Ucluelet Tourism Information
Things to do in Tofino and Uclulelet
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Spend March with locals in Ucluelet and Tofino celebrating the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival, as nearly 20,000 gray whales pass within 5 km (3 mi.) of shore on their migration south to the Baja. Throughout the year, transient pods of gray, humpback, and killer whales can often be spotted offshore along with sea lions, harbour seals, and river otter. For year-round whale watching charters in Ucluelet and Tofino, click here (link to activity page)
Winter storm watching on the Pacific Rim
For the many years, winter travelers from around the world have been braving the elements to make their journey to the quaint fishing villages of Ucluelet and Tofino for the storm watching spectacles.
Storm watching season extends from November to March. During the storm watching season there are usually 10 or more strong storms each month with the peak months of December-February sure to pack the most vicious waves! It is during this season that Tofino and Ucluelet receives most of it's nearly five meters (17 feet) of annual rainfall and during storm season this rain often arrives horizontally. Storm watching is a relatively new tourism phenomenon on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, though first nations and locals have been watching, bracing against and surviving winter storms here for generations.
Storm watching is best advantaged from our ocean front vacation rentals and B&B's where a good book, a crackling fireplace and maybe a warm duvet are really all you need to experience the fury and the force of the pounding Pacific Ocean in the safety of one of our amazing, ocean front vacation homes. Or for the more adventurous, head out into the storm to feel the power of the raging winds, to observe the jaw-dropping giant waves, and to hear nature’s fury of the wind and waves crashing on the rock and sand. For current weather conditions
Visit an Art Gallery
The native art galleries in Ucluelet and Tofino feature artists that are bringing new life to storytelling and art forms, resulting in a revitalization of tradition and culture. View some of the most sought after masks, carvings and jewelry in the world. The artwork is created by artist’s right here on the West Coast by Nuu- Chah- Nulth First Nations. The galleries represent artists from the Tlinget, Tsimshian, Kwaguilth, Haida, Salish, and Coast Salish Nations all local to Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Boat, Walk and Soak in Hot Springs
Hot Springs Cove is something that you should experience when visiting Tofino and Ucluelet! It is located in the remote northern end of Clayoquot Sound. This is a great hot spring that is still in its natural state. You can book a tour to these hot springs online and in Tofino as many different operators make daily tours to this place. (link to activities) These trips usually take about 6-7 hours. Once you arrive at Hot Springs Cove, there is a very pleasant 2km/1.2 miles walk through rainforest on a boardwalk. The hot springs roll down a cliff into different pools and finally into the ocean. A must do when visiting the Pacific Rim!
Tide Pools Galore
Tide pools around Tofino and Ucluelet are great places to explore. During low tide, you can walk around the rocks and find all sorts of creatures including brightly coloured starfish and anemones. Stop by the tourist information centres to find out when low tide will be. They can also point you to several good beaches to look at tide pools. Chesterman Beach and MacKenzie Beach are great places for tide pool combing.
Watch out for wildlife!
Tofino and Ucluelet have loads of wildlife to see. In summer, you may see black bears on the side of the road - don't expect to see them in town, though - most likely you will see them on your way in if you're driving. You can also go bear-watching, which you take a boat tour to get to. There is of course whale-watching - many companies offer this (link to activities) - the whales you will most likely see are grey whales, though certain times of year you may see orcas. On boat trips you may also see sea lions, seals, and cormorants. There are lots of bald eagles around - just listen for the high pitched sounds and look in the treetops. Ravens will emit their deep-throated caws, and cast shadows as they glide overhead. In the fall during the salmon runs, check out the fish hatchery in Port Albion to watch black bears feed on wild pacific salmon!
Watch a sunset with friends or loved ones
After a day of activities in and around Tofino and Ucluelet, it is nice to end the evening with a stroll on the beach. Take your time to witness one of the beautiful sunsets in the world. The colors are amazing and make sure you watch how it reflects on the water. One of the best places to watch a sunset in the area is at the Wickanninish Interpretive Centre in the heart of Pacific Rim National Park.