Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
Ucluelet is located 288 kilometres (179 miles) northwest of the British Columbia provincial capital, Victoria, on the magnificent outer West Coast of Vancouver Island. From Ucluelet you’ll have easy access to some of British Columbia’s most spectacular areas including Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, Barkley Sound, and the Broken Group Islands.
The environment of tranquil Ucluelet provides a stimulating and dramatic backdrop for working, living, and recreating. The town of Ucluelet offers beaches, multi-use sports fields, community parks, waterfront promenades, restaurants, unique shops and galleries, and aquarium. The motto of Ucluelet is “Living on the Edge” due in part to its location on a peninsula surrounded by water. This marine influence permeates Ucluelet from the climate, to events such as the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, to the design of buildings, which are uniquely West Coast. Ucluelet is growing as a major tourist destination and features stunning scenery, interesting events and activities, and a rich cultural history. The word Ucluelet (pronounced you-clue-let) is a local First Nations word meaning “safe harbour”. Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of First Nations for at least 4300 years, and the area was settled in 1870 by fur sealers. Along with learning about Ucluelet’s history, a key highlight for tourists is the easily accessible Wild Pacific Trail, which offers spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean and wildlife viewing opportunities. Recreational activities include surfing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, camping, hiking, storm watching, biking, swimming, and beachcombing.
Long Beach, nearby Ucluelet on Vancouver Island’s west coast, offers 16km of sandy beach and is the region’s most famous … and many of Ucluelet’s beaches offer you incredible vistas of ocean, forest and islands. The Ucluelet area is surrounded by spectacular hiking opportunities, including the Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Reserve, and the West Coast Trail. Nothing is more exhilarating than Storm Watching during the fury of the wind, rain and waves of a winter storm in Ucluelet. Witness the ferocity from the warmth and coziness of a Bed and Breakfast or a resort, go outside and meet Mother Nature head on along the Wild Pacific Trail, or if you are a little more daring take a boat tour out on the water where the waves will give you a wild ride.
And there’s a lot more to see and do in Ucluelet! Pacific Rim National Park is the place to surf in Canada as the long, open shoreline with rolling swells makes it a perfect year-round spot for those who love to ride the waves. The waters are excellent for salmon fishing and saltwater sportfishing around Ucluelet, with five species of salmon, including Coho and Chinook, along with halibut and ling cod. There are also Cutthroat trout in the streams around the area. There are also many opportunities to experience the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife of the Ucluelet area. A walk along the beach or trails in the region offers a great view of rugged west coast nature, and many companies offer whale watching, bear watching and wildlife viewing tours. The area of Ucluelet, Long Beach and the Pacific Rim National Park will provide unforgettable opportunities for you to see humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, eagles, birds, and bears in comfort and safety.
The Arts and Culture are also alive and well in Ucluelet with many unique galleries, jewelry stores, and boutiques. Whether you’re looking for groceries for your stay in Ucluelet cabins or campgrounds, gifts, clothing, artwork, books, camping supplies or bicycles, you’ll also find a selection of shops in Ucluelet to meet all of your needs. Treat yourself to a trip to the spa and rejuvenate through a well-deserved massage, pedicure, manicure, or facial. Let the comforting service and the natural tranquility of the west coast restore your mind, body and spirit.
With it’s stunning scenery, interesting events and activities, and a rich cultural history, Ucluelet is growing as a major tourist destination … and with a location on a peninsula surrounded by water, the marine influence permeates Ucluelet from the climate … to events such as the Pacific Rim Whale Festival … and the design of buildings which are uniquely West Coast Vancouver Island.
