Ucluelet: a Local’s Guide

Welcome to Ukee!

Alright, you've made it to Ucluelet! Welcome. There's so much waiting for you to explore, see and do. Let's jump right in!

(If you haven't yet arrived, don't worry! There are plenty of travel tips on near the bottom. I recommend you check it out if you've never come across to Tofino or Ucluelet before)

Cafes 

Barkley Cafe

@elouisa

Easily the cutest little cafe in town. If you’re looking for an a bustling, unique place to take a coffee break or meet some other travellers, this is the spot for you. Good vibes, nice staff, and tasty drinks! A couple tips… -order your drink extra hot! Everything cools down quick in Ukee’s cool weather -try their muffins! They won’t disappoint. -if you’re feeling hungry, the bagel sandwich is stellar!

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The Foggy Bean Coffee Company - Coffee Bar and Coffee Roasters

@elouisa

Top-notch coffee, roasted on site. Doesn't get fresher than this! Be prepared for lines throughout the year, as this cute coffee bar is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Try the: -hot vanilla latte -iced mocha w/ an espresso shot -almond croissants (baked fresh!) -take-home bag of freshly roasted beans Or come back and try a bit of everything!

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Thay Tea - Organic Loose Leaf Tea

@elouisa

Our absolute favourite place for tea on the island. Grab a hot latte during Ukee's chilly season, or try out their boba or tea milkshakes in the summer. Can't get enough? Bring a bag (or 10!) home with you- you won't regret it! Our favourites: -hazelnut or banana nut tea as a latte! -if you like London Fogs, you NEED a big bag of their "cream of earl grey" -the curry (and other hot dishes) are to die for -speaking of food, you can't go wrong with any of their baked goods. I love their savoury biscuits!

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Breakfast & Brunch

Yayu Cafe

@elouisa

Craving some plant-based eats? Yayu has you covered! Tucked around the corner from Main Street, they're equal parts tasty and cute. Hit it before 11am for a brekky bowl, or grab a smoothie and a healthy lunch before 3pm. Be quick, they sell out fast! Some favs: -both their savoury & sweet brekky bowl options -supernova smoothie -the rose quartz latte (lots of milk alternatives) -grab an abundance bowl for lunch!

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The Blue Room, A West Coast Bistro

@elouisa

Good food, gorgeous views, chill vibes and friendly staff. I can't say enough about this place. They quickly serve up really tasty but simple Canadian food, paired with a laid back atmosphere and amazing harbour views. Great spot for families! Top picks: -sweet & savoury quinoa brekky bowl -blueberry pancake (it's massive!) -build your own omelette- my absolute fav -kale caeser wrap

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Heartwood Kitchen

@elouisa

Perhaps the most charismatic restaurant in town, Heartwood is well loved by everyone around here. While they offer both brunch and dinner, I'd recommend heading over with an empty stomach for their classic breakfasts! I highly recommend the: -ukee fried chicken & french toast -smash browns! get them as a side!

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Lunch & Dinner 

West Coast Salty Buns

@elouisa

Mexican meets...bao? This truck is great. It's always around, serving up some of the best fusion cuisine in the area (in my humble opinion). A little on the pricy side, but the food is well-worth it. They're even got some meat-free options! Some favourites: -KCPO "bacos" (you get 2 per order) -the smoked pollo burrito -monster & sea bowl (fish-based) -vegan popcorn "chicken"

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RAVENLADY

@elouisa

Fresh shucked oysters...from a food truck? You've gotta try it out. Probably the strangest truck yet, the West coast inspired grubs served up are SO good. Always super fresh. My go-to order: -oyster po' boy -tofino kombucha (like fizzy non-alcohol coolers!) -hand-cut fries

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Abbondanza

@elouisa

Authentic style pizza. Go simple with their margarita, or spice it up with their "white heat". You can't go wrong with any option, it's pizza! Head down the street to the harbour for a nice takeout evening!

