Ucluelet, also known as Ukee by the locals, is a district municipality in the Ucluelet Peninsula, Pacific Rim, Vancouver Island. The name Ucluelet means "people of the safe harbour" in the indigenous language of Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka). Based on archaeological evidence, First Nations have been living along the outer west coast of Vancouver Island for at least 4,300 years. The recorded history of British Columbia's started when European people explorers were searching for the Northwest Passage. First of all, was Juan Pérez, who anchored and traded in 1774 on the west coast of Vancouver Island, at Nootka Sound northwest of Ucluelet. The following year, Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, who was sailing along the coast of Vancouver Island, roughly charted the coast in the vicinity of Kyuquot Sound.
The economy of Ucluelet has made the transition from resource-based to all-year-round tourism-based. After Victoria, the Pacific Rim area is now the second most visited tourism centre on Vancouver Island. Almost 90,000 visitors worldwide visit Ucluelet, Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and its Long Beach Unit.
Tourist activities in Ucluelet are various and fun. What Ucluelet is known for is excellent salt-water fishing. So don't forget your fishing rod. Surfing, standup paddleboarding, fishing, whale watching, bear watching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, and beachcombing are among other activities you can do around Ucluelet. Storm watching is also available from November to March.
Ucluelet, with an oceanic climate, has mild, rainy winters and cool summers. The average monthly temperature is between 2°C (35.6°F) in February to 20°C (68°F) in August.
The best time to visit Ucluelet is from June to September. It is when the coastal climate has a mild summer temperature, suitable for outdoor activities.
Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) has round trips to Vancouver. The airport is near Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit.
West Coast Wild has flights to Tofino and Bamfield, the nearest communities to Ucluelet, and from there, you can take a taxi or bus to Ucluelet.
You may start your departure from Vancouver to Victoria at Swartz Bay. From there, continue your trip by driving toward Ucluelet.
You can also take a ferry from Tsawwassen to Duke Point or from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay. After reaching Nanaimo, continue your way by driving toward Ucluelet.
Ucluelet is a beautiful and scenic district and has a lot to offer as attractions and activities. A great view of the ocean while having fun and doing exciting activities make your visit memorable. Hiking and biking on the picturesque trails would bring you back to Ucluelet. Lying in the sun and relaxing at beautiful beaches would be delightful. For entertainment, Ucluelet is full of surprises. Experience scenic flights of West Coast Wild Adventures. Go and see Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, one of the world's most famous lighthouses. Have the time of your life with a zipline eco-tour in West Coast Wild. Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium, browse the galleries in a region that inspires hundreds of artists, and of course, enjoy pubs and bars in Ucluelet.
Public transportation in Ucluelet includes buses and taxis.
The best place to stay is near the beaches to enjoy a great view and be close to where the water sports are available and make the best of your trip.
Hotels:
Hyphocus Inn
Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina
Bayshore Waterfront Inn
Water's Edge Shoreside Suites
Hostels:
Island West Resort
West Coast Motel On The Harbour
Ukee Peninsula Motel
Guesthouses:
Terrace Beach Resort Ucluelet
Ucluelet Ocean Mist Guesthouse
The Cabins at Terrace Beach
Hertel's Beach House
Storm Cove Suites
Ucluelet Guest House
Shopping in Ucluelet
Ucluelet has remarkable art galleries for shopping, such as Mark Penney Gallery, Cedar House Gallery and The Den a Paint & Pottery Studio. You can also find gift shops in the city. Here are some of the best:
Ukee Sunday Night Market, Rubio, Image West Gifts, The Wreckage and Turning Tides Tarot
Most of the food and beverage services in Ucluelet are around Peninsula Road. Here is a list of them:
Seom Restaurant, Currents Restaurant, Ukee Dogs Taqueria, Cedar Grill, Heartwood Kitchen, Abbondanza, Howler's Family Restaurant, Wild Bean Café, Thay Tea - Organic Loose Leaf Tea, Yayu Café, Huckleberry's Coffee Shop
Ucluelet Brewing Company and Pacific Rim Distilling are downtown.
