Guide to the Wet Coast
Neighbourhoods
Ucluelet is to Tofino what Canmore is to Banff, or what Pemberton is to Whistler: Less touristy and more relaxed.
Many Tofitians have moved here in recent years to get away from the congested summer crowds and inflated real estate prices of Tofino.
Ukee still manages to keep the working class town vibe.
You won't find long sandy beaches in Ukee but there are some great rocky promontories, trails and smaller gravel beaches to run the dog or chill out on.
You also won't find stifling crowds as you will at Cox Bay during summer.
You WILL find free parking anywhere at any time of year!
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Ucluelet
Ucluelet is to Tofino what Canmore is to Banff, or what Pemberton is to Whistler: Less touristy and more relaxed.
Many Tofitians have moved here in recent years to get away from the congested summer crowds and inflated real estate prices of Tofino.
Ukee still manages to keep the working class town vibe.
You won't find long sandy beaches in Ukee but there are some great rocky promontories, trails and smaller gravel beaches to run the dog or chill out on.
You also won't find stifling crowds as you will at Cox Bay during summer.
You WILL find free parking anywhere at any time of year!
A must visit boasting world class restaurants, hotels, and sandy beaches.
The view of the harbour is sure to take your attention as you first approach - drivers, keep your attention on the road!
Surfer's cold water paradise with five beach breaks within a ten minute drive.
Unique people, places, and a quirky local vibe that moves to the beat of its own drum. Time seems to move differently here and the day is best spent "in the moment". Note to solo travelers: who knows where you will wind up?
It is a gateway for boat trips up to the Hot Springs, fishing, kayaking, and whale watching. It also serves as a transport hub for the native communities and wilderness lodges nearby.
Best visited during Sep and Oct once the summer crowds have departed and the weather is still good.
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Tofino
A must visit boasting world class restaurants, hotels, and sandy beaches.
The view of the harbour is sure to take your attention as you first approach - drivers, keep your attention on the road!
Surfer's cold water paradise with five beach breaks within a ten minute drive.
Unique people, places, and a quirky local vibe that moves to the beat of its own drum. Time seems to move differently here and the day is best spent "in the moment". Note to solo travelers: who knows where you will wind up?
It is a gateway for boat trips up to the Hot Springs, fishing, kayaking, and whale watching. It also serves as a transport hub for the native communities and wilderness lodges nearby.
Best visited during Sep and Oct once the summer crowds have departed and the weather is still good.
Most will only stop for gas on the way to the west coast, but that would be a mistake.
Sproat Lake - The second largest and best lake on Vancouver Island. Comfortably warm during summer, houseboat rentals, cliff jumping, water sports, petroglyphs, fishing, camping, vacation rentals.
Harbor Quay - clock tower, park, waterfront promenade, galleries, shops, cafes, restaurants, farmer's markets all summer, huge salmon festival on Labor Day weekend.
McLean Mill - the first steam powered mill built 100 years ago, National Historic Site.
Stamp Falls - watch the mighty Pacific salmon migrate upriver to spawn during the fall season.
Hole in the Wall - A brief hike off highway 4 into a wooded swimming pool where once a large pipe pushed through a wall. The pipe is gone, leaving the hole.
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Port Alberni
Most will only stop for gas on the way to the west coast, but that would be a mistake.
Sproat Lake - The second largest and best lake on Vancouver Island. Comfortably warm during summer, houseboat rentals, cliff jumping, water sports, petroglyphs, fishing, camping, vacation rentals.
Harbor Quay - clock tower, park, waterfront promenade, galleries, shops, cafes, restaurants, farmer's markets all summer, huge salmon festival on Labor Day weekend.
McLean Mill - the first steam powered mill built 100 years ago, National Historic Site.
Stamp Falls - watch the mighty Pacific salmon migrate upriver to spawn during the fall season.
Hole in the Wall - A brief hike off highway 4 into a wooded swimming pool where once a large pipe pushed through a wall. The pipe is gone, leaving the hole.
Food scene
THE fine dining restaurant in Ucluelet, and most popular on the coast.
Extensive cocktail menu, thoughtful wine list, and ever-changing seasonal menus from Wickanninnish Inn alumnus Chef Warren Barr.
If you've got a Date Night planned, this is the place.
Make reservations well ahead of time (months).
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Pluvio restaurant and rooms
1714 Peninsula RdTHE fine dining restaurant in Ucluelet, and most popular on the coast.
Extensive cocktail menu, thoughtful wine list, and ever-changing seasonal menus from Wickanninnish Inn alumnus Chef Warren Barr.
If you've got a Date Night planned, this is the place.
Make reservations well ahead of time (months).
Great from scratch bakery, desserts, soup, sandwiches, and coffee. Everything on the menu is delicious. Kid's Menu too!
67 locals raden deze aan
Zoe's Bakery and Cafe
250 Main StGreat from scratch bakery, desserts, soup, sandwiches, and coffee. Everything on the menu is delicious. Kid's Menu too!
Barkley Cafe
1-1620 Peninsula RdGood coffee, fast service, cozy space.
All day breakfast. Big portions. Caesars. During summer, huge patio with views of harbor.
35 locals raden deze aan
The Blue Room, A West Coast Bistro
1627 Peninsula RdAll day breakfast. Big portions. Caesars. During summer, huge patio with views of harbor.
Licensed, mainly burger and fryer based menu. Arcade, pinball, pool tables. Rainy day entertainment!
