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Travel Advisories

FAQ

We’re a friendly, laid-back fishing village that welcomes visitors from all over the world. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Contact us to help with any of your vacation planning needs.

Packing, Preparation and Accessibility

Although Ucluelet is rugged in many ways, there are many mobility-friendly trails, beaches, parks, restaurants, shops and activity providers!

Trails

  • Located down Coast Guard Rd, you can find the Interpretive Bog Loop as well as the Lighthouse at Amphitrite Point. Both are hard-packed gravel trails surrounding by stunning old-growth forest. To access the Interpretive Bog Loop, park at the Whale Lot down Coast Guard Road and cross the street using the pedestrian cross-walk. The trail is well marked with accessibility signage. As for the Lighthouse at Amphitrite Point, continue past the Whale Lot to find the secondary parking lot for access.
  • The Shore Pine Bog Trail is located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve down Wick Rd. This beautiful forested boardwalk is 1 km long and is full of stunted and twisted trees.
  • ʔapsčiik t’ašii (pronounced ‘Ups-cheek ta-shee’) is a 25 km multi-use path that connects Ucluelet to Tofino through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This paved path has steep grade in some areas, but is surrounded by picturesque trees and sometimes ocean. Be sure to check it out from iconic Long Beach.

Restaurants

Shops

Activity Providers

Beaches/Parks

  • Little Beach
  • Wickaninnish Beach – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
  • Long Beach – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
  • Small Craft Harbour Park
  • Lions Park
  • Basketball Court
  • Alder Park

Before you go fishing you need to make sure you have a fishing license and are up to date on all the current fishing regulations. We recommend downloading the FishingBC app, which is a one stop shop for regulations, a catch log, species ID guide and a place to display your BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License.

To get your BC Fishing license, visit BC Tidal Water License Page.

Please be outdoor aware.Our wildlife is elusive and are best viewed on a wildlife tour. But, from time-to-time we do see them in town. However, once animals become accustomed to people, they are in danger of losing their “wildness”. Habituated animals (those that have lost their natural fear of humans) can be dangerous because they appear docile and may come too close to humans. Stay away from wildlife. By acting responsibly, you can help ensure that future generations have an opportunity to see wildlife that is truly wild. Parks Canada has a responsibility to protect wildlife and their habitat. With your cooperation, bears, wolves, cougars and people can co-exist. The Pacific Rim National Park has a fantastic wildlife awareness page that we encourage all visitors to review. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit/visit7/visit7b.aspx

This is Ucluelet’s main Visitor Centre and can help with all your accommodation and vacation planning needs and is shared with the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Both organizations provide regional tourism information about the West Coast including Tofino. You’ll find the Centre located at the junction of BC Highway 4 and the Tofino/Ucluelet Highway.

Tourism Ucluelet Desk – Until further notice
Saturday & Sunday only 10am – 5pm
Hours may vary depending on season

Parks Canada Desk – Winter hours
Friday – Sunday 10am to 5pm
Hours vary based on season

Address: 2791 Pacific Rim Highway, Ucluelet, BC
Telephone Number: 250-726-4600
E-mail: visitorservices@discoverucluelet.com

  • Lightweight shirts
  • Sweater or Fleece – need to be cozy
  • A hat or scarf
  • Camera to capture your memories
  • Lightweight pants and shorts
  • Bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (Yes, you need it here)
  • Jacket
  • Wind/water repellant protective shell; Gore-Tex is always in vogue
  • Sturdy footwear for all the exploring and adventure that awaits
  • Backpack to carry all the delightful treats found in local shops and markets
  • A book you’ve been meaning to read – pull up a piece of beach or driftwood on one of Ucluelet’s pristine beaches and enjoy the peacefulness
  • Charging cords –Ucluelet wants you to unplug and reconnect with nature, but let’s be honest, those latest posts and emails aren’t going to read themselves!

Canada operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power — the same as the United States. Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor if you wish to use your small appliances from home (i.e. razors, hairdryers). If you are visiting from countries such as Australia, where they use a higher voltage, you may encounter problems charging your rechargeable batteries.

If you require any municipal or business information call or visit:

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm (except Stat Holidays and Christmas Closure)

Mailing Address:
PO Box 999, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0

Civic Address:
200 Main Street
Telephone (General Enquiries): 250-726-7744

Fax: 250-726-7335
E-mail: info@ucluelet.ca


Emergency Services

Ucluelet RCMP (Police)
Phone: 250-726-7773

Ucluelet Fire Department
Phone: 250-726-4784

Ucluelet Ambulance
Phone: 250-725-2252

Tofino Hospital (Shared with Ucluelet)
Phone: 250-725-4010

Ucluelet Medical Clinic
Phone: 250-726-4443

Ucluelet Coast Guard
Phone: 250-726-7770

Ucluelet Dentist (Located in Tofino)
Phone: 250-725-2068

Ucluelet Fisheries and Oceans
Phone: 250-725-3500

Pacific Rim Chiropractic (Ucluelet & Tofino)
Phone: 250-726-2220

Harbour Health RMT
Phone: 250-726-7119

Nurture Day Spa for RMT
Phone: 250-726-6278

Harborview Drugstore
Phone: 250-726-2733

Coop Pharmacy
Phone: 250-726-4342

Westcoast Transition House
Phone: 250-726-2020

 

 


Laws, Customs & Currency

Hard to pronounce. Harder to forget! While the name looks hard to say it is actually very easy. It’s simply: U • CLUE • LET or Ukee (U•Key) as locals affectionately refer to Ucluelet.

