Ucluelet Vacation Rentals

Accommodation in sublime Ucluelet offers you the very best of the west coast outdoors. The magic of the coastline within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve includes electric sunsets and secret coves, bright anemones and baby octopuses.

Award Winning Seafood in Ucluelet

Head to Grey Whale Ice Cream for delicious homemade treats including frozen yogurt, pastries and speciality cheeses, along with ocean views.

Usually known as an east coast dish, the Floathouse Patio is a great option for those who are craving seafood chowder. Raven Lady Oyster Forte, another local favourite in Ukee, offers gourmet seafood platters and the freshest oysters around, and enjoy the Raven Lady sculpture simultaneously.

What to Wear for Ucluelet Weather

Ucluelet has a marine climate, with cool summers and mild, rainy winters. While you can pack according to the season you're travelling in, it's best to carry light jackets and rainwear as the weather in Ucluelet can change even as the day goes on. Evenings are also cooler thanks to the coastal location, so packing pants and long-sleeved tops is also helpful.

The summer season lasts from June to September, and beach trips, walks along the coast, cruises, and other outdoor adventures dominate the activities here. Pack shorts, skirts, light shirts, beachwear, and comfortable footwear. For hiking, carry hiking pants or leggings, sturdy boots or running shoes preferably with waterproof soles, and plenty of socks.

November to March is winter in Ucluelet, also known as storm watching season. These months see several storms descend on the coast, so pack your trusty rain gear if you intend to participate in some observing. Umbrellas won’t hold up against the winds here, so bring your rain jacket and rubber boots for extra protection. To keep warm, add some comfortable sweaters and a hat.

If you plan to go whale watching during your stay at a vacation rental in Ucluelet, there are certain things you'll need to pack, irrespective of the season. Carry a light jacket and waterproof pants to keep warm when you are out on open water, a waterproof bag for your camera and other belongings, a hat, and comfortable shoes, preferably water-resistant ones.

Best Times to Visit Ucluelet for Whale Watching

Whale watching tops the list of activities in Ucluelet, and there are sightings of resident pods of orcas throughout the year. If watching migrating gray whales is on your bucket list, consider booking your Ucluelet cabin rental from around mid-March up until mid-April. This is when many whale-watching tour operators open up for business after the rainy winter season.

March is also when the popular Pacific Rim Whale Festival takes place. Over a period of two weeks, visitors can witness some of the 20,000 gray whales that pass by the area as they migrate to Alaska from Mexico. There are canoe tours, fun activities for children, educational workshops, culinary delights, and various cultural events held as part of this famed annual festival.

To catch sight of humpback whales, book your Ucluelet vacation home during the period from May to September, as summertime is feeding season for these majestic mammals. While whale watching, keep an eye out for other marine wildlife such as otters, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. If you're lucky, you might even see a whale breach out of the ocean as it dramatically splashes back into the water.

Surfing, Boogie Boarding, and So Much More!

There's so much for children in Ucluelet. Why not take a surfing lesson on the 15 mile shore? The waves here are ideal for beginners, while boogie boards and tubes mean there's something on offer for every experience level. Come and play on the beach!

You can venture further afield with a kayaking tour of the shimmering coast. Children and adults alike fall in love with the blow holes, tranquil lagoons, and diverse wildlife along this rich stretch of coastline. Afterwards, learn more about local marine life at Ucluelet Aquarium. Hands on activities for children let your family learn about the wonderful underwater world through play.

Hiking in Ucluelet: Exploring Pacific Rim National Park

Explore the coast from your cabin near Ucluelet Harbour with a yacht charter. There are more than 100 islands and secret coves to discover, where you might just spot wildlife like whales, sea lions, eagles and bears. The entire coastline is encapsulated by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, preserving these sparkling waters and the wildlife that lives here.

The majority of Ucluelet's beaches are connected by the Wild Pacific Trail. Explore its length to discover exquisite scenery, encompassing forests, islands, and ocean views.

Views of a rocky coastline, a lighthouse, and a rainforest are some of the highlights that greet hikers on this trail. The easy 8km hike is a leisurely experience, while there are shorter sections as well.

Spot some of Canada’s oldest documented trees during a tranquil hike on the Rainforest Trail loop. It's divided into two boardwalk-style sections, each around a kilometre long. Lush trees accompanied by educational signage inform hikers about the region’s flora and fauna.

The 1.6km-long South Beach Trail takes you to an incredibly picturesque beach, providing splendid views of the Pacific Ocean and forested areas along the way. The moderately-difficult trail includes a paved path, a boardwalk, and a few inclines.

The Nuu-Chah-Nulth Trail, connecting Long Beach and Florencia Bay, is one of the longer trails with a 3.8km-long walking path. A restaurant with beach vistas, views of the ocean from an elevated boardwalk, and leafy trees throughout make this trail popular.

Frequently Asked Questions