From beautiful beaches and trails, to cafes, restaurants and friendly locals, there is not much more you could ask for while visiting these picturesque and peaceful little towns on Vancouver Island. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy, whether you prefer surfing, hiking, delicious food, photography, or getting away from it all.
When to Visit Tofino & Ucluelet
Ucluelet and Tofino are absolutely breathtaking year round, and each season offers a different experience. Both little towns get much busier over the summer as it is a very popular time to visit, however, fall is also an ideal time to explore. My husband and I visited for our honeymoon. I thought we were in for a romantic week of cozy storm-watching in the pouring rain. We were pleasantly surprised with an entire week of sunshine! The weather can change at any moment so be prepared for anything, particularly for snow if you are going in the late fall/winter.
Should I visit Tofino or Ucluelet?
If you can, you should enjoy both! They are both beautiful and have different vibes despite only being 35 minutes apart. Though both were very laid back and relaxing, I found Ucluelet to be more quiet. It really forced me to slow down and enjoy the outdoors and fresh air without any distractions. Tofino was also peaceful, but it had more shops, boutiques, and restaurants, which I really loved. No matter how you split your time between the Ucluelet and Tofino, you really can’t go wrong.
How To Get To Tofino & Ucluelet
You will most likely take a ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island unless you plan to fly. The entire trip will take you about 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on if you plan to stop along the way. When taking the ferry, you have two options:
1. Take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay). The ferry ride is 1 hour and 40 minutes and then you’ll need to drive 3 hours.
2. Take the ferry from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Nanaimo (Duke Point), which is 2 hours, and then drive 3 hours.
Check out BC Ferries to plan your trip. Although you don’t have to, I would recommend booking your ferry sailings ahead of time.
Day 1: Getting to and Exploring Ucluelet
Once you arrive in Nanaimo, you will probably be eager to get to Ucluelet, but don’t miss two amazing stops along the way!
Old Country Market in Coombs
Stop at the Old Country Market and check out the goats on the roof! They hang out on the roof, unbothered by the many visitors trying to catch a glimpse. The market itself is a lot of fun to explore and they offer a variety of goods including groceries and local jams and products, cheeses, meats, bread, bakery items, and lots of goodies you can stock up on for the week ahead. They also have a really great selection of toys, gifts, and homegoods – there is something for everyone. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to check out Billy G’s Doughnut Shop and Billy Gruff Creamery & Bistro (seasonal).
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park
Visit Cathedral Grove to see some of the tallest and oldest trees in the country. It’s a nice stop along the way for you to get some fresh air. After you’ve checked it out, you’re ready to continue on to Ucluelet. It is time to enjoy the scenic drive where you will see some epic views. Enjoy!
Where to Stay in Ucluelet
In terms of where to stay, I recommend Black Rock Resort as it’s a really nice place to relax and unplug. Ucluelet is a very small town, but the resort is close to everything you’ll want to explore. It can be pricey, but I found an amazing deal by booking a few months ahead. You can enjoy a beautiful view from one of their two hot tubs, or over happy hour at the resort’s Big Beach Lounge.
Lighthouse Loop in Ucluelet
Once re-energized, head to the Lighthouse Loop to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh ocean air, and take in your first Ukee sunset. This loop is mostly flat and easy for people of all levels to enjoy. Take your time checking out all the different viewpoints.
Ucluelet Brewing
Depending on what you’re in the mood for at dinner time, you can head to the Ucluelet Brewing Company for a tasting flight and a bite to eat. Their food menu is not very extensive, but they have some nice soups, salads, wraps, and charcuterie boards. Alternatively, you can head back to the resort and choose between a casual dinner at the lounge or a fancier dinner at Currents (reservations recommended).
Day 2: Explore Ucluelet
Start your day with a delicious plant-based latte from Yayu Cafe. I tried their signature Rose Quartz Latte and it was divine. It is made with pure rose water, fresh beet juice, hibiscus flower, and their house almond milk. My husband had their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte which he loved. It is made of organic pumpkin blended with maple sugar and organic cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and clove. Steamed with oat milk and topped with coconut whip. Trust me, you have to try this place, vegan or not!
Hike the Wild Pacific Trail
Now it’s time for some more outdoor adventuring. Take your time exploring and hiking the Wild Pacific Trail: this is one of the most incredible parts of this trip and you’ll really want to soak in every viewpoint. It is truly magical to watch the giant ocean waves crashing up against the wide array of rocks, and each angle/viewpoint is completely different. Make sure you take the Artists Loop for some of the best viewpoints (it’s called that for a reason!).
After a few hours of hiking and exploring, reward yourself with a mouth-watering Poke bowl from Ukee Poke. This was probably my favourite meal of the trip – I still dream about this Poke bowl!! Check out their surfboards, local art, and visit with their friendly resident cats. Pair your bowl with a refreshing Tofino Kombucha – I recommend the apple honeybush or the blueberry and lavender.
Relax in Ucluelet
There are many relaxing spas in Ucluelet. We decided to try Nurture Day Spa as they had RMTs (many spas in the area do not) and we were certainly not disappointed. From the moment we walked in, it was a lovely experience. Be sure to check out their monthly specials as they offer some wonderful treatments. I enjoyed the “Whole Body Special” while my husband loved the “Surfer’s Paradise Massage”.
