Things to do + Ucluelet
About Ucluelet
Your journey to the magnificent West Coast of Vancouver Island on the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) leads west through the rugged mountains of the Mackenzie Range, past the rushing waters of Kennedy River and the shores of gigantic Kennedy Lake. At the edge where land meets the Pacific Ocean is Ucluelet, whose slogan is justifiably “Life on the Edge”. The Nuu-Chah-Nulth people have long used the word U-clue-let, meaning “safe harbour” and it is a good description for a village that offers a long sheltered inner harbour — watch the bustle of the fishing and charter vessels, spot the ever present bald eagles as they soar overhead, and keep an eye out for the sea lions, harbour seals and river otters. Just a 10-minute drive away is Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National ParkReserve. Long Beach Golf Course offers 9 holes of beautiful terrain where the bears play through before the golfers! Another 20 minutes from there is the community of Tofino. Bus lines, an airport, seasonal passenger ferry and float planes serve the two communities.
Location and Weather
- Your journey to the magnificent West Coast of Vancouver Island on the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) leads west through the rugged mountains of the Mackenzie Range, past the rushing waters of Kennedy River and the shores of gigantic Kennedy Lake. At the edge where land meets the Pacific Ocean is Ucluelet, whose slogan is justifiably “Life on the Edge”.
- Ucluelet, a town with a population of 1,800, is surrounded by the spectacular beauty of Canada’s temperate rain forest and the Pacific Ocean. Some of British Columbia’s largest red cedars stand adjacent to the town. We enjoy a temperate climate with year-round temperature ranges from 5ºC to 20º C. Snowfall is minimal, and we have 328 frost-free days and 1800 hours of sunshine a year.
- During the winter months (November through February), see nature at its wildest during storm watching season. Eight-meter waves, thundering surf, and ocean spray whipped into a foaming frenzy provide an awe-inspiring spectacle. Be sure to watch the storms from safe, designated viewpoints.
Things To Do
- There is a lot to do once you arrive here on the West Coast — outdoor activities include kayaking, surfing, fishing, scuba diving, sailing, biking, and even extreme mountain biking.
- Majestic Ocean Kayaking for harbour tours, or Broken Group Islands tour (part of Pacific Rim National Park)
- Relic Surf Shop for surfing lessons, equipment rentals, and of course stand up paddle-boarding
- Subtidal Adventures for whale watching, bear watching and other wildlife; by zodiac or a covered boat — year round!
- West Coast Wild Zipline for the thrill of a lifetime! Six zip sections traverse some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see. Very safe and lots of fun!
- More passive activities include whale watching, beach combing, bird watching,bear watching, and growing in popularity each winter is storm watching. You’ll definitely need more than a 2-night stay to see and do all the wonderful things the Pacific Rim has to offer!
- If the weather is a tad wet, there are some wonderful indoor experiences too. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Ucluelet Aquarium is now a permanent structure and will only close for a month or so in the winter.
- Reflecting Spirit Gallery represents over 160 west coast artists. Locations in both Ucluelet and Tofino.
- Rubio Jewelers has cruise ship caliber treasures at a fraction of the cost. Locations in both Ucluelet and Tofino.
- The Crow’s Nest is a funky gift store in Ucluelet’s oldest building and has something for everybody.
- Drift Spa at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort — the ultimate in pampering for you, your partner, or both of you!
- Ucluelet’s pride and joy is the Wild Pacific Trail– several sections include the 45-minute loop around Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. Much of the trail is on a rugged cliff overlooking the ocean (great for storm watching!) and most of it is right along the water’s edge.
Ucluelet Aquarium
One of Ucluelet’s must-see is our Aquarium. You won’t believe how many displays and touch tanks there are in there! Located at the foot of Main Street on the harbour promenade, it’s open March through November, at which time the town’s residents come down for “release day” and set free all the specimens that resided there back to the ocean from whence they came.
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Over 70 events for all ages, taking place in Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park and Tofino. Celebrating the spring migration of over 20,000 Grey Whales past our shore. A great time to do some whale watching, although we do have resident whales here right through to October. The last few years we’ve seen more Humpback whales returning, so the mix is about 50/50 now.
Check out the: pacificrimwhalefestival.com
