Ucluelet, BC - A full guide to the Tofino neighbour

Ucluelet, BC sits on the west coast of Vancouver Island, near Tofino, Canada, just south of the Pacific Rim National Park. Ucluelet is perfect for surfing, walking, storm watching, fishing, dining and relaxing. Come walk the Wild Pacific Trail to Amphitrite Lighthouse, along Long Beach or through the Pacific Rim National Park.
Leave a comment to ask me any questions about Ukee. I really love it there.
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DownieLive is a canadian behind-the-scenes adventure channel, hosted by me, Michael Downie. Thanks for watching (and reading all the way to the bottom). As always, I don't know where I'm going next, but I know I want you there with me.
See you in the next one.
-Mike

[@helenprice3062]

We used to lived here in Ucluelet in 1960's so what a shockin change.. enjoyed it so much to see this

[@AnotniCo-]

I love it therw we go there every year 😊

[@m99343]

I wish all tour guides were as good as this. I’m returning to Vancouver Island in 2024 after 19 years with my wife and children and am searching for family idea. Ucluelet has always been on my list and I’ve already been in contact with Jamie’s whaling station which I am pleased to see is there. Keep them coming. Great reviews.

[@envoy3]

The brewery inside that church is top notch. It also has one of the best patio views in the province. Can't wait to get back there!

[@stevenbridge]

I don't want to be a downer Michael but I remember the West Coast in the 70's when what is now the Wickaninnish Interpretive Center was the Wickeninnish Inn, when you could camp on the beach and even drive your car onto it. Tofino was a hippie town and Ucluelet was a redneck town. I remember having supper in the Wickeninnish by the fire and the storm outside was breaking waves on our window and another time playing backgammon on the beach under a full moon with the Wickeninnish staff after closing. Nude sunbathing and fantastic diving in the Broken Island Group. I have to admit that both towns have matured and now offer more to the visiting tourist but I miss when it was our spot. Oh well.

[@Spacecorgi]

I will forever pronounce this lovely place as ukulele.

[@robharris1344]

Thanks! Now I will too....🍻😂🇦🇺😁

[@elizabeth2654]

Great video! I’m from Alberta; love visiting B.C’s gems❣️

[@BlueAlgon]

Very nice presentation. It would also be appreciated to see some examples of the residential areas - the houses. That would give a more complete feel of the town.

[@sandraastley5179]

Excellent video!!! ❤

[@vintagebettyelaine6830]

We just (in March) spent half our honeymoon in Ukee and stayed at the Blackrock! Highly recommend, our balcony overlooked the ocean and listening/ falling asleep to the waves every night was wonderful! We also ventured into Tofino but definitely loved the chill vibe of Ukee and would probably stay there again!

[@DownieLive]

Yes, the Black Rock is great! I love Ukee!

[@BrodyYYC]

We stopped in Ucluelet on our way back from Tofino and didn't have much time but we had breakfast at the Blue Room and would highly recommend it. They also had some neat driftwood art at very good prices. I still regret not buying a piece.

[@litespeed74]

Great video! Hope to visit some day!

[@mikewalmsley6411]

Some great tips.. Thanks!! Haven't visited there in years ..taking an "out of towner" there in a few weeks. Looking forward to the restaurants and trials ... and of course the beaches!! Cheers!

[@Basbxyy]

My family and I are headed there to camp in the uclulet campground in the summer. I can't wait!

[@miyoshimoore7417]

Thank you!

[@nannienita]

Great video Michael!! I've lived in Ukee on and off since 1974. I've always thought of it as my home, and since I've moved to the North Coast (Port Hardy), I find myself homesick for Ucluelet all the time!

[@newcoyote]

One of my best friends, Mike, lived in Ukee and also moved to Port Hardy. He has a house in Coal Harbour.

[@nannienita]

There have been a few old Ukee residents who moved to Hardy. Both beautiful places!

[@katherinemaas6712]

Ukee. My favourite place on earth too!

[@straitgate]

Thank you so much for introducing these places. I just brought my kids (and myself) to the Camosun bog thanks to you. I never knew this place existed and I've been in Vancouver since 2011!

[@C.SchitzPopinov]

You have sparked my interest. Thank you for this.

[@germanou]

amazing cool little place you got there, never thought there would be so many nice places to get to know in such a small city. Really a hidden gem

[@wendysuperfan1014]

thanks Mike

[@jdniuz1224]

One of my favorite place on earth !!

[@francesteixeira9454]

I love Ucluelet… love love love

[@zachtaylor5638]

Looking forward to moving here in a month!🌊

[@DownieLive]

Have fun!

