Ucluelet is a laid-back town on the western shores of Vancouver Island, surrounded by rocky beaches and lush coastal rainforests. You can visit the local aquarium, paddle in Barkley Sound and devour freshly-caught seafood from the Pacific Ocean.

Things to do

Ocean lovers shouldn't miss the Ucluelet Aquarium, a fantastic catch-and-release facility filled with colourful sea creatures found around Vancouver Island. Inside you'll find everything from emerald sea cucumbers and multicoloured starfish to spiky urchins and Pacific octopi. The daily octopus feeding is a definite highlight.

Ucluelet offers some of British Columbia's best sportfishing in the coastal waters off Barkley Sound. Cast a line out for wild salmon, rock cod and halibut. Alternatively, rent a kayak and enjoy a scenic paddle in the sound. If you're lucky you can also spot sea lions, bald eagles and orcas.

Stroll the Wild Pacific Trail, a scenic path through old-growth coastal rainforests and ancient cedar groves. Along the way you'll pass by rocky beaches, windswept lighthouses and scenic lookouts. At Big Beach Park you can see a shipwreck from the 1800s.

Ravenlady is a legendary food truck serving up some of Vancouver Island's best seafood. Save your appetite for freshly shucked oysters, octopus linguini and albacore tuna po'boys. For breakfast with a kick, join the line at Zoe's Bakery and Café, where you can stock up on homemade granola, sticky cinnamon buns, flaky croissants and fantastic coffee.

Getting around

Ucluelet is easy to get around on foot, though a car is the most popular way to explore Vancouver Island. The town is also serviced by local Tofino Bus services. Ucluelet is a 40-minute drive from Tofino and 2.5 hours from Nanaimo.