43 locals raden deze aan
Howler's Family Restaurant and Amusements
1992 Peninsula RoadLicensed, mainly burger and fryer based menu. Arcade, pinball, pool tables. Rainy day entertainment!
Right on the water in the Boat Basin and next door to the condo. Open May - Oct. Mid-range menu. Great spot for a bite and a beverage.
26 locals raden deze aan
Floathouse Restaurant
200 Hemlock StRight on the water in the Boat Basin and next door to the condo. Open May - Oct. Mid-range menu. Great spot for a bite and a beverage.
BBQ joint with unique owner. Sit at the bar for immersive local experience. Ridiculously good hand ground prime rib burgers.
39 locals raden deze aan
Frankie's Resto-Bar Restaurant
1576B Imperial LnBBQ joint with unique owner. Sit at the bar for immersive local experience. Ridiculously good hand ground prime rib burgers.
Sightseeing
Learn about local ocean life first hand. Stylish building design. Release Day at end of season is a party!
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Ucluelet Aquarium
180 Main StLearn about local ocean life first hand. Stylish building design. Release Day at end of season is a party!
Come during clear weather for sunsets.
Come during fog to hear it.
Come during storms to watch it.
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Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
Come during clear weather for sunsets.
Come during fog to hear it.
Come during storms to watch it.
Great views from rocky headlands and a walk through the rain forest.
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Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet, BC
250 Coast Guard DrGreat views from rocky headlands and a walk through the rain forest.
Walk the beach and check out the whale skeleton and bathysphere in the nearby interpretive center.
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Wickaninnish Beach
Walk the beach and check out the whale skeleton and bathysphere in the nearby interpretive center.
Nightlife
Ukee ANAF has replaced the Tofino Legion as the west coast's live entertainment destination.
Live music or DJ most Friday and Saturday nights. Karaoke on Thursdays.
Darts, Pool, Foosball, Beers.
Cash only at door, bar takes cards.
Non-members welcome (sign in at the door).
Army Navy & Air Force Veterans Club
1708 Peninsula RdUkee ANAF has replaced the Tofino Legion as the west coast's live entertainment destination.
Live music or DJ most Friday and Saturday nights. Karaoke on Thursdays.
Darts, Pool, Foosball, Beers.
Cash only at door, bar takes cards.
Non-members welcome (sign in at the door).
Local watering hole a five minute walk away at Island West Marina. Pool, darts, burgers, beers.
7 locals raden deze aan
Eagle's Nest Pub
1990 Bay StLocal watering hole a five minute walk away at Island West Marina. Pool, darts, burgers, beers.
Repurposed church is now a brewery. Small menu. Great views from the patio.
33 locals raden deze aan
Ucluelet Brewing Company
1601 Peninsula RoadRepurposed church is now a brewery. Small menu. Great views from the patio.
Stadsadvies
Nuttige zinnen
It's pronounced "You-Clue-Let"
Talk like a west coaster and call Ucluelet "Ukee".
It sounds more authentic, and there'll be less stumbling over syllables.
Wat je mee moet nemen
Rain Gear
Are you travelling outside of peak summer season? Pack rain gear!
+ Shell / Windbreaker (all year)
+ add Quality rain jacket (Oct - May)
+ add Rubber boots and rain pants (Nov - Mar)
Cultuur en gebruiken
Local nomenclature
Ucluetians = people who live in Ucluelet
Tofitians = people who live in Tofino
Tuff, Tuff City = local names for Tofino
Ukee = local name for Ucluelet
The Junction = Intersection between Tofino, Ukee, and Hwy 4 to Port Alberni
Port = Port Alberni
Choo = First Nations dialect for 'goodbye'
Klecko = First Nations dialect for 'thank you'
Mis dit niet
Wild Pacific Trail
A trail network in Ucluelet, running along the tip of the peninsula's rocky headlands. Fantastic views and the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. Hear the Red and Green Can buoys.
The entire trail can be walked in a couple of hours.
Wat je mee moet nemen
Book, beach chair
It's very easy to spend half a day at the beach if you have these things.
Manieren om te besparen
Buy food in Alberni
If you plan on doing lots of cooking (or have a family to feed) consider stopping in Alberni on the way out to the coast and filling your cooler.
Groceries are cheaper and lineups are shorter in Alberni than Tofino / Ukee.
Stop at No Frills or go to Buy Low Foods down the Johnston St hill.
There's also Quality Foods and Save on Foods on the other side of town.
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Tofino Public Market
Every Sat, late morning to early afternoon from May - Sep in the Tofino Village Green.
Mostly crafts/arts but also some food and drink.
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Pete's Meats Sandwiches
On the way through Port Alberni do yourself a favor and visit this deli.
The sandwiches are awesome!
The butcher counter and deli are also awesome!
It's at Johnson and Gertrude in the historic Post Office building. Grab a sandwich and stock up here for your beachfire smokies and BBQ steaks.
This is one of my go-to's.
Wat je mee moet nemen
Cloth shopping bags
All Tofino / Ukee grocery stores and restaurants are plastic bag and plastic straw free.
Reizen met kinderen
Swimming Pool Next Door
Drop in open to public and right next door. West Coast motel. Passes at front desk.
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Sunday market in Ucluelet
There is a market at the village green on Sundays. Across the street from the Aquarium, you’ll find local artisan treasures, treats and produce.