[@steamtraincreative5911]

Favorite place ever

[@gnc2014]

Awesome n thorough details!

[@abhaysidhu57]

This place is on my list.

[@marissajoffreandjoshdeboer7166]

Now I know why this placed is so loved!

[@DownieLive]

You’ll have to come visit it with us.

[@lyndapelosi9252]

Good job showing Ucluelet love it.

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Lynda!

[@marksousa8595]

Thanks for this video!!!

[@gailcamporeale9619]

Great video once again.

[@natashabooker1614]

omg I love this video!! I'm planning a trip to ukee this august and I'm currently binging on all your videos about tofino/ucluelet. this video was super helpful and informative and I'm even more excited for my trip now ❤️❤️

[@DownieLive]

I'm so glad! Have fun!

[@jamesbainton]

I got engaged on the Lighthouse Trail.

[@raymondvillarasa3981]

Wow thanks for the great video/information!

[@Syncrohs]

About to go in 2 weeks, great video thank you for the info!!

[@DownieLive]

Have fun!

[@battuingb]

Hey awesome video! I learned a lot and is super helpful as my girlfriend and I are very excited about visiting Ucluelet and Tofino for the first time in August! Thanks for the tips and info!

[@DownieLive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1976ClassicCelica]

The closest beach is Little Beach - In Ucluelet. You missed a good one there.

[@cindythomson7042]

We spent our honeymoon around the Tofino area. It was great to see that Ucluelet is more accessible than I remember. Will definitely check it out the next time we are out that way. Are the trails accessible?

[@user-fl4hb3vs1x]

This is a really well made video; thanks very much for this.

[@DownieLive]

You're very welcome!

[@ouagadougou62]

Wow, quite a change since we went there about 25 years ago. It kinda looks like Tofino looked then. You forgot the West coast trail that starts in Ucluelet.

[@bhargavmehta6781]

What an amazing video dude great work keep it up ❤️❤️

[@DownieLive]

Thanks! Will do!

[@marianfrances4959]

Awesome!!!!👍😎🇨🇦🌲📷🌊

[@freebird127]

Nice intro to Ucluelet! I'm going there next week

[@DownieLive]

Have fun!

[@MrMeanderthal]

I'm 57.. I was a logger when I was 17 and and logged several places in Vancouver Island.. one of the first places I logged and 'lived' in was Ucluelet and the video you put is amazing in a way.. I lived there for about 3 years and this videos pictures show it has changed a lot..

[@DownieLive]

It has, and it has changed a lot since I filmed it. I’m heading back in a month and I may have to remake this video.

[@SexyBakanishi]

Looks awesome! I hope some of the less COVID safe things will still be there when I get there some day

[@laurelgillespie5612]

Thanks!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much for the extra support!

[@TeecesPiecesAUS]

Fantastic, informative video Mike! Felt like i was watching some show with a massive budget

[@DownieLive]

Thanks man. You know I’m always working to make them better. But what really makes the videos better is having more Teece in them. You gotta give the people what they want!

[@reyoga5723]

Great video! Thank you so much:)

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cliftonsnider1520]

I recommend checking out the Geocaching, there is definitely some interesting ones starting with the one behind the tourist booth.

[@DownieLive]

Oh good idea Clifton, thanks!

[@roneykaithpalmaria]

Wow this video literally shows everything hahaha “even BIKES!”

[@PartyintheAM]

was on vacation here its soo nice, A place that surprized me here was the towns skatepark! it is well built and better than most in such a remote town!

[@DownieLive]

Oh yeah! It’s great. And they have a newly redone BMX pump track and beach volleyball courts across the street too!

[@cadenreite9811]

We worked hard for our skate park as kids. It was a big deal once we got it.

[@jenmcleodphotography]

Great video! I think I saw you shooting the fire hall from the road beside my house.

[@DownieLive]

Oh cool! Hahaha. Busted 😆 Now you know who I am, you can say hi next time 👋🏼😀

[@BackseatCharlie]

Wow so beautiful

[@rickdownie1908]

Fabulous town. “Off Season is the Vest Season”.

[@DownieLive]

I don’t think they call it the off-season, they call it “storm watching season”.

[@rickdownie1908]

......Best Season.....

[@nettieseamysoul7196]

just be aware if you come in the 'off season' many restaurants etc are closed. (including the Blackrock for a couple of weeks in January). Plan ahead and make inquiries so you have the best visit ever !

[@DownieLive]

Good feedback!

