Best Waterway Adventures in the West Coast Gem of Ucluelet
Affectionately nicknamed Ukee [you-key], Ucluelet is a scenic village on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. It’s an idyllic, adventurous year-round coastal destination where you can explore lush temperate rainforests, enjoy oceanside strolls and soak in stunning island sunsets. For a quieter escape, visit in the off-season beginning in late August and early “Suntember,” extending into the fall months, when the summer tourists have gone home but the storm watchers haven’t yet descended for the winter season.
Accessing Ukee
Perched on a peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, Ucluelet is surrounded by salty waves to the west, Ucluelet Inlet to the northeast and Barkley Sound to the south. Accessible by a two-hour ferry ride from Vancouver, plus a scenic three-hour drive along winding mountain passes and stretches of former logging roads, the village’s extensive shorelines make water-related activities like kayaking, wildlife viewing and fishing a highlight of any visit. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer, here’s how to best experience Ucluelet’s waterways come fall.
Angler’s Paradise
With uncrowded local waters and a bounty of fish species like salmon, halibut, lingcod and various rockfish, fall is the ideal season for anglers. The peak chinook and coho salmon run typically takes place in August through September, making both saltwater and freshwater fishing incredibly rewarding. Head to Barkley Sound and Mara Rock for salmon and halibut, including the prized chinook. For freshwater fishing, visit Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, just north of Ucluelet, to catch rainbow and cutthroat trout. For guided trips with experienced captains and all the gear you’ll need, book with charter companies like Oceans West Adventures, Maximum Coastal Adventures, Pacific Rim Fishing and Salmon Eye Charters.
Explore Pacific Rim and Barley Sound
Situated between Tofino and Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park is split into three distinct units: Long Beach, Broken Group Islands and the 75-kilometre West Coast Trail that stretches from Bamfield to Port Renfrew along the rugged and remote western shore of the island.
For a memorable adventure, go sea kayaking and camping among the Broken Group Islands. This collection of over 100 small islands, islets and rocky outcrops spans 130 square kilometres across Barkley Sound. Since these islands are only accessible by boat, you can launch from Secret Beach Campground and Kayak Launch, a 45-minute drive east of Ucluelet. As you navigate the calm bays, narrow passages and secluded beaches, keep an eye out for grey and humpback whales, as well as mink, bald eagles, seals, sea lions and otters. Beneath the surface, explore a vibrant underwater world filled with anemones, fish and sea stars among kelp forests and rocky reefs.
For a more relaxed experience, head to Long Beach, a 16-kilometre stretch of sand that’s the park’s most popular spot. It’s perfect for quiet reflection, surfing, beachcombing, kayaking, swimming and skimboarding.
Surf’s Up
Surfing has been a part of Ucluelet’s local lifestyle and identity for over five decades, and its laid-back surfing culture makes the village one of Canada’s top spots for the sport. In the summer, the waves are mellow, perfect for first-timers to take lessons and catch their first rides in August. For seasoned surfers, the action heats up in September, with frothy swells reaching three metres in height by October. Head to Wickaninnish Beach, just 15 minutes from Ucluelet, or hit Long Beach, both within Pacific Rim National Park and known for their reliable waves.
Not sure where to start? Book a group or private lesson with Relic Surf Shop, a local favourite that’s been teaching the ropes for over a decade. If you need gear, Long Beach Surf Shop has you covered with a selection of high-quality soft and hard top surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits.
This article was sponsored by Tourism Ucluelet
Discover the untamed beauty of rugged landscapes, embark on coastal hikes, indulge in wildlife viewing, unwind at cozy cafes, and embrace the ideal extended stay escape for nature enthusiasts and serenity seekers.
