Thornton Creek Bear Watching
& Driving Directions
Bear watching at it's best during the months of September, October, November and by December things are starting to quiet down again. The best time for viewing bears at Thornton Creek is during low tide where they are taking advantage of the returning Chinook that are caught in tidal pools at the mouth of the creek. Thornton creek hatchery is located in Ucluelet's inner harbour and is accessible by car although the roads are not very well marked detailed driving directions are provided below. Black bears come across very clumsy and docile but don't be fooled as they are very explosive and move very quickly. When at the creek watching the bears feeding on the returning salmon will absolutely amaze you with the accuracy speed and power the bears show case as they chase down their next meal. Never under estimate a wild animal, Black bears are quite peaceful animals when viewed from a safe distance it's advised that you don't get to close as bears are unpredictable especially when cubs are present.
Thornton Creek Hatchery driving directions from Ucluelet.
Get onto Peninsula Rd follow out of Ucluelet it will turn into Pacific Rim Hwy travel for approx 5 min on your right will be a road called Port Albion once on Port Albion follow Rd for approx 5-10min you will cross over a single lane bridge keep going keep an eye on your left hand side of the road you will see a gravel rd there will be a sign that says Mussel Beach campground don't turn stay on pavement just past that road will be a gravel road to your right get on gravel rd and follow for approx 3-5min till your at the bottom there will be a Fish Hatchery Building park your car and keep your eye open for bears if the tide is low the bears are quite often around the bridge area where you park if the tide is high then they will be up the creek at the pool. Follow board walk along the creek side to the pool, be aware of your surroundings as you don't want one to come down the path behind you as there is only one way in and out of the board walk.
Thornton Creek Hatchery driving directions from Tofino & Tofino/Ucluelet Junction
Head out of Tofino on the Pacific Rim highway go past Tofino/Ucluelet junction heading towards Ucluelet follow Pacific Rim Hwy travel for approx 5 min on your left will be a road called Port Albion once on Port Albion follow Rd for approx 5-10min you will cross over a single lane bridge keep going keep an eye on your left hand side of the road you will see a gravel rd there will be a sign that says Mussel Beach campground don't turn stay on pavement just past that road will be a gravel road to your right get on gravel rd and follow for approx 3-5min till your at the bottom there will be a Fish Hatchery Building park your car and keep your eye open for bears if the tide is low the bears are quite often around the bridge area where you park if the tide is high then they will be up the creek at the pool. Follow board walk along the creek side to the pool, be aware of your surroundings as you don't want one to come down the path behind you as there is only one way in and out of the board walk.
