Ucluelet Tourism

Travelling In Wildlife Habitat

Thu, 06 May 2010 05:10:00 -0000

The entire west coast region is wildlife habitat. Bears, cougars and wolves all swim, even to small islands surprisingly far from the mainland, and they also wander into all of our towns. When travelling through wildlife habitat, a little knowledge goes a long way in avoiding encounters that can be dangerous for both humans and for wildlife.

Once animals learn to get food from people, that behaviour can never be unlearned. They become habituated and then they are shot. Whether you feed animals intentionally, or whether it is just through messy camping practices, the end result is the same: you are condemning them to be killed. Please help us to take care of our wildlife as well as ourselves, by keeping the following guidelines in mind.

Clean camping

Animals such as bear and wolves have a keen sense of smell, and quickly learn to approach campsites if food, garbage, and other smelly products such as toothpaste or soap are not stored securely.
When car camping, make sure the campground has secure bear-proof storage for both your food and your garbage before you book your site; if they donât, go elsewhere and explain to management your reason.

23rd Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival 2009 Articles

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:50:00 -0000

Have A Tipple, Help Research
By Westcoaster.ca Staff

TOFINO â Enjoying a tipple at this yearâs whale festival will help marine-mammal researchers.

Pacific Rim Whale Fest Announces Line-Up
By Tom Mureika

UCLUELET â More than 75 events, many of them free, will be on offer during the 23rd annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival.

Whale Festival Button Winners Named
By Westcoaster.ca Staff

TOFINO â Organizers of the 23rd annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival have announced the winners of this yearâs button design contest.

Wild Pacific Trail

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:10:00 -0000

This spectacular coastal walking trail is the result of an initiative driven by the residents of Ucluelet. Trail construction has resulted from years of planning and hard work by a crew of volunteers, and has been supported by donations from both individuals and organizations.

Two of the three trail sections have been constructed so far, for a total of 8.5 kilometres of trail. The final section is planned to connect the northern end of the present trail right through to Florencia Bay, within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and will add another 14 km to the trail system.

The Wild Pacific Trail is accessible all year around, and the clifftop views of crashing surf make it a prime spot for winter storm-watching. Most of the trail system consists of a smooth gravel walkway, but there are some wooden boardwalk sections and stairs â not difficult walking, but not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. If it has been raining, the boardwalk sections can be very slippery, so take care and use handrails.

The southernmost section of the trail (âPhase 1â) is a 2.7 km loop, most of which hugs the shoreline at the southern tip of the Ucluth Peninsula. The two parking lots at each end of the loop are just 200 metres apart; to get to them, continue southward along Peninsula Road through town (thatâs the road that you enter Ucluelet along). The first parking lot, at He-Tin-Kis Park, is for walking the loop counter-clockwise, or you can continue to the next lot, which is sign-posted, to hike clockwise.

Westcoast Eating

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:00:00 -0000

Does the vacationing palate eat to live, or rather live to eat? Itâs a question you may be pondering once you find yourself deliciously pleased at the range of offerings on Canadaâs Pacific Rim, now home to a burgeoning culinary showcase. If you were expecting a holiday menu limited to fish and chips (forever a must-do on the coast, and discussed further on), start thinking instead on how youâll plan your days around all there is to taste!

Thereâs nothing quite like locally caught seafood to capture the essence of this remote coast, which still counts fishing as a part of its heritage. The main varieties found here are the sought-after Dungeness crab, halibut, Pacific salmon (with a whopping seven varieties), oysters, clams, and lingcod. Preparation can range from the timeless steamed Dungeness crab served with garlic butter to the daring entrÃ©e of wasabi-crusted oysters and caramelized apples. Those wanting to delve a little deeper into the origins of their plate can always stroll down to one of many docks to watch fishers expertly weigh in and prepare their catch (word of advice: stand back and beware of wet, flying objects) after a productive day out on the water.

As the end-of-road destination for countless conscientious objectors and artistic souls, Tofino and Ucluelet maintain a relaxed approach to just about every aspect of life (hence the expression of âbeing on Tofino Timeâ), and this is easily seen in the wide array of casual eateries. Freshly made whole food and healthy beverages can be packed for a daytrip to Hot Springs Cove, or can be enjoyed while people-watching in this most eclectic of settings. Speaking of a sense of place, nothing beats crispy fish and chips after a challenging surf session or a muscle-toning kayak. This quintessential meal weâve all come to expect on the coast is made with your choice of halibut, cod, or salmon, and is served at cleverly-named outdoor stands as scrumptiously as in harbour view restaurants.

When the most elegant of dining rooms simply requests that torn jeans and baseball caps be left at home, you know youâre on Canadaâs Pacific Rim. This is far from the fashion policeâs jurisdiction, so breathe a sigh of relief because who says you must be wearing stiletto heels or a blazer to enjoy pan-seared foie gras? This coastâs rugged good looks attract a host of young culinary talent, transforming it into a hub of epicurean activity and confirming that good things truly come to those who venture to this westernmost point of the Trans-Canada Highway. The serene beauty of Clayoquot Sound just seems to inspire innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine, with a distinct focus on organic, farm-fresh products from Vancouver Island and across B.C. The prime showcase for this expertise is the annual Tofino Food and Wine Festival, an invitation to succumb to the âEat, eat!â echo of grandmothers past. For one June weekend, stomachs grumble with delight at a variety of winemakers dinners, casual chic cocktails, and culinary competitions. The main tasting event is staged in the unique natural setting of the Tofino Botanical Gardens, a day for which tickets must be purchased in advance, making it a rare exception (along with Novemberâs Clayoquot Oyster Festival) to the no-rush lifestyle prized in this area.

