Take the Scenic Route: The Ultimate West Coast E-Bike Adventure

Vancouver Island is home to some of the best multi-use bike routes in the province, and its west coast falls nothing short of holding that reputation. Ucluelet, British Columbia, offers a unique blend of coastline, provincial park rainforests, and charming small-town vibes. While there are numerous ways to explore this picturesque region, e-biking is an exhilarating and eco-friendly option. Here’s a guide to experiencing Ucluelet on two electric wheels.

Why Choose E-Biking?

E-bikes, or electric bicycles, provide a perfect balance of adventure and ease. With some help from an electric motor, you can tackle hills, extend your ride, and explore more without exhausting yourself. This makes e-biking an excellent choice for both seasoned cyclists and casual riders looking to enjoy the beauty of Ucluelet at their own pace.

Bike around town

Create your own tour around the town of Ucluelet. E-biking provides an easy way to get around so you can mark off all the must-stops, like the Ucluelet Aquarium, brewery or local shops. Better yet, you won’t have to pay for parking. Now, that’s what we call a win-win. 

E-bike from Ucluelet to Tofino:

Are you thinking about heading to Tofino from Ucluelet? Prepare to get excited about the wonderfully paved trail through the Pacific Rim National Park. You can stop at sout-after beaches like Long Beach for a picnic break or tour the lush rainforest boardwalk trails. 

• Distance: About 40 km
• Highlights: Coastal vistas, rainforests, potential wildlife sightings, beach hangouts. 
• Details: This route takes you along the Pacific Rim Highway and is best for those looking for a longer ride. The journey between Ucluelet and Tofino combines flat stretches and rolling hills, which are perfect for e-bike exploration.
• Stops Along the Way:
  • Long Beach: A must-visit for its expansive sandy shores and excellent surfing conditions.
  • Rainforest Trail: Experience a short but enchanting walk through ancient, moss-draped trees in Pacific Rim National Park.

E-Bike Rental Shops in Ucluelet

Wondering where to rent a bike? There are two great local shops within Ucluelet, or if you are staying in Tofino and are looking to visit Ucluelet, they have three bike shops to choose from. Each shop also offers expertise, so bring all your biking questions to the enthusiasts.  

• Ukee Bike Shop
• Tbirds E-Bikes

E-Bike Rental Shops in Tofino

• Tofino Electric Bike Rental
• Tofino Bike Co.
• Tofino Electric Bikes – Surf Grove

Tips for a Great E-Biking Experience

• Safety First: Always wear a helmet, follow local traffic rules, and be mindful of riders and walkers on multi-use paths.
• Plan Your Route: While e-bikes can easily handle longer distances, it’s still essential to plan your route and ensure you have enough battery life for the journey.
• Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a map, and a fully charged phone. The weather in Ucluelet can be unpredictable, so a rain jacket is also a good idea.

Embracing the E-Bike Culture

E-biking in Ucluelet is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a way to immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty and culture. The locals are friendly, the scenery is breathtaking, and the experience is unforgettable. It is one of the best things to do when getting to know an area like this. 

Whether you’re enjoying a casual ride through town or gliding to or from Tofino, e-biking in Ucluelet offers an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the tranquility of nature. So, rent an e-bike and prepare to discover Ucluelet and its trails in the most exciting way possible!

Ride with T̓iick̓in Ebikes, for Indigenous culture, nature experiences in Tofino & Ucluelet

Check out the video from ZenSeekers on e-biking with T̓iick̓in Tbird E-Bike Rentals!

A three- or four-day stay gives you a perfect chance to sleep and dream. After a day of hikes, walks and exploring, wake to the sounds of the coastal rainforest at dawn. A few days of this will bring you back to life, and you won’t soon forget them.

Day 1 Itinerary:

1. Walk the Wild Pacific Trail’s Lighthouse Loop (1 hour round trip.) Enjoy some fantastic ocean views, a rainforest walk and arrive at the historic 100+ year-old Amphitrite Point Lighthouse along the way.
2. Stop for lunch at one of our amazing food trucks.
3. Kayak the inner harbor and take in the sights and sounds of nature all around from the water. Ucluelet is one of the top ten kayaking destinations in the world!

Day 2 Itinerary:

1. Walk the full Wild Pacific Trail from Brown’s Beach parking lot all the way to the Ancient Cedars Loop (see some trees over 800 years old!) and a truly breathtaking walk along the ocean. Be sure to sit on Oyster Jim’s (the founder and builder of the Wild Pacific Trail) deck and the main deck perch about halfway—just sit and watch the ocean for a while!
2. Fuel up with lunch from one of our amazing local restaurants.
3. Time to hit the waves! Stop by Relic Surf Shop/Long Beach Surf Shop or Wick’d Surf Shop to get set up with gear and a lesson. Just a short drive down the road from Ucluelet are some of Canada’s longest beaches that you can surf year-round. People come from all over the world to catch a wave in what is considered one of Canada’s top surf destinations! The most accessible surf beaches from Ucluelet are Wickaninnish Beach and Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Before you go, stop by the Visitor’s Centre (at the Junction) to purchase your park pass (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.)

Day 3 Itinerary: 

1. Stop in at a great local breakfast spot for a nourishing meal before you hit the road.
2. Heading out of town, stop to take in the incredible Rainforest Trail loops in the Pacific Rim National Park. There are 2 loops, one on each side of the road, Shoreline Bog Trail and Rainforest Trail (1km each). See which one you like the best (spoiler; both are amazing!)
3. Next stop- Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park! This is a popular destination to take in a scenic walk or to catch some waves.
4. Seeing as your already halfway there, go to Tofino for the rest of the day! You need to stand on iconic Chesterman Beach (rated one of the top 50 beaches in the world) and pop into some of their world-class, top-rated restaurants for a bite to eat. Soak in the vibe and culture of Canada’s #1 Surf Town.
5. In Tofino and feeling extra adventurous? Why not book a boat to Hot Springs Cove! Reach out to Long Beach Nature Tours,  Jamie’s Whaling Station, The Whale Centre or Westcoast Aquatic Safaris to plan your trip.
6. Wrapping up your day in Tofino and heading back to Ucluelet, stop by Long beach to catch the sunset. You will never see colors like this!

Day 4 Itinerary:

1. Start your day with a Whale, Bear & Wildlife Tour. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Local whale & wildlife tour operators provide a fantastic opportunity for you to experience the breathtaking beauty of coastal British Columbia and the majestic whales and wildlife in their natural environment. March to October is peak season for tours.
2. After a refreshing day out on the water, time to fuel up! The brewery is a great spot to take in the view of the harbour, while sipping some locally made ales.
3. Before heading home for the day, pop into the Ucluelet Collect & Release Eco Aquarium (seasonal: open from March to end of November). The entire family always loves to see what lives in our intertidal zones including an octopus, don’t forget the interactive touch tanks!
4. Make sure you stock up on some souvenirs from Reflecting Spirits Gallery. With a huge selection of local artwork, you will be sure to find something memorable to take home with you.

Make sure you make time to stop (on the way in or out of town) to go Ziplining! Soar through the old-growth rainforests, spot the waterfalls along the way and feel the roar as you glide down the Kennedy River Canyon along Highway 4. The cultural guided tour as you move from line to line, is not to be missed! Start or end your vacation by stopping at Westcoast Wild Ziplining.  

Are you thinking of staying for the entire week? Check out our 5-day + Itinerary to find out what else you can do while you are here! Or, if you are only here for the day, visit our Perfect Day Trip Itinerary for some inspiration.