This small town in B.C. is perched along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island’s west coast, surrounded by ancient trees, secluded beaches and temperate rainforest.
It’s a place that invites you to slow down and embrace nature, and the quaint village is waiting to be explored. Ucluelet is a relatively hidden gem, tucked away just 30 minutes from the popular tourist town of Tofino, but it deserves a visit all on its own.
It recently gained some attention thanks to the annual Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, which uses reviews from over 360 million verified customer reviews. The awards included a list of Canada’s Most Welcoming Places, based on the number of accommodation options in a place, which received a 2025 Traveller Review Award.
Alongside some of Canada’s biggest cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, the low-key fishing village of Ucluelet made the list. It’s a far cry from the bustling city streets of some of the other « most welcoming places » on the list, with its tight-knit community and natural beauty.
The rugged wilderness of the area is legendary here. Think rainforest trails that lead you past old-growth trees, and little beaches enclosed by jagged cliffs.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is close by, which spans 511 km2 and is brimming with lush greenery that makes it feel like an escape from the rest of the world. The Rainforest Trail loops here are each a kilometre long and take you into the park and surround you with gigantic trees and vibrant plant life.
Then you also have the impressive shoreline here, which has long stretches of sand scattered along it. Long Beach sits between Ucluelet and Tofino and is where the iconic Incinerator Rock can be found. The beach is 16 kilometres long, so you can spend an entire afternoon wandering along it and taking in the view.
You’ll often see surfers bobbing out on the water on the various sandy shores around the area and you can rent a board to try it out yourself while on a visit. In Ucluelet you can go to Relic Surf Shop or Wick’d Surf Shop for a board or to get a lesson.
People come from all around the world to surf here, so it’s worth getting out on the waves at the nearby Wickaninnish Beach or Long Beach.
You can really take your pick of activities here though, from kayaking and ziplining to hiking or going on a wildlife tour. There are a bunch of different tour companies that can help you see the local wildlife — including whales, bears, seals, and some adorable otters.
If you want to walk among 800-year-old trees you can head to the Wild Pacific Trail here. The Ancient Cedars Loop trail is a go-to short hiking loop that will bring you to the foot of some towering giants.
For a more relaxing trip, you can just wander around town and you’ll still be impressed. The village itself is filled with local shops, with cozy streets and views of the small harbour. Although tiny, it packs a big punch in terms of accommodations and dining options. The award-winning Pluvio restaurant is here, along with some cozy B&Bs, and unique artisan shops where you can get something to take home with you.
After a day of exploring you can sit back and enjoy a view of the water from the local brewery in town, Ucluelet Brewing Company.
There are also some incredible stays here, like Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, that make for a stunning getaway. Drift Spa is at the resort, so you can unwind in the most beautiful setting.
You can also opt for one of the campgrounds here to immerse yourself in the outdoors and sleep under the blanket of stars. Wya Point Resort is a great option for camping, with sites right next to a private beach that feels like a little secret. There are also waterfront yurts here too, if you want an in-between option.
Visiting in the summer means days laying out on the beaches and soaking up the sun, enjoying the beach-town vibes of the area. With people flocking to Tofino, some spots are a bit more crowded in the warmer months, but Ucluelet is usually the less bustling area, so you can get a reprieve while still being near the most popular attractions.
In the winter though you’ll find it’s an even quieter place to wind down. A different type of beauty rolls in and the landscape becomes even more dramatic. During the stormy season, waves crash up onto the shore and the water-drenched rainforest becomes even more vibrant. Then there’s the already picturesque cliffside jutting out along the coastline, with wind-swept trees hanging off them.
You can still enjoy a day at the beach here in the dreary weather, watching the power of nature in full force. It also makes cozying up at the end of the day in one of the resorts that much better.
The wild beauty of this area, welcoming community and quaint village all work to make this an unforgettable destination. If you’re building out your 2025 travel bucket list then heading here won’t disappoint.
Source: Narcity – Read More
