Ucluelet is a stunning destination located along the west coast of Vancouver Island that attracts surfers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
With beautiful beaches tucked into the alcoves of the peninsula, lush green forest inland, and the Pacific Rim National Park around the corner, there is an abundance of things to do in Ucluelet, British Columbia.
Join a whale-watching tour, choose one of the many beautiful hiking trails, enjoy water activities such as surfing and kayaking, or rent a mountain bike and go for a ride. The choices are endless.
So read on to find out what else you can see and do in Ucluelet, BC!
Things to do in Ucluelet, British Columbia
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).
Ucluelet frequently asked questions
Is Ucluelet worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! Ucluelet is known for its rugged coastline, stunning views, and wildlife (such as humpback whales, gray whales, bald eagles, and sea otters).
Ucluelet also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops.
It's the perfect place to spend a couple of days, while you're exploring the Pacific Rim National Park, as well as the small town of Ucluelet itself.
Is Ucluelet nicer than Tofino?
Both Tofino and Ucluelet are beautiful destinations. Ucluelet is a bit less touristy and fractionally cheaper. That being said, I've visited both and really enjoyed our time in these quaint villages.
If you've got enough time in your Vancouver Island itinerary, I highly recommend visiting both Tofino and Ucluelet!
Are there bears in Ucluelet?
Yes, there are a lot of black bears on Vancouver Island and they're also present in the Ucluelet area. If you're planning a visit to Ucluelet, make sure to follow the safety guidelines for bear encounters.
What is the best time to visit Ucluelet?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Ucluelet is between May and September. During this time, the weather is mild and the days are long, making it a great time to explore this beautiful part of Vancouver Island.
Personally, I feel June and September are the best months as it does get very busy during the summer months.
We visited in June and while we experienced the occasional cold night and a bit of rain, the weather was great overall and there weren't too many other tourists.
How to get to Ucluelet, Vancouver Island?
Ucluelet is located on Vancouver Island and you either have to take a ferry or a plane to get to the island.
By ferry
From Vancouver, you've got several ferry options:
- Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (4 km north of Nanaimo): 1 hour 40 minutes
- Tsawwassen to Duke Point (12 km south of Nanaimo): 2 hours
- Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (about 30km north of Victoria): 1 hour and 35 minutes
You can find more information about BC ferries, their timetable, and prices here. I really enjoyed our ferry ride as it's a beautiful route.
If you're (very) lucky you may even spot a killer whale along the way (we didn't;-).
There are ferries from the U.S.A. to Vancouver Island as well, departing from Port Angeles and Seattle.
By plane
Both Victoria as well as Nanaimo have local airports and there are direct flights to and from Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
For those looking to make a spectacular entrance, you can fly to Vancouver Island via seaplane as well, it’s only a scenic 20-minute flight from downtown Vancouver.
There's even a small airport in Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ), though flights here are limited and usually very expensive.
How to get from the ferry/airport to Ucluelet?
Ucluelet is a 2h40min drive from Nanaimo and a 4h15min drive from Swartz Bay.
I highly recommend renting a car, it's the best way to explore Vancouver Island because it enables you to travel at your own pace and visit more remote locations.
You can also rent a campervan. Please note that campervans can only be rented in Vancouver.
If you are planning to stay in Canada for a longer period of time, consider buying a car instead of renting one.
How to get around Ucluelet?
Ucluelet's downtown core is very walkable and several sights included in this post can be reached on foot (provided you're staying in the city center).
However, getting to the trailheads is difficult or downright impossible without your own wheels. Plus, there are several other tourist attractions that are a bit further afield but definitely worth a visit.
Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want and explore the best places in and around Ucluelet!
Where to stay in Ucluelet?
There are several accommodation options in Ucluelet. No matter if you're looking for an oceanfront property, a beautiful hotel, or a comfortable suite, below you can find my recommendations.
Best accommodation in Ucluelet
| Hotel | Distance to downtown | Price | Review score | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluvio Rooms | 150 meters | 354 CAD | 9.5 | Click here |
| Storm Cove Suites | 800 meters | 540 CAD | 8.7 | Click here |
| Bayshore Waterfront Inn | 450 meters | 403 CAD | 9 | Click here |
Note: if you're visiting in high season, it's recommended to book ahead, especially for the months of July and August. The prices mentioned in the tables above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.
