Paddling Ucluelet: Respect the Coast with the BC Marine Trails Code of Conduct
Ucluelet is located on the traditional territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ – Ucluelet First Nation. The town’s name itself is even the anglicized word of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and is often translated as “people of the safe harbor”. Indigenous communities on the West Coast of Vancouver Island have a long history of traveling by water and this location is no exception. Ucluelet is a paddler’s dream.
From its iconic harbour to the George Fraser Islands and the stunning Broken Group within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this west coast gem offers adventures for every level of explorer. Picture gliding through tranquil channels, drifting over kelp forests, and pulling up on secluded beaches — Ucluelet truly captures the essence of paddling on the wild west coast.
“Ucluelet and the Broken Group Islands are not just destinations; they are living, breathing ecosystems that hold stories of ancient cultures and vibrant biodiversity,” says Kevin Bradshaw, local paddler and owner of Hello Nature Adventure Tours. “These lands and waters are a testament to the beauty and complexity of nature, deserving of our utmost respect and protection. As stewards of this remarkable environment, we are committed to fostering a deep connection between our clients and the natural world. Through adventure and exploration, we aim to inspire a sense of responsibility and reverence for these sacred spaces, ensuring they remain untouched for generations to come. Together, we can learn, grow, and contribute to a legacy of sustainability and respect for the environment.”
Want to explore the region from home? Check out the BC Marine Trails map to get started.
Boasting over 100 islands, the Broken Group archipelago tops many paddlers’ bucket lists. With breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for exploration, it’s a destination like no other. But this pristine ecosystem is as fragile as it is beautiful, and preserving it requires care and responsibility.
That’s where the BC Marine Trails Code of Conduct comes in—a practical guide to help you paddle responsibly and protect these extraordinary islands for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep this paddler’s paradise wild, beautiful, and thriving.
Respect Indigenous Heritage
Barkley Sound is home to the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Toquaht, Uchucklesaht, Tseshaht, and Huu-ay-aht First Nations — who have called this area home for millennia. Ancient village sites, culturally modified trees, shell middens, and more are present throughout the region
Golden Rule: Disturb nothing, take nothing. Respecting this heritage is essential to preserving the cultural significance of the area and maintaining continued access for recreationists.
Handle Human Waste Responsibly
The Broken Group Islands may be beautiful, but they’re not naturally equipped to handle human waste. With thin soils and slow decomposition rates, improperly disposed waste can linger for years, polluting the environment and posing health risks. Luckily, Parks Canada has installed composting outhouses at designated camping areas.
For day trips from Ucluelet, to the George Fraser Islands, or beyond, pack it out with waste systems, or ensure a strong tidal flush can safely carry waste out to sea. In this case, burn toilet paper, pack it out with you, or use alternatives like seaweed, kelp, rounded rocks, leaves, or bark.
Campfires: Small and Smart
While campfires are allowed throughout Ucluelet’s paddling areas (when no fire ban is in effect), they require care. Fires can damage delicate ecosystems and leave lasting scars if not properly managed.
Build campfires only below the high tide line, using small pieces of driftwood. Always ensure your fire is fully extinguished before leaving the site.
Protect Wildlife
From sea lions basking on rocky outcrops to feeding humpbacks, this region is rich in wildlife. Observing animals is a privilege, but it comes with responsibility.
Keep Your Distance: Harassing wildlife, feeding animals, or leaving food unsecured can disrupt their natural behaviors and even lead to dangerous encounters.
Store all food and scented items securely in bear caches, kayak hatches, or bear hangs.
Dispose of Grey Water
The Broken Group Islands’ clean, clear waters are a signature feature, but they’re not immune to human impact. Even biodegradable soaps can harm marine life.
As paddlers, we can minimize soap use by scrubbing dishes with hot water and sand or gravel. Dispose of any grey water in the lowest intertidal zone, where wave action will dilute it naturally.
