Before you begin your journey to Ucluelet, we recommend checking DriveBC and BC Ferries for the latest updates. On this page, we’ll share any important notices that could impact your travel and local information, such as power outages, road delays, or water conservation measures, so that you can make the most of your time here.
Highway upgrades between Port Alberni and Ucluelet are scheduled from July to December 2025. Travellers should expect delays and plan for extra travel time as crews work to improve road safety.
Estimated delays by month, plan for extra travel time:
July
Daytime Delays: Up to 30 Min
Evening/Night Delays: Up to 30 min
August
Daytime Delays: Up to 30 Min
Evening/Night Delays: Up to 30 min
Early September
Daytime Delays: Up to 50 Min
Evening/Night Delays: Up to 20 min
Mid-Sept-October
Daytime Delays: Up to 50 min
Evening/Night Delays: Up to 20 min
November-December
Daytime Delays: Up to 30 min
Evening/Night Delays: Up to 30 min
Travelling from Port Alberni to Tofino August-Mid September? Add 20 minutes to the above estimates. Travelling from Ucluelet to Tofino August-Mid September? Add 20 minutes to your travel time.
Note: Some GPS apps may suggest alternate routes that are not open or
recommended. Cell coverage is limited along the route, but Wi-Fi is available at the Taylor River rest area.
As you plan your trip to the coast, from time to time things happen along the journey. With the chance of un-precedented winter conditions, always refer to the Drive BC events page for the latest updates on road conditions.
Highway 4 at Cameron Lakes is open to traffic in both directions. Check DriveBC.ca for the latest conditions.
Please use following links for more information on the location and status of EV charging stations:
Find every public charging station for electric cars | ChargeHub
If you have any further questions, contact Vancouver Island Community Relations vancouverisland@bchydro.com
Storms in Ucluelet can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and hazardous conditions. Stay informed about weather alerts and ensure you have an emergency plan.
Learn more about safety tips and other resources here.
Always check with local authorities and weather conditions before lighting a fire of any size.
Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Thursday, July 17, 2025, campfires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, excluding the Haida Gwaii Forest District and the portion of the Central Coast Regional District that falls within the North Island Central Coast Forest District. This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human caused wildfires and protect public safety.
Category 2 and Category 3 open fire prohibitions remain in place for the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction
In addition, the following is prohibited in the Prohibition Area (as per the Wildfire Act, Section 12):
For more information please visit:
Coastal Fire Centre bans and restrictions – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
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!