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Ucluelet: the West Coast’s best-kept secret
Monday, July 2nd, 2007 by GetawayBC.com
Spectacularly located on the edge of Barkley Sound, and bordered by ocean on three sides, the village of Ucluelet is the perfect point for viewing passing ships and fishing vessels, marine wildlife and the ever-changing scenery of the open Pacific.
Ucluelet offers visitors a wealth of year-round activities. The fishing is always fabulous and numerous guides and charters can get you out into Barkley Sound. Kayaking opportunities range from the challenges of the Broken Group Islands to the inner harbour’s calm waters. Cyclists pedal along the roadways and designated pathways, including the path between the Highway 4 junction and the townsite, while hiking and walking paths include the Wild Pacific Trail, a splendidly scenic walk.
Winter storm watching is another thrill and many accommodation properties offer special packages – come see why viewers from around the world visit Ucluelet to watch Mother Nature unleash her wrath on the rocky shorelines. In early spring, visitors watch the return of the Pacific Rim’s largest summer guests – grey whales. Once nearly extinct, some 20,000 of these amazing mammals now migrate along the Island’s west coast.
Visible from Ucluelet’s shores in March and April and celebrated with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, these whales, and many other species of marine life, can also be viewed on boat tours throughout summer and well into the fall.
Ucluelet accommodations include luxury inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, resorts and campgrounds. In town, you’ll find a good choice of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and returning to the harbour, the Ucluelet Mini Aquarium provides a fascinating look at marine eco-systems.
For information, call the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce at 726-4641 or visit the Visitor Centre at 100 Main St. ;