As for wine, the French and Italian granddaddies always hold their entitled positions on lists here, but the spotlight shines as brightly as an Okanagan sun on the scores of B.C. wineries (131 at the time of writing) producing an array of varietals including but far from limited to Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Syrah. Thereâs no better complement than a glass of BC wine (or a bottle, this is your vacation, after all) to a Cousteau-worthy whale watch, or to what just may have been the most tranquil day in a long, long time.

All in all, whether youâre visiting the Pacific Rim for some winter storm watching or summer R&R, remember that its natural beauty is easily seenâ¦and savoured.

This article was written by Samantha Fyleris.

Hiking around Ucluelet

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:00:00 -0000

The Pacific Rim offers numerous walking trails that pass through all of our ecosystems: beaches and headlands, coastal bog, rainforest, and high alpine. The trails range from easy walking paths near town, some of which are wheelchair-accessible, to scenic day-hikes, to challenging multi-day backpacking routes suitable only for the most experienced wilderness travellers.

Whether you are on a short walk in or near town, or hiking in remote wilderness, make sure you are aware of how to travel safely in wildlife habitat.

Kayaking

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:00:00 -0000

Vancouver Islandâs wild west coast is one of the worldâs premiere sea-kayaking destinations â especially the relatively protected waters of Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds.

There are a number of sea-kayaking companies based in the towns: in Port Alberni, Bamfield, Tofino, and in Ucluelet and nearby Toquart Bay. Guided day-trips with trained guides, suitable for beginner kayakers, are available from all of these towns. Many companies offer overnight trips as well, suitable for beginner or advanced kayakers. Paddlers with sufficient rescue and navigational experience may also find kayaks available to rent at all of these locations, except for within Ucluelet town.

A word of caution: Even though the more protected waters of the sounds may appear like tranquil glassy ponds on some mornings, do not be fooled! This is still ocean, and winds causing large breaking waves can come up surprisingly quickly. Every kayaking party (be it just one or two friends, or a large organized group) should have at least one person who is well versed in navigation in areas with strong tidal currents and frequent thick coastal fog. As well, this person should be well versed in performing self-rescues and assisted rescues. The water out here is unforgivingly cold â even in summer â and swimming is not an appropriate safety strategy. If you do not have a group member with the required experience, you should contract a guide.

Annual Events

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:50:00 -0000

The great community spirit in our little towns means that we have a lot to celebrate â with each other and with visitors.

Aside from the annual events listed below, there are always community events such as arts and craft displays, music and dance shows, or film festivals, so it pays to check in with the local tourism websites before you travel.

Spring

Whalefest (Tofino, Ucluelet). Late March: A week of interpretive and cultural events, as well as the start of the whale-watching season, celebrating the return of migrating grey whales. Read Whalefest articles.

Forest Day (Ucluelet). Early May: a weekend with presentations by forestry experts, logging sports, and a salmon BBQ.

George Fraser Day and Heritage Fair (Ucluelet). May: a weekend oriented about Uclueletâs history and its wonderful rhododendron gardens, with tours and music.

Summer

Edge to Edge Marathon (Tofino/Ucluelet). June: a marathon run from Tofino to Ucluelet, with half-marathon, and marathon-relay events as well.

Pacific Rim Summer Festival (Tofino, Ucluelet). July: two weeks of live music.

Ukee Days Fair (Ucluelet). July: a weekend country fair, with loggersâ sports, childrenâs games, live music, and an oyster and salmon BBQ.

This article was written by Jacqueline Windh.

Surfing

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:50:00 -0000

Vancouver Island is the focal point for surfing in Canada. Indeed, many past and present members of our Canadian national surf team have roots in Tofino.

People who already know how to surf will find no shortage of good spots, especially off the beaches along the stretch of coast between Ucluelet and Tofino (including the many beaches within Pacific Rim National Park). One thing surfers will have to get used to out here is the wetsuits â West Coast surfers wear 3 to 4 mm of rubber in summer, and at least 5 mm in the winter.

Water temperatures can range from as low as 4ÂºC in winter to as much as 16ÂºC in summer. But the titles of local surf flicks will tell you even more than those numbers: âNumbâ was produced by Tofino-based film-maker Jeremy Koreski, and â49 degreesâ refers both to our latitude and to the water temperature (in Fahrenheit).

If you have never surfed before, donât let that stop you! You are strongly recommended to start with a lesson, for many reasons â the foremost of which is for your own safety. The ocean can be very dangerous for those who do not know what they are doing: the waves are powerful, the water is very cold, and one can get into serious trouble extremely quickly. There are also standards of âsurf etiquetteâ that you will learn in a lesson, for example about who has right-of-way on a wave. Finally, if you have never stood up on a surfboard before, a surf lesson or two will definitely quicken your path to success.

Wild Pacific Trail

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:50:00 -0000

Ucluelet Surfing Shops

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:50:00 -0000

Ucluelet and Tofino have numerous surf shops that offer private and group lessons, as well as rentals of everything you will need: boards, wetsuits, roof racks and more. Some also rent other gear, such as bodyboards and skimboards. Several companies also offer multi-day surf camps, some town-based and some based out on remote beaches. Although there is good surf near Bamfield, there are no surf shops here â you must arrive with everything you need. Port Alberni, located at the top of a deep inlet, does not have any surf nearby.

Ucluelet Surfing Shop listings: