Accessible Travel in Ucluelet
In 2022, we partnered with Tourism Vancouver Island and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCIBC) on an exciting Accessible Travel Guide project. SCIBC conducted thorough accessibility assessments at five key locations around Ucluelet. This valuable information allowed us to develop a series of informative content specifically designed to help travellers with disabilities plan a trip to Ucluelet.
Of course, there are additional accessible experiences available, and we encourage you to call ahead to the business for more information on accessibility attributes before you visit.
While Ucluelet (Ukee) presents some accessibility challenges, it’s still a truly rewarding destination to experience. The town’s unique hillside location and charming older infrastructure contribute to its character.
Navigating Ucluelet
Many businesses offer street-level access, and while some may have a step or two, a quick call ahead will confirm accessibility for specific shops or restaurants, allowing you to plan your visit with ease. You’ll find convenient parallel parking throughout town, including two designated accessible spaces.
Meet Robin Whyte, an Accessibility Consultant and a Disability Advocate who lives with Multiple sclerosis (MS), and uses a small mobility scooter to get around. On her website, “Girl About Town: Accessible Victoria”, she posts reviews of local restaurants and attractions, and their accessibility from the perspective of a person with a wheelchair. Read on to hear Robin’s perspective of her visits to theses Ucluelet places.
Ucluelet Aquarium
Located at the bottom of the hill, near the wharf on Main Street, is Canada’s first collect-and-release aquarium, which showcases a large tidal touch pool filled with marine life, all collected within a ten kilometer radius of Ucluelet. The tanks are filled with all manner of local sea creatures, from starfish to sea urchins, and sand dollars to soft, spiky sea cucumbers, to name just a few. Not to be forgotten is the mysterious and elusive octopus, who at the time of our visit, changed her colour and texture completely in front of our eyes! The aquarium is ecologically run, fed with waters being pumped in from the inlet right outside the building. The knowledgeable staff are lovely to interact with, and their passion for their subject material is infectious.
The aquarium is very well laid out, but phone ahead to let staff know if access to the stair-free entrance is required, and you will be let in through the accessible back entrance by friendly, accommodating staff. The back door is located along the west side of the building on lower Main Street right before the Government Wharf (Whiskey Dock). Once inside, tanks, tidal touch pool, and the entire space can be accessed easily, as the space is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities. Inside, the aquarium is all on one level, and has a larger restroom with a universal height toilet and grab bars, and a sink with clearance underneath.
There is an accessible parking spot across the street that is part of the Whiskey Landing Lodge development, but be aware that it is on an incline.
Ucluelet Brewing Co.
Ucluelet’s first craft brewery is located in an old church, entirely renovated and refreshed recently, and overlooks downtown “Ukee”, as the locals know it. The welcoming space, which is light and airy, has beautiful reclaimed wood features including timber arches and a long bar with plenty of selections on tap that will surely hit the spot. Local Vancouver Island wines, as well as locally crafted gin and vodka are also available, plus there are tasty food options if you’re feeling snack-ish. Along with our group’s beverages, we shared the cheesy potato skins, which were delicious!
For those with mobility challenges, the Ucluelet Brewery is an accommodating and accessible space. The front door area is level but there is a slight slope down to it from the road. Unfortunately there isn’t a push plate door opener, but once inside, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere draws you in. There is a mixture of high and low tables, mostly high, with easily moveable benches and chairs. There is space to move around, but the pub gets busy and fills up quickly, especially on nights when live music is on offer, so arriving early is a good idea. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and there is parallel parking available on the street.
The Ucluelet Brewery is definitely the spot in town to hang with good friends, relax after a day’s work, catch some great local music, and polish off some tasty brews!
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Ucluelet’s premier luxury resort, the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, is set in the heart of the ancient rain forest. Perched on the edge of the rugged west coast, with breathtaking views of the pounding surf, Black Rock is perfect for the ultimate storm watching experience!
Fortunately for visitors such as myself, (I use a small mobility scooter to get around), there are many details that have been carefully planned for the comfort and pleasure of all guests, including those with disabilities.
