This coastal community is a vibrant hub for talented local artists, craftsmen, and sustainable businesses dedicated to creating and sharing their work with you. Here, you’ll find environmentally ethical products that inspire and delight. Whether you’re a visitor searching for the perfect keepsake or a local looking for holiday treasures, shopping in Ucluelet offers a unique experience. And if you’re feeling extra festive, The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and District of Ucluelet has something magical lined up just in time for the holidays.
Shopping Local in Ucluelet
Ucluelet’s Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Midnight Madness is a staple holiday tradition in the community. This lively event will occur on Friday, November 29th, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with businesses staying open even later for the night owls among us. You can anticipate finding exclusive deals and festive vibes, and may even get the chance to win a prize or two!
Many businesses are extending discounts all weekend, making it the perfect opportunity to stay, shop and explore more of Ucluelet’s beauty. Why not make a weekend out of it? Book a cozy getaway, enjoy the rugged coast and savour Ucluelet’s warm hospitality.
Treasures Around Every Corner
If you’re looking for unique gifts, Ucluelet is full of fabulous finds! Here are some must-visit spots where you’re bound to discover something memorable:
- Image West Gallery & Gifts: Step into this gallery, surrounded by stunning local artwork and charming gift items. It’s the perfect place to find a piece of Ucluelet to bring home.
- Cedar House Gallery: This gallery features beautiful Indigenous art crafted by skilled local artists. Each piece tells a story, making Cedar House an exceptional stop for anyone looking for meaningful, handcrafted items.
- Foraged Vintage & Secondhand Shop: Recently opened in a brand-new location, Foraged is filled with a curated selection of pre-loved treasures. It’s an eco-friendly shopper’s dream, with unique finds waiting around every corner.
- Relic Surf Shop: Known for its laid-back vibe, Relic Surf Shop is your go-to for all things surf and adventure. Whether you’re picking up gear for yourself or looking for an excellent gift, Relic has you covered.
- The Den: The Den is a sustainable goods shop and refill store located downtown. It serves as a hub for those interested in giving the gift of sustainability. With a selection of refillable products and an attractive array of home and wellness items, The Den is the perfect place to find just what you need.
Shopping in Ucluelet is a chance to connect with the community, support local businesses, and find items you’ll treasure. So come for the unique finds, stay for the Midnight Madness festivities, and enjoy everything this beautiful community offers.
“Uniquely Ucluelet” showcases the charm of Ucluelet through a series of short films, highlighting the local businesses, individuals, and experiences that define the town’s unique character. Viewers will be immersed in the natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and vibrant community that make Ucluelet a must-visit destination.
Nestled on the rugged coast of Ucluelet, The Den Refillery is more than just a shop – it’s a hub for sustainability and eco-friendly living. Owned by passionate local entrepreneurs Diane Rudge and Kristen O’Keefe, The Den is the first refillery in the Pacific Rim region, offering locals and visitors sustainable alternatives to everyday household products. This innovative space provides a solution to single-use plastics, helping the community and surrounding nature thrive.
The Den was born from Diane and Kristen’s deep connection to their natural surroundings. Living amongst the Pacific Rim’s lush beauty with the ocean at their doorstep, they felt a calling to find a solution to protect and honor this pristine environment. Their mission? To make sustainable living easy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re a Ucluelet local or a visiting traveler hoping to explore mindfully.
One of the standout initiatives at The Den is the S.C.A.P Program (Sustainable & Circular Accommodation Program). Partnering with local hotels and resorts, The Den supplies eco-friendly alternatives to single-use packaged toiletries, cleaning products, and more. These efforts help protect the very coastlines and wildlife that visitors come to enjoy.
The Den is not just about refilling bottles – it’s about inspiring a new perspective into how we travel and live amongst nature. Today, The Den’s eco-friendly offerings are found in numerous resorts in the area, and their influence has expanded across Vancouver Island and neighboring islands, where they continue to make an impact in communities who share their ethos of sustainability and protecting the environment.
With a curated online shop and a loyal customer base, The Den is setting the standard for a cleaner future paired with high-quality, luxurious products. Every refill and every purchase is a step toward preserving Ucluelet’s unique beauty for generations to come. This is The Den, and an invitation to join the movement for sustainable living on the coast and beyond.
Learn more about The Den: https://thedenucluelet.com/
Storm season in Ucluelet is upon us, and we could not be more excited. Ask any Ucluelet local and they can attest to the majesty of a winter storm on BC’s west coast. The energy and sounds of massive waves crashing on the rocky shoreline, winds that make the trees dance, while rains quench the soil and restore shades of green that must be seen to be believed. The energy is palpable while walking on the Wild Pacific Trail and undeniably humbling. These waves bring about a feeling of connection and awe with mother nature. If you have heard the buzz about storm watching in Tofino, wait until you see the massive waves hit the rocky coastline of Ucluelet.
Ucluelet’s soundtrack during the winter months offers the calming rumble of waves connecting with the coastline while being offset by the buoy bell and foghorn. These rhythmic sounds from your cozy accommodation will lull you to sleep by natures sound machine. Things move slowly this time of year and so can you. Winter in Ucluelet means leaning into rest, restoration, quietness, and togetherness. It is the time to pick up a neglected book, cook a meal with those you love or cuddle in and storm watch. Do as much or as little as you feel called to.
If you choose to venture out of your cozy nook, the towering trees on the Wild Pacific Trail offer some refuge on the rainier days and a safe vantage point to watch the winter storms, they huddle over you like natures canopy umbrella. Embracing the elements is always an option for those who wish to feel the mist on their faces and the energy move through ground into your feet as you watch these waves pound the rocky coastline. Or for the seasoned winter surfer, grab your board and catch a swell. On the calmer days, see if you can book a harbour tour in a kayak or boat.
If complete relaxation is what you seek, selfcare with a customized treatment in Drift Spa at the Black Rock Resort or Nurture Day Spa at Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites, will round out your restorative journey.
With a variety of accommodations available, the opportunities for rest and relaxation are endless. Maybe it’s a cottage with a hot tub, or a hotel room with a king size bed and space for your furry companions, start dreaming and choose to be here this Winter. Its your time to treat yourself and Ucluelet has all the tools to do so.
Mike Seehagel
Landon Sveinson
Mike Seehagel
These local businesses and artisans offer online shopping for a little piece of Ucluelet at home.
