boardwalk trail leading to hot springs

At the end of the hike was a natural hot spring with several soaking pools. It was a bit of challenge to get into them but it was worth the effort.

Barry enjoying a very hot "shower"

Jann and me

Map of our route (does not include waterfall sidetri

We went back a different way back to Tofino

Barry getting the perfect shot

It was a 5 star day!