Vacation rentals in Ucluelet

Perched on the Ucluth Peninsula, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet is a small town full of rugged coastline, temperate rainforest, and untouched beaches alongside the famous 8.8-kilometre Wild Pacific Trail. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Broken Group Islands.

The Pacific Rim area has some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada. Chesterman and Long Beach are popular with kayakers, while surfers seek out Florencia Beach for its great swells. In fact, Ucluelet is known as the surfing capital of Canada, not only for the great waves but also because the water temperature is consistently mild. Little Beach and Terrace Beach are small, pebble beaches popular for storm-watching.

Ucluelet is a year-round destination with many vacation rentals and homes available for your stay. The area is known for experiencing four seasons in one day. In summer, it could go from warm and sunny to humid and stormy within hours, so it’s a good idea to pack a jacket with sunscreen. In July, the town plays host to Ukee Days — a 3-day weekend festival with live music and performances, a parade, food, and retail vendors. In spring and fall, you can expect a mix of pleasant days and rainy days. In October, the town comes alive for one of the most scenic marathons in the world, taking in unspoilt beaches and rainforest, with incredible views all the way. Ucluelet experiences one of the mildest winters in Canada, and snow is a rarity. But it still gets cold, and rain is likely, so make sure to pack extra layers.

Wild Pacific Trail

Three easy walks make up this eight-kilometre trail, winding through lush forests and the most scenic coastline on Vancouver Island, with numerous lookouts along rugged cliffs. The popular 2.6-kilometre Lighthouse Loop passes the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, the only active lighthouse in the Tofino-Ucluelet area that can be reached by car. On the Artist Loops, the cliff edge and old-growth giants will leave you in awe. The recently added viewing platforms have made it easier to catch the sunsets, and the views over Barkley Sound, the Broken Group Islands, and out to the Pacific Ocean are spectacular.

Kayaking

With its warm shallow waters, Ucluelet is considered a world-class kayaking destination. Embark on your own paddle adventure from Ucluelet Harbour and explore the many beaches. Watch for harbour seals, sea lions, and even the occasional whale. Or take a guided tour out to the majestic Broken Group Islands, consisting of more than 100 islands, islets, and rocky outcrops. Tours and kayak rentals are available at the harbour and in town.

Long Beach

Within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach stretches for over 16 kilometres. Here you can walk forever past driftwood strewed across the shore, with old-growth forest bordering the beach. Keep an eye out for gray and humpback whales in the distance, and in winter, Long Beach is often the setting for some awesome storms.