[@DownieLive]

Otherwise it’s dinner at the Co-op 😆

[@kristenokeefe6672]

Loved your video! Since you have visited - 2 new amazing business’s have opened! Yayu - vegan cafe (deliciousssss) The Den - sustainable gift store & refillery! 😍

[@DownieLive]

I’ll have to go back!

[@redgaming6701]

Is this upto date still since Covid? I agree though when I first saw Ucluelet it was magical.

[@kenross466]

Been there. Well done video !

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Ken. Wishing I was there during this isolation period.

[@samanthat3148]

Lived here all my life and didn’t know about the public washrooms near the aquarium 😅😂

[@DownieLive]

😆😂 glad I could help!

[@WillEdmond]

Mike you cant be going to these places without me!

[@DownieLive]

🤷🏼‍♂️come back in the fall and I’ll take you!

[@rickdownie1908]

Will Edmond come on back soon....

[@Whistlewalk]

You reminded me that its been a few years since I headed out to Long Beach. This summer looks like a good time for the trip. Long Beach is also awesome in winter to watch thw winter storms roll in off the open Pacific.

[@trinityclark9609]

such a sick video! I'm a born and raised teen from Ukee. once in a while I look up Ucluelet on here just to see if any good videos come up... but it's always Tofino (kinda disappointing) you summed up nearly everything. you missed a couple good places though, hopefully you catch them when you're back :) thanks for the appreciation, so freakin cool!

[@DownieLive]

Oh wicked! I know, right?! Tofino gets all the attention! What did I miss? I’ll add them next time I go!

[@trinityclark9609]

@@DownieLive you'll have to try Abbondanza (my personal favourite), owned and operated by a local family - they make the best pizza... like seriously. I've never found anything better. also Floathouse, a fantastic restaurant that's literally on the water. hopefully you catch them next time you're around!

[@DownieLive]

I’ve heard such good things about Abondanza, but it’s always closed whenever I’m there. I’ll make sure to check it out next time.

[@CLoZzY]

Looks a real beautiful place! Hope to go there soon!

[@michelelarose3681]

Been to Tofino but next time I’ll go Ucluelet

[@gsimonin1]

I worked for a company named Pacific Rim and would enjoy visiting this national park, one day.

[@kenrear4783]

Mike do you have a video just on Long Beach. I have fond memories of partying and camping on the beach in the '70s.

[@DownieLive]

Hi Ken, I don't unfortunately. It has been a while since I've been back. I need to make another video there soon.

[@BrentsBistro]

My mother in law was born here. It’s a great location.

[@trevormiller2712]

Brent Shepherd , I think my grandfather, worked with,your dad? Driving dump trucks. We, paved the road between Tofino, and Ucluelet. I used to call him Shepherd!- 40,years ago! Lots of fun!

[@Flyingdutchy33]

Great video, but I think it's almost a crime not to mention the Floathouse.

[@alfredo_water9543]

Im in ucluelet right now theres an awsome wooden octopus you should of shown

[@yvettelacasse1037]

Abbondanza has awesome authentic pizza on the main strip as you come in to town.

[@DownieLive]

That's what I hear, Yvette! I'll have to try it, but every time I'm in town, it seems to be closed. Fingers crossed for next time.

[@tcjnz86]

Theres remains of an old shipwreck in Ucluelet. That's pretty neat to check out.

[@DownieLive]

Oh really? Where? Is it at Big Beach?

[@tcjnz86]

Yeah. That's the one I'm thinking of . It's pretty decayed, but it is there

[@DownieLive]

Oh cool. Good point. I’ll put it in the next one 😉

[@tcjnz86]

Maybe we should keep it a secret Haha. I feel like most would be underwhelmed expecting to find some great shipwreck, but I think it's neat.. it's like brushing shoulders with the past. That buoy by the lighthouse is pretty neat. I wonder if you could capture the eerie sound it makes. Next time I'm there I'm checking out that arcade and bowling alley. That looks super neat. Also, Jason Priestley's family owns the Cabins at Terrace Beach. I thought that was cool.

[@DownieLive]

Oh yeah, I heard they owned those places. Man, you know the town pretty well! 👍🏼 And yes, we’ll keep the shipwreck as our secret.

[@stevevoteary2138]

I need you to do some blogs on my personal tours - one of which stops in Ukee ;)

[@tammylim675]

Can we get here through public transport (trains/buses/ferry) in Vancouver/Victoria?

[@sandhugarry7305]

Do you need to have a car to go around or you can walk around?? Thank you

[@christophert.7635]

💖💖💖

[@Lala-un5yb]

Hi what do you think about going there on winter? Is everything closed? Is it still worth it? Thanks. great video.