Leave It Better
Our goal is to ensure recreationists have a neutral, or even positive effect on the coast. Stick to established trails and campsites to protect sensitive vegetation and prevent erosion. Pack out all waste, including food scraps, to leave the islands as clean and magical as you found them — or better.
Small Actions Count: Packing out marine debris (even a few small pieces), avoiding a sprawling camp, and sticking to established trails helps protect this wilderness for future paddlers.
Why It Matters
Paddling through the Ucluelet Harbour or Broken Group Islands is an unforgettable experience, but it’s also a privilege. By following the BC Marine Trails Code of Conduct, you’re not just exploring responsibly — you’re contributing to the preservation of this magical place.
Whether you’re navigating the calm, sheltered waters between islands, marveling at ancient trees clinging to cliffs, or camping under a sky full of stars, let’s paddle with care and respect. Together, we can keep this region a paradise for generations to come.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to explore? Make Ucluelet your base for an adventure to remember. With kayak rentals, guided tours, and all the charm of a west coast town, it’s the perfect starting point for your journey into the Broken Group Islands. Check out the BC Marine Trails map for all your trip planning needs!
Paddle West Kayaking: Ucluelet day trips
Hello Nature Adventure Tours: Ucluelet day trips, Broken Group Multi-Day Expeditions
Kayaking in Ucluelet offers an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning coastal beauty of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Ucluelet is renowned for its rugged coastline, pristine waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for kayakers of all skill levels.
Here’s what you can expect when kayaking in Ucluelet.
Scenic Beauty: Ucluelet offers stunning scenery with rocky shorelines, secluded coves, and ancient forests. Paddling through its tranquil waters provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes. Start your kayaking journey in the calm waters of Ucluelet Harbour for leisurely paddling and wildlife observation. For a deeper exploration, head to the captivating Broken Group Islands, featuring over a hundred islets amidst breathtaking coastal vistas. Barkley Sound beckons experienced kayakers with its rugged coastline and sheltered waters, promising challenges and rewards.
Wildlife Viewing: The waters around Ucluelet are teeming with marine life. Watch for whales, sea lions, seals, otters, bald eagles, and various seabirds. Some lucky kayakers may even spot pods of orcas or majestic gray whales during their paddling adventures.
Island Exploration: Ucluelet is surrounded by numerous small islands and islets, each offering unique charm and exploration opportunities. Kayakers can paddle to these islands to discover hidden beaches, sea caves, and tidal pools.
Kayak Tours and Rentals: Several outfitters in Ucluelet offer guided kayak tours and equipment rentals for visitors. These tours are led by experienced guides who provide safety instructions and insights into the local ecology and history. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced kayaker, options are available to suit your preferences. Ucluelet kayak rental services are widely available for those who prefer to explore independently.
Weather Considerations: It’s essential to check the weather and tidal conditions before embarking on a kayaking excursion in Ucluelet. Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changing conditions and dress accordingly.
Safety Precautions: While kayaking is a relatively safe activity, it’s essential to prioritize safety on the water. Wear a properly fitting life jacket, stay within your skill level, and be aware of other watercraft in the area. Visit AdventureSmart to help you best prepare for your outdoor adventure.
Overall, kayaking in Ucluelet offers an unforgettable outdoor experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature and explore the pristine beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Whether seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or a peaceful day on the water, Ucluelet has something to offer every kayaker.
Discover Kayak Tours in Ucluelet:
This spring, we invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of our home. Ucluelet is more than just a picturesque backdrop for your adventures; it’s a vibrant community pulsating with the heartbeat of passionate locals who call this place home. From artists and artisans to fishermen and foragers, each resident contributes to the rich tapestry of life that defines Ucluelet.
Spring Activities
Lace up your hiking boots and wander along winding trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, or paddle silently through pristine waters as you explore the tranquil beauty of Barkley Sound. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or just the two of you, there’s something for everyone. The Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first collect and release aquarium, reopens for the season on March 1st. Looking for something to up your heartbeat? Rent a bike from Ukee Bikes and ride the town in style, or get on the water with Relic Surf Shop or Paddle West Kayaking.