Camping in Ucluelet: Ucluelet Campground
Ucluelet Campsite is a nice place to stay and offers good facilities (clean toilets, hot showers).
The sites aren’t very big, but most of them have nice views. You can choose between a waterfront site, a forest site, or a full-service RV site, prices vary accordingly.
The campground location is excellent, it's right at the edge of Ucluelet and only a short walk to several cafes and restaurants as well as two supermarkets.
Check the Ucluelet Campground website for more information.
Are you camping on Vancouver Island? In this post, you can find 10 great free and paid campgrounds.
Best places to visit in Ucluelet: map
Click here for the interactive map.
Plan your Canada trip like a pro with these tools:
✈️ Find the best flight deals with Kiwi.com.
? Rent a campervan for your Canada road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com).
? Arrange your Canada working holiday with Global Work & Travel.
? Plan your journey with the Canada Lonely Planet.
?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
? Join the best tours in Canada via Get Your Guide or Viator.
?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing.
Top things to do in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
1. Surfing in Florencia Bay
One of the biggest attractions on the west coast of Vancouver Island, besides the gorgeous landscapes, is surfing and Ucluelet is no exception.
A smaller destination than the central hub of surf known as Tofino, Ucluelet offers a more laidback, off-the-beaten-path sort of surfing experience.
Surrounded by cliffs and backed by the forest, Florencia is the main spot to go surfing. This stunning surfer’s cove is also known to be home to some sea lions, so don’t be surprised if you see one or two, or three!
2. Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail
If you want to get up close and personal with some remarkable western Canadian coastline, then look no further than the Wild Pacific Trail.
This 5-mile trail begins at the same point as the Lighthouse Loop track (which you can optionally take along with the Wild Pacific Trail) and stretches to the Rocky Bluffs.
If you want to skip the Lighthouse Loop you can begin the trail at Big Beach. The trail hugs the coastline and treats hikers to some pretty spectacular views of the dramatic coast and the imposing forest.
3. Spend the day at Long Beach on Wickaninnish Bay
The largest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park reserve, Long Beach is one of the most picturesque and popular beaches in the area.
Offering views of some of Canada’s best features – mountains, rainforest, and pacific beach, Long Beach is a great place to spend a couple of hours (or even an entire day).
Long Beach is popular among surfers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts looking to glimpse the crabs, whales, and eagles that like to frequent the area.
4. Learn at Wickaninnish Beach
This one kind of goes hand and hand with spending the day at Long Beach since both sandy beaches are a part of Wickaninnish Bay.
Definitely take time to learn about the First Nations groups that have occupied the land for thousands of years at Kwisitis Visitor Centre.
From the deck, you can observe the aquatic wildlife and surfers taking on the water, while inside you can see some interesting exhibits and murals.
5. Gawk at the Ucluelet Aquarium
A popular destination in Ucluelet, the Ucluelet Aquarium mixes education with wonder as you peruse the different tanks featuring starfish, crabs, and other sea creatures that you can find in and around Ucluelet.
This catch-and-release aquarium is committed to teaching, preserving, and celebrating the diversity of marine life and aquatic critters that call the west coast home.
6. Kayak at Barkley Sounds
Barkley Sounds, located just south of Ucluelet in the Pacific Rim National Park, is a popular area of islands that is renowned among kayakers and paddles alike.
None of the hundreds of islands and islets are bigger than 2km across and make for some fascinating sights as you spend the day paddling around.
7. Take a whale watching tour
Climb aboard a vessel with your family or a small tour group and head out onto the waters around Ucluelet to see some of the most magnificent creatures of the ocean.
Whales are known to frequent the waters surrounding Ucluelet and during whale season you are pretty much guaranteed a sighting, or two, or three!
There is a great selection of tours available in and around Ucluelet and most follow a similar path out on the waters so you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
8. Explore Tidepools at Chesterman Beach
Chesterman Beach is an uber-popular beach located closer to Tofino than Ucluelet but is well worth the drive over.
This long stretch of beach bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the lush forest on the other has a lot of things to do besides walking.
During low tide, you can explore the tidepools in an attempt to find sea stars and other sea critters.
You can also visit woodcarvers at work or watch as new surfers attempt the waves under the guidance of the local surf school. In short, there is plenty of things to fill your day at Chesterman Beach.
