It’s that time of year when you feel the itch to explore; more daylight and sun means more time for adventure. Now that the Highway 4 construction by Kennedy Lake has been completed, there’s no reason to delay a trip to Ucluelet.
There are abundant activities to experience as the town excitedly anticipates your arrival. For adrenaline junkies and max relaxers alike, there’s something new and exciting for everyone.
For the angler looking to reel in some fish this year, local sport fishing charters are ready to welcome you until the end of September. Rest assured, your guide knows the local waters and where to catch everything from ling cod to salmon.
If fishing isn’t how you want to spend your time on the water, perhaps a scenic boat ride is more your style. Take a wildlife tour with a seasoned local guide, learn about the coast’s rich history, and glimpse the abundant marine life ecosystem that calls Ucluelet home, including sea lions, bald eagles and more. The resident whales may even lumber by to say ‘hello,’ offering an experience you may not get anywhere else.
You can also set your own pace kayaking the calm harbour waters while watching for coastal wildlife and viewing the pristine rainforest and rugged coastline. A guided single or multi-day trip in the Broken Group Islands is a truly magical experience. With turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, you’ll feel worlds away.
When you’re back on land, immerse yourself in the unique Ucluelet Aquarium. Canada’s first collect-and-release aquarium allows you to discover (with touch tanks) what lives along the coast in vibrant tidepools brimming with aquatic life.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or it’s on your bucket list to learn, Ucluelet’s local breaks are conveniently located a short drive to the stunning Wickaninnish Beach and Long Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The summer swells are welcoming to surfers of all skill levels. Local surf shops nearby offer rentals and lessons, so no worries if you’re new to the sport.
Start or end your holiday outside Ucluelet along Highway 4 through the Kennedy River Canyon by zipline. For the thrill-seeker, West Coast Wild Zipline offers a fascinating, culturally guided experience as you move from each of the six lines that fly you through the old-growth rainforest and above the Winchee (Kennedy) River.
We recommend you book ahead so you don’t miss out on great restaurants and activities this summer. If you can’t visit this summer, fall is a well-kept secret on the coast (with fewer people, competitive prices and warm weather). For more information on everything Ucluelet offers and to plan your summer (or fall) vacation, visit discoverucluelet.com.