Climate

Ucluelet’s climate is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than most other parts of British Columbia.

Ucluelet is one of the wetter spots in British Columbia, especially in the winter. The summer months are drier, but precipitation and fog can occur. Forest fires are not common on the West Coast.

Locals learn to embrace the climate. Rain isn’t an issue when you’re on the water or wearing the right jacket and pair of boots. Likewise, when the fog roles in, locals head inland to Kennedy or Sproat lakes where it is still possible to catch the sun.

Arts and Culture

Ucluelet’s arts community is active and inclusive. This incredible stretch of coast inspires artisans, musicians, painters, carvers, writers, dancers, weavers, photographers, videographers, and sculptors.

Local visual artists show their work at Ucluelet’s private galleries, or The Orange Door Gallery curated by the Pacific Rim Arts Society. Local and visiting musicians perform at several local venues and annual festivals. Artisans hawk their wares at local boutiques and the Ucluelet Sunday Market. Aspiring artisans, artists, musicians and dancers participate in local arts and culture programming. Tofino and Ucluelet have a thriving choir that performs popular spring and winter shows in both communities.

Events

Ucluelet hosts several festivals and community events throughout the year. Some of which include:

Ukee Days
Edge to Edge Marathon
Cultural Heritage Festival
Pacific Rim Arts Society Summer Festival
Van Isle 360
Arts Splash
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Surf Nationals
Ucluelet Aquarium Release Day
Harbour Lights Sail Past
Midnight Madness

Ucluelet’s neighbour, Tofino, also has a lively program of festivals and events.

Communication and Media

Ucluelet has two local radio stations; Tuff City Radio and Ukee Radio. Local news is also available in print and online from the Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News.

Small Town, Big Flavour

Ucluelet’s retail market is dominated by small locally owned boutiques. Local proprietors supply all essential goods and services. The consumer experience has the convivial feel of a small town where everyone knows your name.

Ucluelet has a vibrant local food scene that offers everything from fine dining experiences to cafés and coffee shops that hit all the right spots on a West Coast day.

Visitor Services

Ucluelet’s visitor services are provided through Tourism Ucluelet’s strong online presence and two Visitor Information Centres. One Information Centre is located at the Highway 4 junction and the other in the heart of Ucluelet with seasonal openings during the peak summer months. Both locations offer guest services, restrooms and a gift shop that features locally made products. Free loan umbrellas are available for rainy strolls along the Wild Pacific Trail.

The Heart of Ucluelet

Ucluelet’s commercial and business zones are along Peninsula Road and in the Village Square, centered around Main Street. These areas are adjacent to each other and walkable from accommodations and most local residential neighbourhoods. Both offer harbour views, cafés and retail opportunities with plenty of foot and vehicle traffic. This easy access also means workers can walk or bike to work.

The Commute

If you live and work in Ucluelet, your commute is pretty much non-existent. There are no stoplights and you are likely to see a friend on your way to work.

Those who work in the neighbouring community of Tofino commute about 40 minutes in either direction. There are no stoplights between Ucluelet and Tofino and the commute takes you through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Wildlife are frequently spotted on the drive through the Park.

Health Care

Ucluelet is serviced by the Ucluelet Medical Clinic which is open 4 days a week. There are two local pharmacies, a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, several massage therapists and an acupuncturist operating in town.

The nearest hospital is in Tofino, a 40-minute drive from Ucluelet. The Tofino General Hospital offers ten acute medical inpatient beds, five emergency room beds, laboratory and X-Ray services. Other medical imaging is available at the West Coast Hospital in Port Alberni which is located about an hour and forty minutes drive from Ucluelet.