Places to visit in Tofino and Ucluelet BC

Tofino and Ucluelet Guide

Where is there to go when you get here?

Amphritite Point Lighthouse

Built on Amphritite Point in the early 1900s, the original wooden lighthouse was washed away by a tidal wave in 1912 and the existing light was built then. A pleasant 5 minute walk down to the lighthouse and you can take in the fantastic views of the pacific ocean, Barclay Sound. Take your binoculars and you may spot a passing whale. Humpback whales Grey Whales and Killer whales can all be spotted from here. Web cam http://www.geocities.com/weatherforbc/amphrititepointlighthouse.html

Wild Pacific Trail

This fairly easy trail will eventually be 14.5 km long currently 8.5 kilometers are complete. It winds its way through coastal old growth trees and along the rocky cliffs, beaches and headlands around Ucluelet. Plenty of benches along the way provide ample spots to take a break and enjoy the scenery, breath taking views of Barclay Sound and the Broken Group. The first section of the trail is a 2.5km loop that can be easily completed in 45 minutes the trail is partly board walk and is a great place to enjoy the sunset. Start this walk where Coastguard and Peninsula road fork. Follow the signs to the path along the cliffs. Take the He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk to complete the loop. If you have more time or are more adventurous the trail continues another approximately 6 km past Big Beach and many other beaches and headlands. The trail can be accessed at the bike path, there is an access trail at Forbes Road and at the end of Matterson Drive.

It is a coastal wilderness trail and prone to sudden weather changes, be prepared for the weather to deteriorate when you are on the trail, waterproofs and a warm layer at least.

Big Beach

A large beach very close to the town of Ucluelet this spectacular beach is perfect for a stroll, sunbathing or even a game of bocce.

Ucluelet Multi Use Path

Great for walking, jogging biking or skateboarding the District of Ucluelet built the trail to

Kennedy Lake

Swim Beach

Half Moon Bay

Take Willowbrae road west until you reach the end and you will find the trail head down to Half Moon Bay at the South end of Florencia. This small cove has a wonderful view of the sunset and is often more sheltered than the larger beaches.

Florencia

Pacific Rim National Park

Bog Walk

This short but fascinating walk through a natural bog is a boardwalk walk of around 20 mins in the national park. See stunted trees, bog flowers and even carnivorous plants. This is a very fragile environment where acidic conditions are slowly taking over and spreading. The sphagnum moss can be several feet thick and forms the bog floor which is uneven with many small pools. You can pick up an interpretive brochure at the start of the trail.

RainForest Walk

Long Beach

Schooner Cove

Radar Hill

Cox Bay

Chesterman Beach

Mackenzie Beach

Tonquin Beach

1st Street Dock

The busiest dock in town, at the end of the Trans Canada Highway, at the bottom of the hill at the end of first street in Tofino, the first street Dock is the staging post for many adventures. Boats servicing the First Nations communities of Ahousat, Opitsaht and Hotsprings Cove terminate here, float plans, fishing boats and charter boats come and go. All this action amid the beauty of Clayoquot Sound, fantastic views of the mountains of Strathcona Park, Meares Island. Take a coffee, six pack or lunch and a seat either on the dock itself or in the picnic area ashore and witness the hub of the action in the sound. There is a public launch for kayakers.

4th Street Dock

Tofino anchor lookout

Tofino Bird sanctuary

Tofino Mud Flats

Grice Bay

Golf Course (sponsored?)

Mussel Beach

Mussel Beach on the north shores of Barclay Sound can be reached via a 8km logging road from just outside Ucluelet. Turn left at the large sign just before you reach Ucluelet and SLOW DOWN! The beautiful but rough ride should be approached cautiously, pot holes and washboard unpaved roads can damage the undercarriage of rally driver types. If you go a sensible speed however any road worthy car can make it and you get to enjoy great views of Barclay Sound and forest.

The shoreline is a varied combination of sandy beaches, rocky tide pools, caves and rocks, a boat launch allows launch of small craft at the campsite area. Mussel Beach Campground has ocean side camping for RV's caravans and tents. Beach side campsites with views of the Broken Group are a wilderness experience shared with black bears, sea lions, eagles and whales.

Tofino Downtown

Broken Group

Mountain views, rustic bakeries,

First Nation Art, West Coast cuisine,

Ucluelet Downtown

We still have a few places to fill in the blanks... Help us out or share your favorite spots!