November 29th, 2021 to January 3rd, 2022 closure schedule.
Nov. 29 to Dec. 18, 2021:
- Daytime closures periods are Monday to Friday, 5am – 7am and 11am – 3pm.
- Top-of-the-hour traffic releases will occur for the remainder of the time during the day.
- Weekends will be top-of-the-hour traffic releases.
Dec. 19 to Jan 3, 2022:
- Expect 30min delays and single-lane alternating traffic.
Please review this PDF from Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) Inc for full details.
Please also visit EAC Hwy 4 Kennedy Hill Project Updates’ Facebook page for the latest information from the contracting company.
Update – November 15, 2021.
Like you, we’re passionate about exploring, and are welcoming visitors back gradually.
Ucluelet is happy to welcome visitors back from across Canada and as of August 9th, our US neighbours. We kindly remind everyone that some businesses may still have COVID rules in place and ask that you keep a mask on you just in case. Social distancing and hand sanitizing continue to be implemented in our businesses. Please see the Current BC Restart Plan for further information.
For those who are travelling to the coast, the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre can give you any help you need including maps of the area and businesses for those dream activities you’ve always wanted to do. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to stop in the Visitor Centre as you arrive on the coast, it is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm. Go to Discover Ucluelet and start planning.
While we all patiently wait for the final travel restrictions to be lifted, we don’t want you to miss out on getting your little piece of Ucluelet. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for a virtual postcard.
As always, we thank you from the bottom of our ❤️’s for keeping yourselves and our community healthy.
Travel advisory – Domestic and International Travel
- Domestic travel is welcome in BC.
- International travel. As a first step, as of August 9, 2021, Canada welcomed back American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for recreational travel.
- We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.
- For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism page.
To help keep our locals and much needed staff healthy, we’re asking:
If you or anyone in your travelling group has been sick in the previous week or have flu-like symptoms, PLEASE RESCHEDULE your trip.
We have a very small hospital that services 8 communities with very limited resources. We have 6 Indigenous communities that are anxious to protect their elders. Any community transmission could seriously jeopardize their way of life, language, and generational connections.
Groceries and sundries:
To prepare for your visit, consider bringing some of your your groceries with you from your local grocer or stop on the way before arriving in Ucluelet. Our local Coop has a wonderful array of groceries, but if there is something you really want on holidays, make sure you bring it with you.
Order your groceries on-line and have them delivered to your accommodation once you’re in town! Go to www.uclueletcoop.com. Just make sure some one is there to receive them. Don’t want those pesky crows eating your food.
The Ucluelet General Store (formally Murray’s) has lots of staples including locally made vegan and prepared frozen takeout meals.
Blackberry Cove has an extensive amount of organic and food sensitive products.
Book your activities in advance.
As all companies have adapted to maintain social/physical distancing, smaller groups may be required. Booking in advance will prevent a missed opportunity to get out in the water or soar along the zipline. If you’ve never done an activity before like surfing, book a lesson. We only want positive memories from the west coast https://www.discoverucluelet.com/play-in-ucluelet
Be Coast Smart.
The ocean is so mesmerizing to watch and be in, but our waters aren’t the same as other areas of the Pacific. The water is pretty chilly, so rent a wet suit. Dipping your toes is one thing, but your whole body can get cold quickly. If you’ve always wanted to surf, a lesson with a qualified instructor from one of our surf shops is the way to go. A lesson will help you read the water, where to go and not to go.
Bring your own personal protective equipment (ie masks).
Some businesses still require masks to be worn, please have one on hand just in case.
First Nation communities on the West Coast
While travel is welcome to the west coast, the local First Nation communities of Hitachu, Macoa, Esowista, Ty-Histanis, Opitsaht, Ahousaht and Hesquiaht may have restricted access to areas of their communities. Host Springs Cove, north of Tofino will remain closed for the season, as will certain Islands in the Broken Group, Schooner Trail and Cove as well as the North end of Long Beach just past Incinerator Rock in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Restaurants may require a reservation, or order takeout/delivery
Our restaurants have done a wonderful job in preparing for your arrival, but some may still have limited seating and we kindly as for your patience. If you’d like to be guaranteed a seat at your favorite restaurant, confirm if you need a reservation. Not all take them but a few like Pluvio and Currents at Black Rock do. Alternatively, grab it to go! Have a picnic at the beach. By ordering takeout/ delivery you won’t miss out on amazing meals and this will provide you the flexibility of dining in town.
Public spaces: Parks and Beaches in Ucluelet
The District of Ucluelet has maintained their rigorous cleaning measures throughout all public spaces and has provided additional sitting areas throughout town for everyone to enjoy.
