Take a waterfall shower and wander through thick rainforest before hiking down the rocky coastline near this charming town.
Ucluelet has a small harbor with forests and beaches along its pristine coastline. The rainforests, waterfalls and rivers of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve lie just outside town, while the main draw within city limits is the Wild Pacific Trail. Ucluelet’s location on the Pacific Ocean makes it ideal for surfers and kayakers.
Many adventurers use the scenic town as a base for exploring the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which covers 123,000 acres (50,000 hectares) of diverse terrain surrounding Ucluelet. Visit the three sections of this enormous park: Long Beach, Broken Group Islands and West Coast Trail. Explore bogs, forests and rivers to find waterfalls and colorful rocks.
Back in the town itself, the Wild Pacific Trail is the main attraction. The 5.5-mile (8.8-kilometer) trail provides an epic journey along pebble beaches, dramatic coastline and rainforest. See the Amphitrite Lighthouse with a backdrop of violent waves crashing against the cliffs. Learn about First Nations people who have lived on this land for thousands of years.
Take advantage of the wild waves for surfing. Try surf kayaking, with proficient paddlers taking on the more violent waves. Join a guided kayaking adventure tour in a calmer section and paddle your way through the culture and history of Ucluelet Harbor.
Look for seals, sea lions and whales in the distance. For a closer look at the wildlife, visit the Ucluelet Aquarium. The complex gathers a collection of local marine creatures. See bizarre jellyfish, sea cucumbers and octopuses.
Summer months are pleasant, while winters are mild and rainy but remain popular among storm watchers. The city’s name is pronounced “Yew-kloo-let” and means “Safe Harbor” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language.
Fly from Vancouver to Tofino Airport, 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) north of Ucluelet. The city is located in the west corner of Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada.
This charming port town of Ucluelet has become a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.