18 Things to Do in Ucluelet
Welcome to Ucluelet, BC. This stunning region on Vancouver Island’s West Coast is home to an abundance of exciting activities. Whether you are a returning or first-time visitor, we have compiled 18 things to do in Ucluelet so that you can make the most of your trip.
1. Plan to stay a few days more!
There is so much to see, learn, and do out on the West Coast, that you’ll wish you were here longer. And don’t forget to build some much-needed downtime into your itinerary.
Check out our local accommodation providers.
2. What’s that plant or animal? Explore nature in a new way.
Ever wonder what flora and fauna surround you while walking the trails in Ucluelet? Take your exploration of the West Coast to new educational heights with the iNaturalist app, where you can explore, log photos, and learn along the way. Suggested Explorations:
Wander the Wild Pacific Trail ‘Lighthouse Loop,’ and see if you can find a banana slug or sword fern!
Explore the intertidal zone at Big Beach, where the rich marine life provides an incredible opportunity to learn and discover.
3. Discover the wonders of the intertidal zone at the Ucluelet Aquarium
Focusing on local species, interactivity, and sustainability, the ‘collect-and-release’ model at the Ucluelet Aquarium was the first of it’s kind in Canada.
4. Find some inspiration on the Wild Pacific Trail
Craggy volcanic rock and ocean swells form the backdrop of the Wild Pacific Trail. For a humbling experience, wander the 8.4 km of one of the top trails on Vancouver Island.
Lighthouse Loop (2.6km) – The first section of the trail to be built, this loop follows an undeniable scenic route to Amphitrite Lighthouse, which was re-built in 1915 to withstand the power of the Pacific Ocean.
Brown’s Beach & Artist Loops (3.5 km one-way) – Forest sections make way for wild vistas on the edge of the cliffside.
Ancient Cedars & Rocky Bluffs (1.25km) – This 15-minute loop winds through some of the largest trees in the area, and can be combined with the Rocky Bluffs to view wild rocky cliffs and surge channels.
5. Are you a history buff?
Take a self-guided historical walking tour with our On This Spot app.
- ‘Ucluelet’s Seaplane Base‘ walks you through the history of the Canadian Forces stationed here during the Second World War.
- The ‘People of the Safe Harbour‘ tour guides you through Ucluelet’s vibrant history, highlighting the unique challenges and joys that came from living on the edge of the Pacific.
6. Enjoy the local food and drink, at one of Ucluelet many incredible eateries
We are all about local, from amazing bakeries, untraditional BBQ, wood-fired pizza, awesome seafood food trucks, and one of the best new restaurants in Canada! Ucluelet has everything you need from grocery, delis and liquor stores, to fair-trade locally roasted artisan coffees and hand-blended teas.
7. Surf or SUP at one of the West Coast’s many beaches and bays
Join a lesson or rent your gear with one of our local surf shops! Surf is a way of life on the west coast, so why not try your hand at this popular pastime?
Never been surfing or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)? Lessons are highly recommended.
8. Kayak along Ucluelet’s historic waterfront or into the crystal blue waters of the Broken Group Islands
Local guides offer an opportunity to paddle out, on either a 3-hour tour of the historic harbour or on a day trip among the many islands in Barkley Sound that make up the Broken Group Islands.
Bookings are highly recommended. Check out the local operators offering kayaking out of Ucluelet.
9. Search for bears or whales on an ocean adventure
Explore miles of coastal scenery on the search for grey whales, which migrate up the coast in March and hang around to feed in the rich coastal waters until November.
Black bears may be found along the coastlines, flipping rocks in their quest for a tasty meal.
The vibrant ecosystems of coastal Vancouver Island mean you never know what you might see out on the water!
Check out the local operators offering wildlife watching experiences.
Bookings are highly recommended.
10. Wandering the stunning trails and beaches of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
From old-growth rainforest to windswept sand dunes, the many trails of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offer ancient bogs, towering cedars, and Nuu-chah-nulth history.
11. Observe the rocky pools in Big Beach’s intertidal zone
The intertidal zone of the West Coast is incredibly rich in biodiversity, and Big Beach is a wonderful place to explore it! Keep your eyes peeled and you might even find 19th-century shipwreck along the shoreline.
Our local beaches host hundreds of visitors a year, which means lots of interactions for the inhabitants. Watch your step when exploring the intertidal zone, hang on to your cigarette butts, and please leave the beach at the beach!
12. Try your hand at fishing for halibut, cod, or salmon
For a truly ‘West Coast’ experience, try your hand at open water fishing with one of the local charters. Depending on the season, halibut, salmon, or lingcod could be the catch of the day!
Bookings are highly recommended.
13. Hop on an e-bike for a tour on the Ucluth Peninsula
Explore the west coast on a state-of-the-art electric bike, stopping at local points-of-interest (and maybe a few secret spots) for some incredible photo opportunities!
Bookings are highly recommended.
14. Take a flight over the rugged coastline with West Coast Wild
If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, Ucluelet has an adventure that only the imagination is capable of; whether it be whale watching, as they dive for herring and roe, or the sea lions and otters as they play amongst themselves, you’ll have an “eagles eye” perspective on it all when you take a flight tour above the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
Bookings are highly recommended.
15. Soar over the Kennedy River canyon on a series of 6 ziplines
Fly through the mystical forest of Tla-o-qui-aht territory on a series of 6 ziplines that hover high above the Winchee River in Kennedy River Canyon.
Check out West Coast Wild Zipline!
Bookings are highly recommended.
16. Golf year-round at the Long Beach Golf Course
There is something fun for everyone at the year-round Long Beach Golf Course. A mini putt, driving range, and a 9-hole championship course let you practice your putt and swing in any season!
17. Bike, hike, or skate along Ucluelet’s 8km multi-use pathway
Ucluelet’s multi-use pathway follows the Pacific Rim Highway and offers a paved path for use with roller-skates, bicycles, skateboards, strollers… anything with wheels! Or, if you choose to walk, you can connect up with a hike along the Wild Pacific Trail.
18. Observe the stunning West Coast sunset
A west-facing coastline means wildly colourful sunsets!
