Ucluelet: A Hidden Gem in Beautiful British Columbia
Discover the best of Vancouver Island’s hidden gem—Ucluelet—on a shoulder-season adventure.
A laidback fishing village on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Ucluelet—fondly known as Ukee by the locals—enjoys a scenic location with the Pacific Ocean to the west, Barkley Sound to the southeast and Ucluelet Inlet to the east. While the surrounding waters invite a wealth of marine adventures, the dense, ancient temperate rainforest that carpets the region offers an equally captivating landscapes to explore. Ucluelet’s expansive network of trails winds through this lush wilderness, providing hikers with the perfect opportunity to connect with the area’s natural beauty.
How to Get to Here
Catch a two-hour BC Ferries trip sailing to Nanaimo from either Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal and savour views of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Nanaimo, a scenic three-hour drive past forested mountains and tranquil lakes leads you to Ucluelet. Fall is the ideal time for quiet adventures, thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and the trees transforming the landscape into a vibrant display of reds, oranges and golds.
Here are the trails you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Ucluelet.
Wild Pacific Trail
Hugging the rugged coastline of the Ucluelet Peninsula, the eight-kilometre Wild Pacific Trail is split into three sections: the Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach and Brown’s Beach to Ancient Cedars. Each segment can be enjoyed on its own or combined for a longer adventure. The relatively flat trail, accessible for all ages and fitness levels, consists of smooth gravel pathways, wooden boardwalks and steps. Wind through ancient spruce and cedar rainforests, across rocky bluffs with sweeping Pacific Ocean views and pause to soak in the scenery on thoughtfully placed benches along the way.
Start with the 2.6-kilometre Lighthouse Loop to see the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, then continue to the 3.5-kilometre roundtrip Brown’s Beach to Ancient Cedars section, where viewing decks known as Painter’s Perches offer windswept vistas for creative inspiration. Finish with the 1.3-kilometre Ancient Cedars trail, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a tranquil forest, its floor blanketed in ferns, mosses and lichens and filled with towering Douglas firs, hemlocks, Sitka spruce and western red cedars that are over 800 years old.
Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Divided into three distinct areas, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers a wealth of outdoor adventures. The West Coast Trail unit is home to the park’s iconic 75-kilometre backpacking trail, while the Broken Group Islands unit is a paddler’s dream, made up of over 100 small islands scattered across Barkley Sound.
Just a short 15-minute drive from the Long Beach unit, Ucluelet makes the perfect base for exploring its 22 kilometres of sandy beaches and 12 kilometres of trails. For a scenic hike, take on the 3.6-kilometre roundtrip Willowbrae Trail to Half Moon Bay, with wooden boardwalks and stairs leading down to the beach. If you’re seeking more of a challenge, the 14-kilometre roundtrip Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail near Bamfield takes you through rugged terrain, complete with log and tidal flat crossings, offering a taste of the West Coast Trail’s famed wilderness.
Conquer the Edge to Edge (Half) Marathon
Set against Ucluelet’s stunning coastal landscape, the 24th annual Edge to Edge Marathon offers runners a chance to experience one of the region’s most scenic races. Whether you’re chasing a personal best in the half marathon or tackling the 10-kilometre race, the course won’t disappoint. Both races take you along the Wild Pacific Trail, passing the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. The half marathon returns along the Brown’s Beach to Ancient Cedars section, showcasing dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged bluffs, and lush rainforest before heading to the finish at Village Green. The event takes place on October 20, with late registration open until October 15.
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.