Wild Pacific Trail
The Wild Pacific Trail is stunning no matter what section you’re on. But, a few areas can be a little tight. In areas where 6 feet can not be maintained, if someone is trying to pass you, please step aside in a side trail or turn your back to them and allow them to pass.
PLEASE stay off the rocks along our coastline. We know how enticing it is to be part of the elements, but the ocean has a funny way of reminding us how small we are. We also need to prevent unnecessary risk and exposure to our first responders.
We love dogs, but we kindly ask for you to PLEASE keep your dog on a leash. It’s for your pooch’s safety and others comfort. There are designated off leash areas in town.
To find out more about the history of Wild Pacific Trail go to https://www.wildpacifictrail.com/
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
There are still a few sections of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve that are closed to visitors, Schooner Trail & Cove, as well as the North end of Long Beach passed Incinerator Rock. There are key Island in the Broken Group that remain closed, Benson, Nettle, Effingham and Keith; everything else is open. Specifically for Long Beach, from Incinerator Rock to Green Point Campground is open.
There are still COVID protocols in place in the Park, please take note at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre and public washrooms have limited numbers in the buildings.
The ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (ups-cheek ta-shee) in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a 25 km multi-use pathway in the traditional territories of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ. Is currently open to visitors who would like to explore the trail by bike or hike it. As a note, the section between Green Point Campground and Long Beach us currently closed due to construction. Since there is alternating traffic in this area, it is recommended to explore the trail in two sections. Should you wish to ride between Long Beach and Tofino, it is recommended to park past the construction at one of the Parking lots along the way and explore.
This beautiful pathway provides visitors and locals alike the ability to explore the wonders of the national park reserve, with increased safety for cyclists and hikers.
We kindly remind everyone to pack out what you bring into the Park, reducing the environmental and wildlife impact to the area. There are garbage and recycling bins at the trailheads and parking lots throughout the Park.
We finally ask, that you know before you go into the water and on the rocks. You are responsible for your own safety. Be cautious when engaging in activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
For the most up-to-date information on Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, please visit pc.gc.ca/pacificrim
Aquarium
The Ucluelet Aquarium is open.
A limited number of guests will be welcomed at a time to maintain physical distancing.
The Aquarium will be a one-way circle around the main pool with interpreter stations along the way.
Guests will be asked to wash and dry their hands upon arrival.
Touch tanks will be covered for animal care purposes as soap and disinfectants are harmful to the health of fish and invertebrates.
To learn more about what our amazing aquarium does, go to https://uclueletaquarium.org/
Additional Resources
District of Ucluelet
For the current COVID-19 plan for the District of Ucluelet, please go to https://ucluelet.ca/community/covid-19-update
The following guidelines are from WorkSafeBC and other government agencies:
Pacific Coastal Airline
Pacific Coastal Airline has resumed flights and implemented increased safety measures for their passengers while traveling on their planes. Go to https://www.pacificcoastal.com/additional-safety-measures/ from more information and to book your flight to the west coast.
BC Ferries
BC Ferries has resumed sailings and implemented increased safety measures for their passengers on their boats. Go to https://www.bcferries.com/current_conditions/travel-advisory.html for further sailing details.
Camping
While Ucluelet and the west coast do not have a provincial park within its boundaries, there are some along the way. Go to BC Parks for best practices while camping http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/docs/Camping-During-COVID-19.pdf?v=1590714711986
Ucluelet and the west coast are fortunate to have many private campgrounds in the area. When looking to book a site, please speak with your camping provider regarding their health and safety plan. The BC Lodges and Camping association also has answered questions found under their FAQ’s on how to prepare to camp during COVID-19. https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/travel-resources/covid-19-news-and-faqs/
For those staying in Green Point at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, please go to https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index for more information
Helpful public health links
BC Centre for Disease Control – COVID-19
BC Provincial Support and Information – COVID-19
Public Health Agency of Canada – COVID-19 Outbreak updates
Public Health Agency of Canada – COVID-19 Awareness resources
Accessing Care on the West Coast
Last updated July 19, 2021.
As you plan your trip to the coast, from time to time things happen along the journey. Go to Drive BC events page for the latest updates on road conditions.
Area: Vancouver Island;
Route: Highway 4. Depending on where you are travelling from, consider looking up Highway 19 (North of Nanaimo) and 1 (between Nanaimo and Victoria) on your way to Ucluelet.
The B.C. summer fire ban has now been lifted. Please adhere to the guidelines in the Ucluelet Outdoor Burning Bylaw while visiting.
Also: Please remember to keep campfires below the high tide line.
Before coming to Ucluelet please make sure you’ve booked your accommodations/campsites in advance so you can make the most out of your time in the West Coast. Avoid backroad camping to help us keep the community and forest safe. Thank you!
Find News Release on backroad camping here.