Canada
Ucluelet
Storm-watchers stand on black volcanic rock as Pacific swells explode thirty feet into the air.
The wave hits the black volcanic rock at Ucluelet and explodes thirty feet into the air. Salt spray hangs in the atmosphere. The Wild Pacific Trail runs along the cliff edge, old-growth forest on one side, the open Pacific detonating against the shore on the other.
Ucluelet sits on the outer coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, at the southern end of the Pacific Rim region. While neighbouring Tofino gets the surf crowd, Ucluelet draws those who prefer their coast a little wilder and less polished. The Wild Pacific Trail hugs the cliff edge through old-growth forest, with wave explosions visible from every viewpoint. The Amphitrite Lighthouse marks the point where the open Pacific crashes into Vancouver Island's rugged outer coast. Spot prawns, Dungeness crab, and halibut are caught within sight of the restaurants that serve them. Storm-watching season from November to February brings the most dramatic surf.
Couple
Storm-watching from the Amphitrite Lighthouse, the Wild Pacific Trail at sunset, and fresh-caught spot prawns for dinner — Ucluelet is Tofino's wilder, quieter, more intimate sibling.
Solo
The Wild Pacific Trail is one of the finest solo coastal walks in British Columbia — the crash of the Pacific, the old-growth canopy, and the salt mist create a meditative rhythm.
Friends
Kayaking, whale watching, storm-watching, and seafood feasts — Ucluelet delivers group adventure on Vancouver Island's most dramatic coastline.
- The Wild Pacific Trail hugs the cliff edge through old-growth forest, with wave explosions visible from every viewpoint.
- Pacific swells generated by storms thousands of kilometres away hit the black volcanic rock and launch thirty feet into the air.
- Spot prawns, Dungeness crab, and halibut are caught within sight of the restaurants that serve them.
- The Amphitrite Lighthouse marks the point where the open Pacific crashes into Vancouver Island's rugged outer coast.
Spot prawns so fresh they're still twitching, served at the dockside fish market.
Cedar-planked salmon at Pluvio, a chef-driven restaurant in a converted heritage house.
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