Ucluelet, BC, sits on the Ucluth Peninsula on the western coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. It takes about 5 hours to reach Ucluelet from Victoria, and 2.5 hours from Nanaimo. It is also possible to fly into Tofino/Ucluelet Airport.
Once arrived, there is no shortage of things to do. In town, relax at a luxurious spa, browse interesting galleries, and dine at excellent restaurants. Take part in the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival in March, which celebrates the migration of nearly 20,000 gray whales. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade, overlooking Ucluelet Inlet; or curl up with a good book at your Ucluelet Bed and Breakfast.
Many people travel to Ucluelet for the hiking. Certainly, the biggest problem with hiking around Ucluelet and Tofino is deciding where to start. BC’s Pacific Rim National Park is right there, as well as the Wild Pacific Trail . Rain Forest Trails meander through towering old-growth rain forests of cedar, hemlock and fir. Boardwalks keep boots dry along the Shorepine Bog Trail. The trails of the Pacific Rim National Park are open to hiking only, so leave the mountain bikes at home.
The Wild Pacific Trail along the coast overlooks the Broken Group Islands to the east and the vast Pacific Ocean to the south and west. Walk through ancient cedar and spruce trees, and gaze at spectacular shoreline vistas. Three sections of the trail lead hikers to Brown Beach, Big Beach and along Lighthouse Loop. Try to experience at least one sunrise or sunset on the trail, and keep an eye out for gray whales as they migrate past in the spring and fall.
The West Coast Trail follows the path of an old telegraph route south of Ucluelet through the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheenaht First Nations. Today it draws people from all over the world, based on a reservation system. The 77-km long trail is difficult and physically challenging; cable trolleys cross riverbeds, steps traverse cliff faces, and fog and rain obscure views. That said, those who hike it find the rewards to be great. Ucluelet Bed and Breakfasts are the perfect place to recover after days in the wilderness.
Ocean Mist Guesthouse
Lovely guesthouse in a quiet peninsula setting is steps to the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop, featuring a separate outside guest entrance, two self-contained king or queen guest rooms each with a private deck, relaxing coastal decor, kitchenettes with microwave(no stove), TV & wood floors.