9. Explore in and around Little Beach
What this beach may lack in the coastline, it more than makes up for interesting things to see. Tucked away into an alcove, Little Beach is a sheltered beach that sees a lot of small fishing boats and is backed onto some small beach cottages. Some hiking trails will take you to other views of the coast and beach, making an idyllic spot for a quiet afternoon among nature.
10. Hike to the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
If you’re keen on hitting some of the more popular hiking trails in Ucluelet, then you’ll want to make room in your itinerary for the Lighthouse Loop.
Part of the Wild Pacific Trail, the Lighthouse Loop takes you to an important historical lighthouse. A key feature of the coastline, the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is an active lighthouse with sweeping panoramic views and a rich history that has solidified itself into the heart of Ucluelet.
11. Tour the Clayoquot Sound
Imagine lush emerald valleys, cerulean water, and thousand-year-old trees and you’ve got a good picture of the Clayoquot Sound.
The site of one of Canada’s largest acts of civil disobedience, Clayoquot Sound has been immortalized in history along with the ‘War in the Woods’ where protestors gathered by the thousands to block the damaging deforestation happening there.
Today, Clayoquot Sound is a popular spot for wildlife tours.
12. Picnic at Big Beach
Big Beach is located only a short walk away from Ucluelet and features soft, warm sand and a picnic area to enjoy.
Pack lunch and a beach towel and head to Big Beach to spend the day under the sun. Walk along the beach and see if you can also find some interesting sea critters to watch in the tide pools.
13. Go on a day trip to Port Alberni
If you want to experience the charm of a western Canadian city, then head to Port Alberni located about 1.5 hours from Ucluelet.
Filled with urban activities, shopping, and dining, it’s easy to spend a day or two exploring Port Alberni and the nearby activities and attractions.
14. Do the Hot Springs Cove Tour
Join the Hot Springs Cove Tour and enjoy the gorgeous coastal landscapes for which Vancouver Island is renowned.
See natural pools, geothermal waterfalls, and fascinating wildlife on this tour which takes place on both land and water. The tour culminates at the Hot Springs where you can unwind among the thermal pools.
15. Enjoy the waters at Kennedy Lake Provincial Park
Kennedy Lake Provincial Park is a lush day-use provincial park that features forested trails and a pristine lake.
Swim, fish, kayak or windsurf on the water of Kennedy Lake as you take in the surrounding boreal forest and mountain landscape.
16. Enjoy art at the Reflecting Spirit Gallery
Nestled within Ucluelet, the Reflecting Spirit Gallery is a gallery that proudly displays handmade art made by local artisans.
Perfect for those looking to be visually stunned and humbly educated, spending an hour perusing the displays at Reflecting Spirit Gallery will leave you more appreciative of Ucluelet and the people that call the area home.
17. Sit down for dinner at Heartwood Kitchen
If you want to experience truly authentic British Columbia dishes, then head to Heartwood Kitchen in Ucluelet for freshly prepared west coast meals.
Made with fresh ingredients and served by friendly staff, having dinner at Heartwood Kitchen guarantees a truly Canadian dining experience.
18. Have a drink at the Gray Whale or Zoe's Bakery and Café
Looking for a quick bite to eat before heading out for some Ucluelet exploration? Then head to the Gray Whale or Zoe’s Bakery and Café for some world-class pastries and coffee.
If you can afford to stay or got some time to kill on a rainy day, sit down and enjoy the vegan sandwiches and soup that are served during lunch and dinner.
19. Zipline at Westcoast Wild Zipline
For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike, head to Westcoast Wild Zipline located about 45 minutes outside of Ucluelet for some fast-paced fun.
See the beauty of Vancouver Island's western landscape from a whole new perspective as you whip past on a zipline for what is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
20. Watch bears at Thornton Creek Fish Hatchery
A treat for both humans and bears alike, the Thornton Creek Fish Hatchery attracts both with its salmon hatching in the nearby river.
Bears come to feast on the salmon while people can watch from a safe distance away on a secured platform complete with electric fences for your peace of mind.
Ucluelet things to do: in conclusion
In conclusion, Ucluelet is a great destination for outdoor activities and exploring nature. Whether you’re spending a weekend or an entire week, Ucluelet is sure to provide a memorable visit.
If you've got any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message. For more Vancouver Island travel tips, check these posts:
Also read my other Canada articles for more travel inspiration.
