Getting High on a Helicopter Tour in Tofino

There is more than one way to get high in Tofino, Canada’s version of a California surf town, but the one that draws people to this town by the thousands probably isn’t the one that immediately comes to mind. No, the real high that people seek in Tofino is a natural one that comes from the plentiful wildlife, stunning landscapes and blue Pacific waters that surround this beachside community. And one of the best ways to take it all in is from the air, with a flightseeing helicopter tour in Tofino operated by Atleo Air.

Not Your Typical Tourist Flight

In a community as small as Tofino, and with rugged wilderness surrounding it, Atleo Air is much more than a flightseeing company. Their helicopters and float planes are just as likely to be asked to help with a medical evacuation situation or to do a supply run to a remote wilderness camp as they are to take visitors up to see Clayoquot Sound. What that means is that the company is flexible and open to customizing flights to accommodate their passengers’ needs or desires. That being said, they do offer a range of tours, including one that Henk and I took which was spectacular: the Offshore Island Helicopter Tour.

Atleo Air’s Offshore Island Helicopter Tour

Tofino’s location adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park and Clayoquot Sound means any tour from the air is sure to provide stunning views: endless Pacific Coast beaches, forested mountains and pristine wilderness, and dozens of small islands which can only be seen – or reached by air or water. So it was an absolute thrill when Henk and I learned that this Offshore Tour didn’t just give us a birds-eye view of these islands, it offered the chance to set down on one of them and explore them, too.

Pilot’s Choice: Tree Island!

After arriving at the Atleo hangar at Tofino Airport and being briefed on safety procedures for the helicopter, our pilot, Antony, asked us where we would like to go. Not knowing the area’s geography ourselves, Henk and I and the other 2 passengers suggested it be ‘pilot’s choice’ since Antony was the expert. All we need to do was climb on board and see where he would take us.

Antony, our Atleo Air helicopter pilot on Tree Island

I’m always amazed at how anti-climactic the takeoff of a helicopter is. Unlike aircraft that give you the build-up with roaring engines and ground acceleration to signal launch, our chopper lifted off with little preamble and suddenly we were in the air, watching the landscape drop off below us.

An easy take off immediately took us above the trees

First destination was the surrounding mountains that encircle Clayoquot sound, green mounds covered in old growth forests that from our perspective looked like normal trees, not the 200-foot giants that some of them are.

Pulling away from the hills that rose around us, we got our first panoramic view of the coastal landscape, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with countless islands dotting the blue waters.

First views of Clayoquot Sound

On calm days, some kayakers in the area will make the 3-mile paddle out to Vargas Island, popular for its proximity to Tofino and its sandy beaches. Our destination, however, was not so accessible. Instead, Antony piloted our helicopter to Tree Island, which despite its name was more rock than forest. Before landing, however, he flew us over a group of rocks where dozens of sea lions were basking in the sun, their brown bodies clustered on the edge of the rocky shoreline.

Can you spot the brown sea lions on the rocks?

An Island All To Ourselves

Touchdown was as gentle and uneventful as takeoff, and next thing we knew, we were walking around Tree Island, feeling like VIPs as we set out to explore our own “private” island.

Our own private helicopter transportation!

Walking around the island, as small as it was, allowed us the chance to see some of the native flora as well as the massive logs that are thrown up on shore when the winter storms get particularly violent.

This massive piece of driftwood on Tree Island looks like an elephant’s eye

We also discovered several tidal pools tucked in between the rocks where anemones and other marine life went about their business, oblivious to our presence.

Green sea anemone looks like a jewel in a tidal pool

Sea-shells were everywhere, tossed aside by the mammals and birds who feed off these mollusks, and Antony pointed out a pretty mother-of-pearl shell which visitors aren’t allowed to remove due to the protected status of the Reserve.

You’re not allowed to take these mother-of-pearl shells off the islands