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Jiggers

@elouisa

Sometimes you just want some fish and chips, and Jiggers will not disappoint. The fish is fresh from the harbour down the street, the breading is perfectly crispy, tartar sauce and sides are plentiful and on point. Oh, and the service is great, too! Tips: -it gets busy during the summer, so come early! -if they run out of fish, it's well worth waiting a few minutes. They'll fetch some from the boat and be back in a few!

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Ukee Dogs Taqueria

@elouisa

Coolest vibes inside! They're standing proof that sometimes a quick, hearty, simple bite is exactly what you need to refuel. Sit inside to enjoy the spunky atmosphere, or soak up some sun on their outdoor seating area.

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Beaches & Trails

Ancient Cedars Loop Trail

@elouisa

Experience the beautiful nature of the West Coast with minimal effort! At just under 2km of paths, it’s great choice for most abilities and weather conditions. Lots of photo opportunities, lookouts, and local flora.

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Brown's Beach

@elouisa

Incredible sunsets! This little cove is often sheltered from the wind, and works as a great spot for a sea-watching or checking out tide pools. Very quiet and private year round. There are plenty of trailheads around if you feel like going hiking (I recommend the “artists loop”) and wildlife such as otters and eagles if you’re lucky! Go at low-tide for the best experience around the beach.

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Wild Pacific Trail

@elouisa

This trail actually includes many different accesses, each side trail ranging from 15 minute boardwalks, to 3 hour hikes through the rainforest. I recommend looking further into the options to find the best one for you! You can’t go wrong, with all of the boasting towering cedars, ocean breeze, lush woods and stunning sunsets.

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Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop

@elouisa

An easy, gorgeous hike year round. Lots of ocean view lookouts, huge trees and info signs around the trail. Well defined and easy to follow- you won’t get lost! Parking isn’t an issue, and there’s some benches & public outhouses on site.

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Little Beach

@elouisa

Underrated gem. Really relaxing, often quiet spot to hang out and watch the sky and waves. The water is typically calm, lots of interesting sea life, and you can’t get lost! Plenty of sea glass and neat rocks to check out. Parking is available right next to the beach.

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Mount Ozzard

@elouisa

For the hikers! If you’ve got 4 or 5 hours to spare, try out Mount Ozzard. You’ll get wrap-around views of the inlet, and can even see Tofino if the sky is clear. Pick from a moderate 12km hike, or a quicker but steeper option if you’re in a hurry, To shave off a bit of distance, you can take the road up partway, but be careful as it can be rough!

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Shopping

Relic Surf Shop and Surf School

@elouisa

Endless selection of wetsuits, fins, and skate gear. Some really nice boards rotate through, including a used section (our fav for a good board at a good deal!). If you’re not a surfer, don’t worry- they have plenty of clothes, accessories, and other goodies for you! Great overall shop, could easily spend over an hour in there.

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Blackberry Cove Marketplace

@elouisa

Hands down the most adorable shopping place in Ucluelet. Local, organic, and plant-based grocery options at the front, book shop in the back. They’ve got all kinds of cute little gifts, AMAZING smelling candles, tasty snacks, and good coffee, too. A must-stop. Bonus points for the sweetest staff!

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Long Beach Surf Shop

@elouisa

Rentals are a great price, and a surf report is outside the shop 24/7. Whether you’re testing out a new board, or trying out a softtop for the first time, they’ll have you covered! Their board room always has some sweet pieces, and plenty of merch and apparel are for sale in the main building. One of the two Long Beach Surf Shops in the area. Feel free to check out the other one in Tofino!

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Reflecting Spirit Gallery Inc.

@elouisa

Great spot to check out on a rainy day. Floor to ceiling with local artist’s works, ranging from wood working to paintings, to sculptures. Artists are occasionally on site to chat with, and there’s plenty to bring home with you! Note: if you’re tight on space, you can always pick out a piece in-shop, then order online!

