Ucluelet, BC Travel Guide

Abundant Wildlife and Low-Key Charm on Vancouver Island's Wet Coast

Nov 14, 2009 Robin Schroffel

Still a sleepy fishing town at heart, British Columbia's inviting Ucluelet is quickly catching up to its popular northern neighbor Tofino in terms of tourist appeal.

Ucluelet is located on Vancouver Island's rain-soaked western shore. With a population of less than 2000 residents and average temperatures that barely fluctuate between 15 degrees Celsius in summer and 5 degrees Celsius in winter, Ucluelet is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot, thanks to its unspoiled natural beauty, nearly complete absence of commercial chains and close proximity to Pacific Rim National Park, a nature lover's dream.

Getting to Ucluelet

There's only one road to Ucluelet, and that's the Pacific Rim Highway via Highway 4, accessed north of Nanaimo. The actual driving distance from Nanaimo, at 180 km, is somewhat misleading; it's not uncommon for this stomach-churning journey up snaking mountain roads to take upwards of 3 hours. The Tofino bus is another option, departing from Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Port Alberni and Vancouver. Finally, the Tofino-Ucluelet airport, though small, operates with both scheduled and chartered flights.

Ucluelet Accomodations

The Terrace Beach Resort, owned by actor Jason Priestley, offers a range of choices for mid-range to bigger budgets and is perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway in luxury rustic style. Soak in a Jacuzzi while gazing at the ocean out the window on your private beachfront cabin’s third storey, or simply settle into a premium bachelor suite while taking advantage of the close access to secluded Terrace Beach.

For those on a tight budget, Surfs Inn offers hostel-style dorms for unbeatable rates, with discounts on surf lessons and rentals.

Or for something a little different, try the Canadian Princess, a permanently moored ship in Ucluelet’s harbour that offers onboard bunk-style accommodations in the summer months for moderate rates. Washroom facilities here are shared.

Activities and Attractions in Ucluelet and Area

Jamie’s Whaling Station offers unbeatable wildlife watching tours, advertising guaranteed sightings. Cruise out into the open sea on a zodiac and watch humpback whales breach, or for those seeking a less visceral experience, board one of their 65-foot cruisers. In addition to whale watching, Jamie’s offers bear watching, sea lion watching, hot springs cove tours, kayaking tours, sunset and harbour cruises and hiking trips to nearby Meares Island, all led by knowledgeable and experienced guides.

The Ucluelet Aquarium, located on the waterfront promenade, is small but immensely interesting. Stocked exclusively with local sea life, the aquarium collects its specimens annually and releases them back into the wild at the end of the season. Expect to see an incredible array of colorful sea stars, snails, crabs and fish, as well as other unusual creatures like chitons, anemones and urchins. A key attraction is the aquarium’s touch tank, which gives visitors the opportunity to feel the ocean life with their own hands.

The Wild Pacific Trail is a gorgeous scenic walking route within Ucluelet. Broken up into phases, the first, Lighthouse Loop, winds through temperate rainforest and along the jagged coastline past Amphitrite Lighthouse, showcasing unbeatable views of the intense, foaming sea from clifftop perches and viewpoints. The completely separate Big Beach Section includes a picnic area and boardwalk overlook. The longest route is the Brown’s Beach Section, a coastal wilderness trail. With new phases in development, the Wild Pacific Trail will eventually link up with Long Beach in nearby Pacific Rim National Park.

Boasting pristine beaches and old-growth rainforest, Pacific Rim National Park is a must-see for any visitor to Vancouver Island’s western limits. The endless expanses of Long Beach, Schooner Cove, Incinerator Rock and Comber’s Beach, although separate in nomenclature, are essentially one long sweep of perfect, primal sand popular with surfers and strollers alike. Although Incinerator Rock offers the most direct beach access, with parking just off the sand, those with strong legs and a sense of adventure should not miss Schooner Cove's beach access route, an unforgettable long and meandering rainforest boardwalk guaranteed to thrill the inner child in all of us.

Shopping and Restaurants in Ucluelet

If it's basic necessities you need, the local Co-Op stocks not only a huge selection of grocery and fresh bakery items, but camping and sports gear as well.

For a quick bite, try Ukee Dogs, located in the garage of the Village Square Shops, where the jovial proprietor serves up a variety of veggie and traditional hot dogs along with meat pies, picnic staple salads and an array of huge homemade cookies.

Salty ship-inspired décor and cheerful staff lend tons of character to the Driftwood Patio Restaurant, which offers some of the best grub in town for unbeatable value. Their versatile menu, offering something for every mood, includes many tempting fresh fish specialties from succulent burgers to creamy handmade ravioli.

For those seeking a higher-end dining experience, try chef Richard Norwood’s Norwoods for regionally focused fine comfort food, or take the short drive north to the Wickaninnish Inn and munch decadent crab cakes by the fireside while taking in the crashing waves through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The copyright of the article Ucluelet, BC Travel Guide in W Canada Travel is owned by Robin Schroffel. Permission to republish Ucluelet, BC Travel Guide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Ucluelet Harbour, Vancouver Island