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”.

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.

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.

Visitors from around the world come here for our excellent fishing (salmon, cod & halibut), whale watching (Grey and Humpback), scuba diving (many reefs and shipwrecks), nature cruises, beachcombing, kayaking (very close to the Broken Group Islands), wilderness hiking and the pristine nature. A bicycle rental shop just a few blocks away, Ukee Bikes, would be happy to rent you a bike if you enjoy getting fit while sight-seeing. The soon-to-be world famous Wild Pacific Trail is a short walk from Anchors Inn, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, taking you right up to the lighthouse at Amphitrite Point — not many towns can boast that you can walk up and touch a lighthouse!

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.

Just a 10-minute drive away is Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. 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.