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Other Activities 

Ucluelet Aquarium

@elouisa

Great for kids or adults! Not overly touristy like many aquariums are, and they have tons of super neat local sea life. Touch tanks, affordable prices, informative employees and a cute gift shop. Public washrooms available!

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Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

@elouisa

A Ukee favourite. Just a short drive from town, you’ll find plenty of parking, then take a short walk to the point where the lighthouse stands. There are signs everywhere with information and facts about the area and previous lighthouse uses. Really pretty area, fresh ocean breeze, and access to numerous trails and paths.

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Ukee Scoops

@elouisa

Summer heat calling for ice cream? Ukee scoops is the answer. A little chilly out? Grab a London fog instead. Feeling hungry? The crepes are to die for- sweet or savoury, you can’t go wrong. A classic little stop! We love: -savoury smoked salmon crepe -tiramisu gelato -maple nut ice cream (in a fresh-made waffle cone!) -nutella banana crepe

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Alder Park

@elouisa

Favourite little spot to get some fresh air while eating lunch. It’s just a dock with some picnic tables overlooking the bay. The views are great, never has any crowd, always some free parking available.

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Accomodation

Between cosy AirBnB's, west-coast inspired hotels, and conveniently placed suites right in town, you've got plenty of accomodation options. I recommend booking as early in advance as possible, as everything fills up quick (especially May-September).  

The Cabins at Terrace Beach

@elouisa

Right on the beach! These adorable, cosy cabins are tucked into the forest, immersing guests in nature. Clean, quiet, comfy, and close to nearly everything. -4 min drive/20 min walk to downtown -2 min walk to trails & beaches -parking and wifi (watch for patchy connection)

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Embarc Ucluelet

@elouisa

Clean, spacious townhouse-style rooms on the harbour. Walking distance to all of Ukee's best restaurants, bars, cafes and breweries. Wake up to stunning harbour views, wildlife spottings, and plenty of adventures waiting for you! -accommodating staff -very spacious and clean -washer/dryer -pool/hot tub access (depending on room) -right in town!

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InnChanter

@elouisa

Most unique, magical stay in the area. Hop on board and relax, explore, or make some friends! This rustic style boat is one of a kind around here, with beautiful rooms, up-close wildlife spotting's, chef-cooked meals and hot spring tours. It's well worth the experience. -floating sauna -chef-cooked meals -kind, welcoming, knowledgeable hosts -hot springs & trails nearby

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Snug Harbour Inn

@elouisa

Tucked into the rainforest, this place is an upscale must-stay! There's only a handful of rooms, making for a quiet, relaxing stay. Enjoy amazing ocean views, full amenities, private beach access, a hot tub, and even a helipad! -cosy, rustic cabin vibes -please note that this is NOT a children friendly option; adults only! -they have everything you could ask for!

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Bostrom's Oceanfront B&B On Little Beach Bay

@elouisa

A true bed & breakfast experience. Amazing food, comfortable rooms, stunning ocean views and plenty of entertainment. Plus, the host is wonderful! A stay to remember for sure. -pool table, hot tub, darts -amazing home-cooked meals & espresso machine -kind, helpful, & welcoming host

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Transportation

Ucluelet's main shopping and dining area is easily accesible by foot, bike, or even skateboard. Peninsula Road runs through the entire town, and sidewalks are available from the Co-op to the point. Most of the area you'll spend your time is conveniently grouped together near Main Street, and very "walkable" even in the rainy months.

Public transportation isn't exactly a thing around here, but the Ucluelet Taxi is occasionally around if you're in need of a ride. Otherwise, rent a car on your way here, or opt for the Tofino Bus. It provides daily rides to Ucluelet (& Tofino) from Parksville, Nanaimo, and even Victoria. Not on the island? Take a sea plane or ferry from Vancouver and get ready for the island lifestyle!

Enjoy your stay in Ucluelet!