Tofino Air

Great scenic air tour of Clayquot Sound and some inner glaciers on Vancouver Island’s west coat. We went with two other couples (our friends), which helped to defray the cost. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I’d been skydiving before, so I expected the little seaplane to be similar to the skydiving helicopter. Which it was and wasn’t. Loud, yes. But much smaller! You’re given a pair of sound-​protecting headphones, which makes the whole experience more surreal — lip-​reading others and taking in the sights with the drone of the engine in your head.
But the scenery.
Oh the scenery. It was so wonderful being up there, above the clouds, taking in the endless evergreens and maples, spying on the bears (amazing!) and watching humpback wales blowing water spikes into the sky. The glacier tour was the most terrifying part; you’re uncomfortably aware of the fact that you’ve put your life in a stranger’s hands. The huge slabs of ice and snow on the mountaintops dwarfed our little seaplane. We did a landing on a small lake only reachable by air. On the nearby shore was an abandoned cabin and I couldn’t help but but smile when the sheer isolation of it all struck me.
Our pilot was very nice and he didn’t skimp on the 1.5 hour tour. It took more like 2 hours. He even flew us down over our hotel, which I enjoyed immensely. Well worth the money and a fun, inspiring way to enjoy Vancouver Island.