Tofino is one of the most biodiverse areas you will ever see, and our bird population is no exception. You can explore on your own or hire a professional guide. Adrian Dorst is the person I reach out to when I want to do a tour. A published photographer and nature lover, he has lived on the coast since 1972, and knows the best places to spot some of the 350 species populating the west coast of Vancouver Island – from sandpipers to owls, Marbled Godwits, Black-Headed Grosbeaks, Townsend’s Warblers and more. He’ll escort you to view the birds of your choice – or his if you’re open to it. Of course birds come and go, so he can’t guarantee any sightings. But you’ll at least get a good walk and a good helping of intelligence about our local feathered friends. Check out his credentials and rates at https://www.tofinobirding.com/.

Right here at Tofino Hummingbird Cottage we see robins, osprey, eagles, tanagers, chickadees, thrushes, cow birds (which lay eggs in other birds’ nests) and, of course, lots of Rufous hummingbirds.

Closer to the water you’ll likely see oyster catchers, seagulls, grebes, sandpipers, cormorants and many more.

Bring your SLR camera with telephoto lens, some good waterproof walking shoes and maybe a guide book to identify what you’re seeing.