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District municipality on Vancouver Island
Photo: Shaundd, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ucluelet is a small town on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It has less surf vibe than neighbouring Tofino (and no big surf beaches in town) but is a pretty spot in its own right and is close enough to Long Beach and Tofino's beaches to serve as an alternate base to explore the West Coast.
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First built in 1906, the squat red and white lighthouse has become a Ucluelet landmark. The lighthouse isn't open to visitors but you can walk the trails nearby. Climbing on the rocks is not permitted as the waves can be unpredictable and sweep people off.; In March, 2025 the Amphitrite Point Interpretive Centre opened. It is a perfect spot to watch the power of the waves or take in a gorgeous west coast sunset. Naturalists with the Wild Pacific Trail Society and Raincoast Education Society will be around daily from 9AM to 4PM to chat to visitors and west coasters about wildlife, surf conditions and all the wonders of the coastal rainforest.
Sandy beach with picnic area. Popular for beachcombing and viewing the sunset. There are tidal pools that can be explored at low tide.
A pretty sandy beach whose calm shores were used by the First Nations as a canoe beach. There's an interpretive trail that connects the beach to the Wild Pacific Trail and has information on the beach's history and local plants.
Small aquarium showcasing local marine life (exhibits vary) including starfish, anemones, octopus, rockfish and local crabs and prawns. There are also touch tanks and a gift shop.
Two week festival in mid-March celebrating the annual migration of the grey whales — it's estimated that some 20,000 whales pass by each year as part of the migration from Mexico to Alaska. There are a variety of educational, culinary and cultural events for people of all ages. Events are held in various spots in Ucluelet, Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park.
The 2.5 km loop that generally follows the rocky headlands along the coast with some spectacular views of the Broken Islands, Terrace Bay/Beach and Amphrite Point Lighthouse. The highlight of this trail is seeing the waves crashing upon the rocks, often creating large splashes. The trail is a little up and down but not steep (no stairs) and is well maintained. The numerous viewpoints on the trail can be good places to spot sea lions, orcas and whales, particularly during the spring migration. There are also parking lots with access to the trail at Amphitrite Lighthouse and He-Tin-Kis Park. There is also a short (400m) loop to walk through a bog on a maintained trail or on wooden planks with explanatory signs about the plants growing there.
Guided kayaking and hiking tours, which range from half a day to a week long.
Operates kayak tours, as day trips and as all-inclusive multi-day excursions.
Same building as Jamie's Whaling station
Operates guided kayak day multi-hour tours.
Rents and sells surfing gear.
Rents surfing gear. Offers private, group, and family surfing lessons.
Rents surfing gear and electric bikes. This site also has a campground and a cafe.
Canadian Princess Marina
Operates wildlife cruises including whales and bears. Operates daytime cruises with gourmet lunch and evening cruises.
Operates whale watching and fishing charters.
Go on a whale watching tour or a bear watching tour. Whale watching is from mid-March to early-October.
3 hour Bear watching and nature tours from June 1 to Sept 15 up to 5 people.
Whale watching, bear watching, and nature tours by boat.
Small cozy café serving breakfast sandwiches, sandwiches, baked goods and coffee/tea. The food is tasty and service generally quick even though it's often busy. Also free Wifi.
Breakfast and lunch place with fairly simple traditional food (e.g., eggs, pancakes, hash browns, burgers, sandwiches, vegetarian) done well with good-sized portions. Inside seating is small and the restaurant is popular so waiting for a seat is common. The patio outside is a good size and has some views of the harbour. Breakfast is available all day.
Upscale studio and one bedroom suites built on a headland overlooking the ocean and waves crashing on to the nearby rocks. Rooms include floor to ceiling windows (ocean or forest view), king size beds, gas fireplace, kitchen/kitchenette, heated bathroom floors, soaker tubs and rainshower heads. There's also a fitness center, an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Some one bedroom suites include a washer/dryer.
Lodge with dorm rooms, private room and cottages for rent. Amenities include common kitchen area, BBQ area, free Wifi and discounted surf rentals and lessons.
Motel with standard rooms (two queen or double beds), as well as some two bedroom suites. Some of the standard rooms have a kitchenette; kitchens are standard in the two bedroom suites. There is free Wifi and complementary coffee and tea. Reviewers indicate the rooms are clean but somewhat sparsely furnished.
4 cabins on a large property with sauna.
Waterfront accommodation that features self-contained condominium-style suites equipped with full kitchens and private entrances. Many suites include outdoor soaker tubs situated on private decks. Amenities include an on-site Aveda spa operated by Nurture Day Spa.
Amenities include fitness center, indoor pool, free Wifi, and outdoor cook shack with BBQ.
A cozy one-bedroom, post and beam cabin where the smell of cedar welcomes you. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishes, cookware and cutlery. The bathroom offers a shower and deep tub for relaxing baths.Soak in the elements on one of 3 decks. You can enjoy a morning coffee on the front deck and watch the deer graze.
Plastic free gifts, vintage, pottery, art, sustainable travel goods, local products, and a refillery in the back of the boutique. The refillery has all plant-based, toxin-free and biodegradable products; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, essential oils, laundry soap, hand soap.
By bus
By plane
The nearest airport with schedule flights is Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ), also known as Long Beach Airport (CYAZ), is located 25 kilometers northwest of Ucluelet, on the Pacific Rim Highway (Hwy…
By boat
In the summer you can catch the M.V. Frances Barkley from Port Alberni to Ucluelet, 4.5 hours, $30 one-way.
By taxi
By bicycle and foot
Most of the town and surrounding area can be seen by walking and hiking.
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Tofino · Regional · YAZ
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