[@DownieLive]

I love going there in the winter. I was just there 2 weeks ago. It’s storm season and so exciting. Some of the restaurants are closed, but there are still great options for you to eat. The town will feel much more local and not over run with tourists. It really is great year round.

[@Lala-un5yb]

@@DownieLive Thanks! :)

[@joelwaite8882]

Howlers Restaurant used to have electric score keeping but they ripped it out

[@jdhjimbo]

I don't often turn to the Left, but I do li,e Ucluelet better than Tofino. Those fish & Chips look outstanding at Jiggers. Tne Black Rock Resort I'd a greT p,ace to stop, but on those wet, windy evenings in st I rm wTch season, tne dining g room at the Wicka inn is Inn is fabulous! Cozy fireplace and huge windows to become one with the waves of Vancouver Island! Even if the Hotel is to OK pricey, a fancy dinner is worth it here. I love all the funky little p L aces here that make Ucluelet a fine small town. The marina is wonderful, andcit is fun to get on the water in a number of ways. The hot springs are fun to thecnorth, but they are a bit pricey- but worth it - better late in the day, when some are returning back to town, and the poo.s not so crowded, it is Rainforest heaven!

[@indic4]

you missed the whole nature about it .. just shops & advertising .. Love Ukee :)

[@kalynpohl8472]

Dude you youngins!!

[@kalynpohl8472]

You really have no clue!

[@kalynpohl8472]

My man needed a visit and later a ride this August from there to home. YOU! JERKS!

[@DownieLive]

🤷🏼‍♂️. What are you on about?

[@offgrid-bound]

Ssshhhh! Don’t tell them!

[@rileykoenigmusic]

wow you scared that poor hiker so bad!

[@DownieLive]

Hahahahaha! I was hoping you’d watch! 😆😂

[@richyfletcher273]

jiggers= best fish n chips on the entire island

[@famousfinds8698]

Cool how it’s been almost two years and you’re still reading the comments!

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha. I hadn’t thought of it like that. 👍🏼

[@qualicumwilson5168]

Nothing against Tofino but I prefer Ukeee. Ok I got a little against Tofu-ino a bit uppity vs basic working folks. PS ever walk the Tofino trail on Williowbrae before the existing road was built in WW2? Not in Ukee but real nice. Just love Halfmoon. Cryptic enough?

[@westcoastpixie]

You forgot thay tea and little beach cabins

[@DownieLive]

😯 I don’t know those. I’ll have to go back!

[@geoffreyrichardson8738]

Gods northern residence. (Huon valley Tasmania Australia is her southern residence)

[@mikkoleiviska6206]

theres beaches in ukee

[@tobiasteilmann4703]

man i love your vids! and first comment

[@DownieLive]

Yeah man, first comment!!! Thanks Tobias!

[@tobiasteilmann4703]

@@DownieLive it is just nice to get some info

[@DownieLive]

I agree. It’s why I’m happy to make these.

[@declangore5382]

Did you make this informative video for the town, was this a commission? I'm just curious.

[@DownieLive]

Nope, just on my own. I couldn't really find a guide type video to Ucluelet, and I go over to Ucluelet usually about 3-4 times a year, so decided I would do it. I hope it's helpful for some people planning their trips in the future.

[@joedirtnorcal2501]

How are the bathrooms lol

[@user-bf8bt2wf7d]

So the fish are in jail? xD

[@matthewtouchie4647]

Would have been nice if you would have acknowledged the first nations community across the way but also mentioning its private land.. yuułuʔiłʔath first nation ..

This Area is off limits to tourists until further notice as of 10/31/20

[@owenrhodes3481]

U missed a lot of equally if not better businesses. But good video over all

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Owen. It’s so hard to fit it all in. Maybe I’ll have to do a part 2.

[@spica9140]

0:24

[@DownieLive]

???

[@spica9140]

for practicing my pronunciation about Ucluelet. Im a not native speaker.

[@papa54321]

It's beautiful there but you are mostly just showing us stores!

[@DownieLive]

I am aware. I made the video…

[@user-bf8bt2wf7d]

Ooo-kloo-eh-et how it's said?? Some names of places in Canada are hard to read and I've lived here mijn hele leven, 34 jaarig. But I'm Nova Scotia where the accent sounds like you're carving all your words out of a hollow piece of wood like the sound of a hand saw cutting a hollow tree - kinda like hyperventilating with a dry throat full of saw dust. It's a gaspy dialect..

[@steflondon88]

Sa-Keh. not sa-ki. just saying lol

[@ottiscrabbe3088]

You missed a lot of business

[@mentaldyslexia]

so basically nothing to do but spend money, looks like a really boring place