There are two accessible parking spots close to the front door, as well as luggage carts and helpful staff. There is a large covered area in front of the hotel entrance, which is particularly useful when it’s raining, as it often is during the winter months. As I entered the hotel, there were automatic push plate door openers into the level lobby. As I made my way towards the front desk, a staff member came out from behind the glass and greeted me warmly, which felt not just friendly and welcoming, but noticeably less “transactional”. The large lobby was tastefully decorated in calming, dark tones, but my eyes were instantly drawn to the crashing surf, the jagged rocks and rolling sea spray just outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the raw beauty and power of the Pacific Ocean. There is a small gift shop in the lobby, as well as two restaurants. The Big Beach Bar and Lounge features casual food choices, local beer and wines, and tasty cocktails. The other restaurant, “Currents”, is decidedly upscale (be sure to make a reservation) with a curated selection of artisan-inspired fare, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer. Both step-free restaurants have exceptional views of the surrounding rocky headlands and wide open ocean. There is an accessible viewing deck off the front of the hotel lobby, which was inviting, but for me, it was time to bundle up and be cozy in my room. I gave myself a moment to soak in the atmospheric space, and took the roomy elevator up to my accessible one bedroom suite.
At the Black Rock resort there are two accessible (or barrier-free) one bedroom suites, which are beautifully appointed, well designed, and score high on my accessibility scale. Inside the suite, doors and hallways are comfortably wide and there is ample space to maneuver, along with comfortable furniture to enjoy. I was able to easily use the dining room table as I could access it by positioning my scooter on the sides, or the end. The kitchen was compact, yet workable, and the oven was positioned at a height designed for folks in chairs. Light switches and the thermostat were also placed at the workable height for my accessibility. Door handles are lever style, which is much easier to operate than a round knob if dexterity is an issue. There is a gorgeous deck off of the living room for viewing the surf, which has a small ramp to negotiate the threshold, but I found that I couldn’t get my scooter over it successfully. The turn was too tight with the positioning of the furniture. I suspect a person in a manual wheelchair could likely make it work.
Inside the bedroom, there was room for me to maneuver, but it was snug. There was space on both sides of the king-size bed, but I only needed to access the area nearest to the door. There was more space between the end of the bed and the massive windows. I truly was sleeping right next to the spectacular shoreline, which was very peaceful, and I found that the muted sounds of the pounding surf soon had me in a deep, meditative rest.
The bathroom was very well designed with accessibility at top of mind. There was ample space to move, including a large roll-in shower with a pebble-stone shower floor, grab bars and a shower chair located in the closet. The sink and counter area is large, with plenty of room underneath for leg clearance. The toilet is universal height, and there is a grab bar situated next to it for safety. Light switches, dimmers and thermostats are all positioned at a workable height for universal access. The deep soaker tub is up one step, which looked very inviting, but not accessible to me.
At Big Beach Bar and Lounge, located inside Black Rock, a gentle ramp leads into the upscale and welcoming space, tables are standard height, and chairs are easily moved to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. The staff are helpful and friendly. Accessible restrooms are located in the hotel lobby. This place has everything you need for a grand night out!
The Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is an exceptional place to stay for visitors of all abilities. A concerted effort has been made so that barriers have been minimized, or eliminated completely. Staff plays such a critical role when it comes to a top-rated experience, and I found that everyone I interacted with was extremely accommodating and offered top quality service. This property is one that I plan on visiting again, and hopefully soon!
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse and the Wild Pacific Trail
Starting from the forested, pay-parking lot area, I made my way out to the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. I enjoyed this trip immensely, visiting on a blustery winter day as the wild waves smashed and crashed against the rocky shoreline. The lighthouse, which was built of solid construction particular to its rugged location in 1915, was staffed with lighthouse keepers from the Canadian Coast Guard from its time of creation until 1988, when it was automated.
The trail down to the lighthouse consists of partially broken-up pavement, and hard-packed walkway, that is steep in parts. A little past the accessible outhouse, (including accessible cement ramp), and down a bit further, the spectacular view of the old lighthouse reveals itself as the ocean relentlessly hurls toward the coast. What a breathtaking scene! Three benches are situated close by, so that nature at her finest can be savoured in your own time. I decided to get a bit closer to the lighthouse, which meant ascending a small, steep hill that may not be suitable for all folks who use mobility devices. The Wild Pacific Trail continues on from there.
This short trail from parking lot to lighthouse shouldn’t be missed, bring a warm drink, and prepare to be flooded with wonder, gratitude and exhilaration. Keep your eyes open for whales!
Request a Beach Wheelchair
The Tofino Visitor Centre has two easy-to-assemble beach wheelchairs for visitors to borrow. Visit their website to complete a quick request form, and they will contact you regarding availability.