Ucluelet and Tofino have to be two of the most breathtaking little towns in all of Canada. The first time I went there, I remember thinking there is no way this has existed in Canada for so long and I didn't know about it. Ucluelet and Tofino are absolute gems, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and a must if you are visiting Vancouver Island.
As it is a little bit longer of a haul from the mainland, and it will take a least a half a day to get there, I suggest going for at least three nights.
Day 1: Mainland to Ucluelet
If you are traveling to Tofino from the mainland, you'll likely need at least half a day to get there. The ferry from Duke Point to Nanaimo takes 2 hours. Once you arrive in Nanaimo, it takes about 3 hours to drive to Tofino. (The road is currently undergoing heavy construction and there are road closures. Be sure to check this before you go!)
On your way there, stop at Cathedral Grove to see giant Douglas fir trees - some of which are over 800 years old. It truly is a spectacular stop. The road to Tofino runs through Cathedral Grove, so you might as well stop to stretch your legs and bask in the natural beauty. There are trails that run through the forest and washrooms at the rest stop as well.
For the sake of this blog post, we're going to assume we're staying in Ucluelet. Once you've arrived in Ucluelet, you'll get settled into your accommodation. I recommend staying at Black Rock. This is a luxe resort, so if that's not your thing there are also plenty of short-term rentals and campgrounds. Once you're settled at your accommodation, head over to Yayu Cafe to fill your belly with a delicious plant-based lunch. I recommend the Pad Thai.
Finish off your first day by relaxing and watching the sunset - or maybe storm watching depending on what time of year you go! Storm season in Ucluelet and Tofino is November to late February.
Day 2: Wild Pacific Trail
If you do one thing in Ucluelet, it has to be the Wild Pacific Trail. This is the most spectacular and scenic trail I've personally ever seen. The trail is designed to be as close to the ocean as possible, so you can hear the waves crashing against the shore while hiking, and might even feel a little ocean spray on your face! There are two sections to the trial; the Lighthouse Loop, which is 2.6 km, and Big Beach to Rocky Bluffs, which is 5 km one way. The trail map is posted online and there are plenty of trail markers along the way. Personally, I did it without looking at the map and found it very easy to navigate. It's not the most physically challenging trail, and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop and rest along the way if you need. You'll also likely want to stop at these viewpoints to take photos.
After your big hike, you'll need to refuel your body with a big dinner. Howlers Restaurant is a fun place to go. It's family-friendly and they have arcade games and pool tables in the back of the restaurant. I'd also recommend Frankie's Resto-Bar if you're looking for something a little nicer. They have a few plant-based options on the menu as well.
Day 3: Tofino
Tofino is about a 30-minute drive from Ucluelet. It's very easy to find from Ucluelet - as there is only one road to get there. Once you've arrived in Tofino, start your day off with some breakky. There are plenty of options! Here are a few that I would recommend:
Tacofino (a must at some point!)
Activities in Tofino
Surf Lessons
Beach Walk
Whale or Bear Watching Tour
To wind down the day in Tofino, grab a bite at Wolf in the Fog or Shelter.
Day 4:
Before making the drive back to Nanaimo, grab some breakfast and coffee in Ucluelet and explore the little town on foot. There are many cute little shops (Gypsy Drifter is my favourite), breweries, and even an aquarium. When you hit the road - remember to double-check the road closures!
While you can easily spend more than three nights in Ucluelet and Tofino, you can pack a lot into a four-day trip. Whether you're looking for an active, outdoor adventure, or a relaxing beach getaway - there is plenty for everyone.
If you have any other recommendations or places you loved in Ucluelet or Tofino, leave them in the comments below!
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