Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region
Traditional Territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, and the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, and the Toquaht First Nations
Rugged coastline, world-class surf beaches, and centuries old coastal temperate rainforests make up this dramatic landscape on the west coast of Vancouver Island. With a rich cultural history dating back tens of thousands of years and a more recent turbulent history of fighting to protect some of the largest tracts of intact coastal temperate rainforest in North America, Clayoquot Sound Biosphere will sweep you in and transform you into a steward of our forests and our oceans.
Statistics
Country: Canada
Province: British Columbia
Established: 2000
Geographical Features: Rugged coastline, world-class surfing beaches, and centuries old coastal temperate rainforests
Best Ways to Explore: Whale Watching, Surfing, Sea Kayaking, Hiking
Best Time to Visit: Tofino experiences high visitor demand, so it's best to go during off-peak months. Whale watching runs from March to October—visit in spring (March–May) or late in the season for fewer crowds. If traveling in summer, consider staying in a nearby area instead of Tofino itself.
Closest City: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island
Top Locations to Explore: Tofino, Ucluelet
Follow the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere on all the below social links!
A map of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere
“Clayoquot Sound earned international attention for the so called “war in the woods”. Environmentalists and First Nations faced off against logging companies and government in one of Canada’s most heated conflicts over land use”
Biodiversity Conservation
Supporting Marine Biodiversity in Clayoquot Sound
The Ucluelet Aquarium is the first ever collect and release center to be established in Canada. By connecting visitors with the region's marine life, the aquarium promotes a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between species and their environments.
Come visit the aquarium and learn about the richness of biodiversity in the region and interact with marine organisms. The aquarium is only open in the seasonal months between March and November and is wheelchair accessible. They also regularly look for volunteers to help collect kelp, sand, and rocks for their displays. Check out their volunteer page for upcoming opportunities.
The Ucluelet Aquarium serves as a vital platform for raising awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity and the delicate balance that sustains coastal ecosystems, making it an invaluable asset in the ongoing endeavor to protect and conserve marine life.
Regenerative Tourism
Contribute to Citizen Science
with iNaturalist
Get involved in citizen science and explore nature in a whole new way with iNaturalist! The app lets you record and share your observations of plants, animals, and fungi, contributing to global biodiversity research. Every photo you upload helps scientists track species and monitor ecosystems. It's a fun, interactive way to volunteer for conservation efforts while discovering the natural world around you.
Follow Biosphere Bathing on iNaturalist to get live updates on species we see in Biosphere Regions across Canada.
Help Identify Humpback Whales
with Marine Education & Research Society
Want to play a real role in whale conservation? You can! By snapping a photo of a Humpback Whale’s fluke, dorsal fin, or mouth, you help researchers track individual whales, monitor populations, and protect these incredible giants of the Pacific.
Through the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration (CPHC), your sightings contribute to a province-wide whale catalogue—part of the international Happywhale network. Every submission brings us closer to understanding and safeguarding these awe-inspiring marine mammals.
How to Get Involved:
Take clear photos from a safe distance (200m+).
Note the date, time, and location of your sighting
Submit your data to data@mersociety.org or via the Humpback Data Form.
Your photo could reveal a new individual whale, document a rare behavior, or even help scientists track a migration. Be part of something bigger—help protect BC’s Humpbacks!
Help Monitor Canada’s Nesting Birds
with Birds Canada
Ever wondered what happens inside a bird’s nest? With Project NestWatch, you can help scientists track breeding birds and nesting activity across Canada, all while enjoying the magic of birdwatching!
Every nest you observe contributes to vital research on bird health, population trends, and the impact of climate change and habitat loss. Whether you're spotting Great Blue Herons, songbirds, or raptors, your data helps protect Canada’s wild birds for future generations.
Why Join?
Document breeding birds across Canada.
Track bird populations and their changes over time.
Support conservation by helping researchers understand nesting patterns.
No experience needed—just curiosity and a love for nature! Join Project NestWatch today and turn your birdwatching into real scientific impact.
Attend a Beach Clean-up in Clayoquot Sound Biosphere
with Surfrider Foundation Pacific Rim
Visiting the breathtaking beaches of Clayoquot Sound Biosphere? Take part in a Surfrider Foundation beach clean-up and make a real impact!
With millions of visitors each summer, marine debris and litter threaten this fragile coastal ecosystem. Surfrider Foundation hosts regular clean-ups, removing plastic waste and tracking data to drive long-term environmental solutions.
Why Join?
Protect wildlife from plastic pollution
Support ocean conservation through data collection
Give back while exploring Vancouver Island’s coastline
Volunteer opportunities are listed on the Surfrider Foundation website. Be the change—join a beach clean-up and help restore this stunning UNESCO Biosphere Region!
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Outdoor Recreation
Whale Watching with a First Nations Guide
Connect with the land, the ocean, and the culture by taking a whale watching tour with elder Moses Martin. Departing from Tofino, explorers may be lucky enough to see some of the local wildlife including gray whales, humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, eagles, sea otters, harbour porpoise, and puffins! Learn about the history of Clayoquot and how a community came together to protect the incredible old-growth forests you see today. The stories told will leave you transformed and inspired.
Clayoquot Wild is an indigenous run local tourism organisation in Tofino, support the local community by participating in one of their tours on your next visit to the area.
“There’s one key thing that Tofino’s really known for globally. And that’s cold-water surfing”
World-class Surfing in Tofino
Known as the surf capital of Canada, Tofino has some of the best year-round surfing in the world.
With many surf companies ready to offer lessons or gear hire, Tofino has you covered for your surfing needs, whether you’re a beginner or experienced surfer.
There are many beaches that line the coast, offering consistent swells, favourable wind conditions and most importantly, a beautiful landscape, making Tofino one of the best destinations for surfing enthusiasts.
Take a Multi-day Sea Kayaking Trip
Want to check out some of the hundreds of islands that dot the perimeter of Vancouver Island?
Take a multi-day sea kayaking trip with Hello Nature!
Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to go sea kayaking with hundreds of islands scattered around the perimeter. Hello Nature offer many opportunities to explore this incredible region with their experienced guides. They are also fully committed to sustainability within the region and will leave you transformed as an environmental steward.
Hello Nature Adventure Tours
Discover a new way to explore
Make a meaningful contribution next time you travel by participating in local volunteer activities such as:
Documenting species in iNaturalist
Monitor nesting birds with Birds Canada
Attend a beach clean-up with Surfrider Foundation
Help identify humpback whales with Marine Education & Research Society
Can’t travel right now but still want to contribute? Consider donating to any of the above organisations to support their ongoing work!
We hope you feel inspired to visit the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere!
Already been to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere? Tag us in your photos @biospherebathing for a chance to be featured!
Blog posts related to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere
Images used on this page are either stock photos or are owned by Biosphere Bathing. Images may not relate directly to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere.
Forget “sustainable” travel—regenerative tourism takes it a step further by actively improving the places we visit. Explore UNESCO Biosphere Regions, contribute to citizen science with iNaturalist, and discover how travelers can restore nature and empower communities.