The population of Ucluelet as of 2016 is 1,717.

The time zone is Pacific Standard Time PDT (UTC-7) from March 13, 2o21 until November 7, 2021 then the time zone is Pacific Standard Time PST (UTC-8)

Ucluelet is located at the western edge of Barkley Sound, 288 kilometres Northwest of the British Columbia’s provincial capital, Victoria, on the outer west coast of Vancouver Island. The closest city is Port Alberni approximately 100 km to the east and the District of Tofino is 40 km northwest of Ucluelet on Highway 4.

Ucluelet is surrounded on both sides by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; the Long Beach Unit to the Northwest and Broken Islands Group to the South.

If you are arriving here from outside of Canada, by the time you make your way to Ucluelet you will already have been cleared through Canadian Customs. Government regulations require all visitors arriving in Canada by air, land and see from the United States of America and elsewhere, to have a valid passport. Additional documentation may be required, such as a visitor visa or alien card permitting entry. For more information, please visit  Canada Border Services Agency (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

Tipping is customary in the tourism industry, with a standard minimum tip of fifteen per cent (15%-20%). Tips can also be given to drivers, tour guides, spa therapists, hairdressers, bartenders, hotel attendants, etc., at your discretion.

Credit Card and Bank Debit Cards use are widespread. VISA, Mastercard, American Express are accepted at most local shops and services, as are bank debit cards.

CIBC (ATM)
Address: 212 Main Street, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: (250) 726-7701
Monday to Friday – 9:30AM to 5:00PM

Coastal Credit Union of British Columbia (ATM)
Address: 1566 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: (250) 726-7785
Monday to Friday – 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Canada is a bi-lingual nation, with both English and French being our official languages. English is the most commonly used language in local restaurants, shops, and businesses throughout the region. As you arrive on the Westcoast you will see signage reflecting the Nuu-chah-nulth language representing the surrounding first nations communities.

For more information and the latest information, call Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise at (204) 983-3500 (from outside Canada) or 1-800-461-9999 (from inside Canada), or visit www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Generally, wearing apparel and personal effects for use by visitors are admitted free of duty. People aged 19 and over may bring up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 220 g (8 oz) of manufactured tobacco into Canada. People aged 19 and over may also bring 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or 1.5 litres (45 oz) of wine or 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale into Canada. All goods must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, and fully automatic firearms are prohibited entry into Canada. All weapons must be declared.

Non-residents may claim GST rebates (conditions apply). Forms are available on BC Ferries, airports, Greyhound Bus terminals and other locations.

Currency in Canada is based on the Canadian dollar and is similar to American currency with coinage including nickels (five cents), dimes (ten cents), quarters (twenty-five cents), and then the one dollar coin commonly referred to as a Loonie (for the embossed image of a Loon that graces one side) and the two dollar coin called a Twoonie (or toonie). Canadian currency also comes in bills of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Many businesses will accept the US dollar but exchange rates will vary. The local bank can also help you exchange your US dollars into CAD dollars. Look at the currency exchange rate: https://www.gocurrency.com/

Statutory holidays include:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • BC Family Day (third Monday in February)
  • Good Friday & Easter Sunday & Monday
  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day (July 1)
  • BC Day (first Monday in August)
  • Labour Day (First Monday in September)
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
  • Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October)
  • Remembrance Day (November 11)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

Most local businesses are open during these statutory holidays.

“British Columbia prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 19 years. Alcoholic beverages can only be purchased at B.C. Liquor Agency Stores, beer and wine stores, and at licensed restaurants, pubs, and lounges.

In general, alcoholic beverages can only be consumed on licensed premises or private property. Drinking alcohol is not permitted in unlicensed public areas, including all parks, beaches, and streets. Within your campsite in the National Park, alcoholic beverages may be consumed as it is considered private property.

Throughout Canada, the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration for fully licensed drivers is to be under 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.08.

Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or over is a criminal offence, and the penalties are severe.
Smoking or vaping (tobacco, cannabis, etc.) is not allowed in any public buildings in British Columbia, including restaurants and bars. Please respect any posted signage while visiting the area.

BYLAW No.1187 Smoking or vaping (tobacco, cannabis, etc.) is also prohibited in all public parks in Ucluelet and within 8 meters of public doorways.”


Seasonal Restrictions

Yes, when there ISN’T an active fire ban.

Outdoor burning bans have become more frequent during the summer months due to changing environmental impacts.

For more information on restrictions and conditions, refer to the following document: Ucluelet Outdoor Burning Bylaw.

The following activities are prohibited all year long:

  • Fireworks;
  • Sky Lanterns;
  • Binary Exploding Targets;
  • Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description; and,
  • Air Curtain Burners.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.


Pets & Support Animals

Yes, your four-legged travel companions will love Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim. There are designated doggie parks in Ucluelet, but please remember dogs are required to be on leash at all times within the District of Ucluelet as well as in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It’s for their safety and others comfort. We would be grateful if you could pick up after your dog. You’ll find doggie bag stations at trail heads as well as waste bins throughout Ucluelet. No one likes that smell on their shoe all day!

Several accommodation properties in the area have specialized programs that will welcome your pet(s) in style and comfort. Check out our accommodations.

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