Travel Advisories

Getting to Ucluelet

Facing the vast, rugged waters of the Pacific Ocean at the western edge of Vancouver Island by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you’ll find the unique, laid-back fishing village of Ucluelet.

Build in some extra time so you can enjoy the scenery on your way here!

Put your favourite music on, grab some snacks and fill up your tank because your trip to Ucluelet is most likely going to start with a scenic car and ferry ride. If you choose to arrive by air at one of the Island airports, the journey will allow for new adventures along the way.

Located on the far West Coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet is 288 kilometres (km) (179 miles) northwest of British Columbia’s provincial capital, Victoria, and approximately five hours from Vancouver.

The closest city is Port Alberni, approximately 100 km (60miles) to the east, and the District of Tofino is about 40 km (25miles) northwest of Ucluelet.

Ucluelet is located on the magnificent outer West Coast of Vancouver Island. About a 4-hour drive, we are 290 kilometers (km) northwest of British Columbia’s provincial capital, Victoria, and approximately five hours, including the ferry ride, from Vancouver. The closest city is Port Alberni, approximately 100 km to the east, and the District of Tofino is about 40 km northwest of Ucluelet. Map

Driving distance:

  • From Vancouver – 196 km (2.5 hours driving + 2.5 hours by ferry)
  • From Calgary – 1229 km (13 hours driving + 2.5 hours by ferry)
  • From Seattle – 483 km (6 hours driving + 2.5 hours by ferry)
  • From Victoria – 290 km (4 hours)
  • From Nanaimo – 182 km (2.5 hours)
  • From Comox – 205 km (3 hours)
  • From Port Alberni – 100 km (1.5 hours)
  • From Tofino – 40 km (35 minutes)

When travelling north from Nanaimo, exit west on Highway 4 toward Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet. In a few short hours, you will arrive at the junction of Highway 4 and the Pacific Rim Highway, turn left at the junction and drive southeast 8 kilometres to Ucluelet.

Please note: All Season M/S Rating or Winter tires are required when driving Highway 4 to Ucluelet from October 1st to March 31st each year. For more information from British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, please click here.

Tip: Visit Drive BC for real-time highway conditions and webcams at the Port Alberni Summit.

Taking the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is one of the most scenic water adventures when travelling to British Columbia, Canada. BC Ferries offers services from Vancouver to Vancouver Island daily, all year round. From Vancouver, you may arrive in Victoria at Swartz Bay and travel by car for 4.5 hours to reach Ucluelet. Alternatively, from Vancouver, you may take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay or Tsawwassen to Duke Point, both in Nanaimo. On average, it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from Nanaimo to Ucluelet.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit BC Ferries:
www.bcferries.com
1-888-223-3779.

Tofino/Ucluelet Airport (YAZ) is located near Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and is administered by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. The airport has daily scheduled and chartered flights. Private planes are also welcome!

Pacific Coastal Airlines
1.800.663.2872

  • Connecting to 65+ destinations in BC: Pacific Coastal Airlines provides regular scheduled, chartered, and cargo services to 16 airports with connections to 50+ destinations in British Columbia.

Harbour Air
1.800.665.0212

  • Daily service between Vancouver Harbour, Victoria Inner Harbour and Nanaimo Harbour
  • Daily scheduled flights between Vancouver and Victoria, Tofino and Ucluelet and Qualicum Beach and Parksville.

Tofino Air
1.866.486.3247 ((250) 725-4454)

  • Scheduled flights from the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport, Nanaimo, and Victoria Airport Water Aerodrome.
  • For international air travelers, the nearest international airports are Vancouver (YVR) on the mainland or Victoria (YYJ) on southern Vancouver Island.

Other Major Airports

Car Rentals

Budget Car Rental

  • 188 Airport Rd, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0, Canada
  • Seasonal Close Oct to Apr
  • (250) 725.2060

All airports on Vancouver Island offer car rentals for your journey to Ucluelet. 

Latest Traffic Updates

As you plan your trip to the West Coast, from time to time things happen along the way. Go to Drive BC for the latest updates on road conditions.

We have road construction still taking place on Kennedy Hill. It’s getting closer to being finished, but they still need a little more time. Please check out this status update (PDF) for the latest information.

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