FAQ

Hard to pronounce. Harder to forget! While the name looks hard to say it is actually very easy. It’s simply: U • CLUE • LET or Ukee (U•Key) as locals affectionately refer to Ucluelet.

The population of Ucluelet as of 2016 is 1,717.

The time zone is Pacific Standard Time PDT (UTC-7) from March 13, 2o21 until November 7, 2021 then the time zone is Pacific Standard Time PST (UTC-8)

Ucluelet is located at the western edge of Barkley Sound, 288 kilometres Northwest of the British Columbia’s provincial capital, Victoria, on the outer west coast of Vancouver Island. The closest city is Port Alberni approximately 100 km to the east and the District of Tofino is 40 km northwest of Ucluelet on Highway 4.

Ucluelet is surrounded on both sides by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; the Long Beach Unit to the Northwest and Broken Islands Group to the South.

If you are arriving here from outside of Canada, by the time you make your way to Ucluelet you will already have been cleared through Canadian Customs. Government regulations require all visitors arriving in Canada by air, land and see from the United States of America and elsewhere, to have a valid passport. Additional documentation may be required, such as a visitor visa or alien card permitting entry. For more information, please visit  Canada Border Services Agency (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

Tipping is customary in the tourism industry, with a standard minimum tip of fifteen per cent (15%-20%). Tips can also be given to drivers, tour guides, spa therapists, hairdressers, bartenders, hotel attendants, etc., at your discretion.

Credit Card and Bank Debit Cards use are widespread. VISA, Mastercard, American Express are accepted at most local shops and services, as are bank debit cards.

CIBC (ATM)
Address: 212 Main Street, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: (250) 726-7701
Monday to Friday – 9:30AM to 5:00PM

Coastal Credit Union of British Columbia (ATM)
Address: 1566 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: (250) 726-7785
Monday to Friday – 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Canada is a bi-lingual nation, with both English and French being our official languages. English is the most commonly used language in local restaurants, shops, and businesses throughout the region. As you arrive on the Westcoast you will see signage reflecting the Nuu-chah-nulth language representing the surrounding first nations communities.

For more information and the latest information, call Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise at (204) 983-3500 (from outside Canada) or 1-800-461-9999 (from inside Canada), or visit www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Generally, wearing apparel and personal effects for use by visitors are admitted free of duty. People aged 19 and over may bring up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 220 g (8 oz) of manufactured tobacco into Canada. People aged 19 and over may also bring 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or 1.5 litres (45 oz) of wine or 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale into Canada. All goods must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, and fully automatic firearms are prohibited entry into Canada. All weapons must be declared.

Non-residents may claim GST rebates (conditions apply). Forms are available on BC Ferries, airports, Greyhound Bus terminals and other locations.

Currency in Canada is based on the Canadian dollar and is similar to American currency with coinage including nickels (five cents), dimes (ten cents), quarters (twenty-five cents), and then the one dollar coin commonly referred to as a Loonie (for the embossed image of a Loon that graces one side) and the two dollar coin called a Twoonie (or toonie). Canadian currency also comes in bills of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Many businesses will accept the US dollar but exchange rates will vary. The local bank can also help you exchange your US dollars into CAD dollars. Look at the currency exchange rate: https://www.gocurrency.com/

Statutory holidays include:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• BC Family Day (third Monday in February)
• Good Friday & Easter Sunday & Monday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day (July 1)
• BC Day (first Monday in August)
• Labour Day (First Monday in September)
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
• Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October)
• Remembrance Day (November 11)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Most local businesses are open during these statutory holidays.

“British Columbia prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 19 years. Alcoholic beverages can only be purchased at B.C. Liquor Agency Stores, beer and wine stores, and at licensed restaurants, pubs, and lounges.

In general, alcoholic beverages can only be consumed on licensed premises or private property. Drinking alcohol is not permitted in unlicensed public areas, including all parks, beaches, and streets. Within your campsite in the National Park, alcoholic beverages may be consumed as it is considered private property.

Throughout Canada, the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration for fully licensed drivers is to be under 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08.

Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or over is a criminal offence, and the penalties are severe.
Smoking or vaping (tobacco, cannabis, etc.) is not allowed in any public buildings in British Columbia, including restaurants and bars. Please respect any posted signage while visiting the area.

BYLAW No.1187 Smoking or vaping (tobacco, cannabis, etc.) is also prohibited in all public parks in Ucluelet and within 8 meters of public doorways.”