Black Bear Kayaking

Phenomenal experience kayaking through the beautiful mists to find eagles, bears and cubs, seals and crabs. TJ, the owner and operator of Black Bear Kayaking was a real legend, with many stories to tell and just a genuinely nice and interesting bloke. Even if we didn't see any animals the kayak experience would have been great, but the fact we saw so much on top of the boat and kayak tour were just added bonuses. Additionally TJs dog 'Sawyer' came along with us on the double kayaks to round off a great trip... What more could you want from an adventure? Ticked all the boxes! Thank you TJ and Sawyer!

We loved our kayaking tour with Alex. The equipment is in good shape and the kayaks were easy to manoeuvre for beginners. We saw lots of starfish, a bald eagle, and some seals on a 2.5 hour kayak. Definitely a recommended company - they are thoughtful, well organized, and attentive. Thanks again.

We had an amazing experience with Black Bear Kayaking. TJ was an amazing guide, we learnt so much about the area and it was so peaceful kayaking in the still waters of Clayoquot Sound. The scenery was breathtaking and we saw eagles, sea lions and starfish. Unfortunately we didn't see any bears but this was definitely not from lack of trying on TJ's behalf! If you are looking for something different to do while in Tofino, away from the crowds where you can really immerse yourself into the beauty that is Tofino spend a few hours kayaking with Black Bear Kayaking.

(Sept '21) Awesome day with Thorsten and dog Sawyer. Starting the day with some rain, it became even more of a magical atmosphere around the islands. Thorsten took so much time and is a great guy & guide. And - most important - we got to see several bears including a cub. Sitting on the water in the calm of the kayak was way better than standing on a crowded boat. Vancouver Island must do.

WOW - this trip was definitely a highlight ! TJ was awesome, knowledgeable and dedicated to bring us close to this breathtaking nature around TOFINO and the national parks. I am already looking forward to another daytrip with him!! See you soon! Gruß aus HH ;)

A Remarkable Kayaking Adventure with Black Bear Kayaking in Tofino, BC!I recently had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable kayaking adventure with Black Bear Kayaking in the captivating town of Tofino, British Columbia. From start to finish, the experience exceeded all expectations, thanks to the exceptional guidance of the owner, T.J., and his trusty first mate, Sawyer, an absolutely adorable 11-year-old rescue dog.What sets Black Bear Kayaking apart is the personal touch and attention to detail. T.J., originally from Germany, had nurtured a dream of living in Tofino since he was merely six years old. His passion for the area is evident in every aspect of his tours.One of the many highlights of this kayaking experience is the opportunity to escape the crowds. Instead of launching directly from the bustling marina, T.J. takes you and the kayaks by boat to a more remote and tranquil area. Not only does this allow you to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery, but it also keeps your feet comfortably dry as you board the kayaks from the boat itself.The use of a spray skirt during the kayak excursion was an excellent addition. It not only ensured that our feet stayed dry but also added an extra layer of protection against the occasional splash of the crystal-clear Pacific waters. This attention to comfort and convenience truly enhanced the overall experience.Throughout the journey, T.J. regaled us with captivating stories that painted a vivid picture of Tofino's rich history, wildlife, and natural wonders. His storytelling prowess added an extra layer of depth to the adventure, making it an immersive and educational experience.What sets Black Bear Kayaking apart from larger tour groups is the intimate nature of their trips. With a maximum of six people per excursion, our group of five essentially enjoyed a private tour. T.J.'s expertise and enthusiasm shone through as he provided personalized instruction and guidance. We felt comfortable and well-cared for throughout the entire adventure, and the learning opportunities were plentiful.In conclusion, my experience with Black Bear Kayaking was nothing short of remarkable. T.J.'s dream of living in Tofino has culminated in a truly exceptional kayaking venture. From the unique departure by boat to the small group size, every aspect of the tour is carefully curated to provide an outstanding and immersive experience. Whether you are a seasoned paddler or a beginner, Black Bear Kayaking is the perfect choice for an adventure that combines nature, education, and a sense of awe-inspiring serenity. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore Tofino's breathtaking coastline in the most memorable way possible!

The highlight of my trip to Vancouver Island. TJ is a great tour guide (and Sawyer the dog an excellent side kick), full of knowledge about the local area and the animals that live there. He showed extra persistence when we initially drew a blank on the look out for a bear, and extended our trip to look in some extra spots until we got lucky and spotted a bear tucking into his lunch on the shore. Also managed to spot a few extra bonus animals along the way too. Would highly recommend this to anyone passing through Tofino - a great experience and something I won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

Top experience - Great guide - has no office in Tofino and comes to pick you up by boat - after half hour we stopped and switched over to kayaks. We were lucky and saw a bear eating and this for more then 20 minutes.

TJ and Sarah were great: knowledgeable, interesting, enthusiastic, professional. Saw some incredible wildlife and scenery - would absolutely recommend.