Grab a Bite & a Brew
As you meander through the quaint streets of town, you’ll find yourself drawn to charming boutiques and cozy cafes, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the salty tang of the sea. Strike up a conversation with a friendly local, and you’ll uncover hidden gems and insider tips that only those who call Ucluelet home can share.
Discover west coast dining experiences in Ucluelet.
Upcoming Events
Each year, as the storms power dwindles and the sun stays high for longer, Ucluelet comes alive with the vibrant energy of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, a celebration of the return of Pacific Gray Whales to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Against the backdrop of Ucluelet’s rugged coastline, locals and visitors alike gather to honor the annual migration of gray whales and marvel at their breathtaking displays. From captivating educational workshops and exhilarating whale-watching excursions to lively community events and art exhibitions, the festival offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that deepen our connection to the ocean and its inhabitants. It’s a time of joyous revelry and profound appreciation for the natural wonders that define Ucluelet’s identity, reminding us of the enduring bond between humankind and the sea.
Discover Springtime events in Ucluelet.
Stay With Us
To fully capture the spirit of Ucluelet, you’ll want to stay a few nights, a week, or longer. From classic cabins, luxury resorts, eco-yurts steps from the ocean, and family-friendly campgrounds, check out available accommodations in Ucluelet.
Looking for Accessible Travel Tips?
Check out our Accessible Travel Guide video:
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of pink and gold across the sky, take a moment to pause and reflect on the wonders you’ve witnessed during your time in Ucluelet. Whether you’ve come to reconnect with nature, indulge in culinary delights, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ucluelet welcomes you with open arms and invites you to embark on a journey of discovery unlike any other.
Ucluelet Aquarium
Kayaking off Vancouver Island
Ucluelet Brewing
Wild Pacific Trail
Credit: George Fifield
Pluvio Restaurant and Rooms. Credit: Jordyn Giesbrecht
Storm season in Ucluelet is upon us, and we could not be more excited. Ask any Ucluelet local and they can attest to the majesty of a winter storm on BC’s west coast. The energy and sounds of massive waves crashing on the rocky shoreline, winds that make the trees dance, while rains quench the soil and restore shades of green that must be seen to be believed. The energy is palpable while walking on the Wild Pacific Trail and undeniably humbling. These waves bring about a feeling of connection and awe with mother nature. If you have heard the buzz about storm watching in Tofino, wait until you see the massive waves hit the rocky coastline of Ucluelet.
Ucluelet’s soundtrack during the winter months offers the calming rumble of waves connecting with the coastline while being offset by the buoy bell and foghorn. These rhythmic sounds from your cozy accommodation will lull you to sleep by natures sound machine. Things move slowly this time of year and so can you. Winter in Ucluelet means leaning into rest, restoration, quietness, and togetherness. It is the time to pick up a neglected book, cook a meal with those you love or cuddle in and storm watch. Do as much or as little as you feel called to.
If you choose to venture out of your cozy nook, the towering trees on the Wild Pacific Trail offer some refuge on the rainier days and a safe vantage point to watch the winter storms, they huddle over you like natures canopy umbrella. Embracing the elements is always an option for those who wish to feel the mist on their faces and the energy move through ground into your feet as you watch these waves pound the rocky coastline. Or for the seasoned winter surfer, grab your board and catch a swell. On the calmer days, see if you can book a harbour tour in a kayak or boat.
If complete relaxation is what you seek, selfcare with a customized treatment in Drift Spa at the Black Rock Resort or Nurture Day Spa at Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites, will round out your restorative journey.
With a variety of accommodations available, the opportunities for rest and relaxation are endless. Maybe it’s a cottage with a hot tub, or a hotel room with a king size bed and space for your furry companions, start dreaming and choose to be here this Winter. Its your time to treat yourself and Ucluelet has all the tools to do so.
Mike Seehagel
Landon Sveinson
Mike Seehagel