In the evening, order a pizza to go from Abbondanza or Shipwreck Pizza. Enjoy your pizza on Wickaninnish Beach as the sun goes down. After all, you are here to see some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!
Day 3: Explore Ucluelet Views and Bites
Sunrise at Florencia Bay
Check out a stunning morning sunrise at Florencia Bay and then head to Zoe’s Bakery & Cafe for your morning coffee and breakfast. They have a number of yummy offerings from breakfast burritos, to daily sandwich features, as well as baked goods. Walk through the cafe to find seating in the back with a beautiful view of the mountains and water.
Ucluelet Rainforest Trails
Now you are fueled and ready to wander through two incredible trails: Rainforest A & B where you will see some incredible red cedars and western hemlocks. Throughout both trails you will walk along boardwalks and go up and down a number of stairs. Both trails are quite easy despite the stairs, and experiencing the rainforest is quite spectacular and peaceful. Note that these trails are part of Pacific Rim National Park and you will need to purchase a day pass ($10.50 for an adult of $21 for a family).
Explore Ucluelet Boutiques + Dinner
In the afternoon, check out some of the local boutiques and shops. Some of my favourites were the Den, Gypsy Drifter Shop, and Blackberry Cove Marketplace.
Treat yourself to a fancy and scrumptious dinner at Pluvio. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time as spots fill up fast. The ambience is warm and cozy, the service is incredible and it is a special fine dining experience. We tried the three course dinner, there are a number of options you can choose for each course. Together we tried the heirloom purple barley porridge, albacore tuna crudo, a humdog (must try!), duck breast, grass fed boneless beef shortrib, and the “sea” and “forest” desserts. They also have an extensive wine list and some creative signature cocktails.
Day 4: Ucluelet to Tofino
Don’t Miss Heartwood Kitchen in Ucluelet
One of my favourite meals in Ucluelet was at Heartwood Kitchen. It was such a cute and cozy cafe with many locals enjoying brunch. I tried the Ukee Fried Chicken & French Toast and my husband loved the Short Ribs Eggs Benny. We were definitely extremely full!!
After all this, you will probably never want to leave Uculuet, and who could blame you? Don’t worry, you are about to fall in love with Tofino too. Drive from Uculuet to Tofino and stop at Long Beach on the way. This week is all about exploring as many beautiful beaches as possible!
Time to Surf in Tofino
Although we didn’t try a surf lesson on this trip, it is definitely one of the most popular things to do on your visit. I came across Surf Sister and was impressed by their teaching philosophy. There are many options for your surfing lessons, so be sure to do some research and choose a company that you feel comfortable with.
Where to Stay in Tofino
In terms of where to stay in Tofino, I recommend Ocean Village Resort. I absolutely adored it. Nestled on MacKenzie Beach, the cabins are stunning, and it has a very laid back and inviting feel. Carve out some time to enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub. It is very family-friendly, and an added bonus is that it’s dog friendly too! We can’t wait to come back with our pup, Luna. We loved it so much that we hope to visit every year.
Hopefully you worked up an appetite after your surfing lesson because it’s time to eat again! You must check out the original Tacofino Truck! We tried the fish, tuna-ta taco, beef, and krispy chicken tacos. They were delicious and worth the wait. While you’re at Tacofino, check out some of the other boutiques and shops in the area: Live to Surf, Chocolate Tofino (I loved the organic lavender truffle), and Tofitian Coffee.
In the evening, stroll along MacKenzie Beach and set up a cozy campfire (they have firewood for purchase at the front desk). Enjoy the sunset and some s’mores as the sun goes down.
Day 5: Explore Tofino
Your trip to Tofino would not be complete without a stop at the infamous Rhino Coffee House! We enjoyed our lattes and ordered a turkey sandwich and a buffalo chicken wrap to take with us for the day. Grab some food to go because you are about to go on an epic adventure.
Tofino Hot Springs
I highly recommend that you book a Hot Springs Cove Day Tour during your visit. Hot Springs Cove reopened in November 2022 after being closed for two years due to the pandemic. A number of different companies offer this tour, and we chose to go with Jamie’s Whaling Station. You have the option of booking online ahead of time, and you should book this trip on one of your first days in Tofino. That way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate and it’s too dangerous to go, your trip will be rescheduled and hopefully you can still make it while you’re in Tofino (otherwise you’ll be refunded). The trip costs around $220/person, but you can look at it as a whale watching trip in addition to the hot springs, as you have a good chance of seeing lots of marine wildlife on your boat ride through Clayoquot Sound, to and from the hot springs. Once you get to Hot Springs Cove, you will walk about 35-40 minutes along a beautiful (and recently re-done!) boardwalk. Take your time enjoying the gorgeous lush scenery all around you. You will then reach the hot springs and have a chance to soak in the natural thermal pools. Going to Hot Springs Cove was definitely a major highlight of the week!
Tofino Brewing
After your day at the hot springs, head over to Tofino Brewing Co and check out their inviting space. I really enjoyed the sparkling cider they had on tap. For dinner, you can head to Shed, it is a laid back restaurant with scrumptious burgers, bowls and soft serve ice cream!
Day 6: Explore Tofino
My favourite breakfast in Tofino was at the Long Beach Lodge. It is a stunning hotel with a beautiful dining room. Our table was right at the front window and it felt like we were right on the beach as we were enjoying our meal. We recommend the Mushroom Hash and the Surf’s Up Breakfast, followed by a long walk on Cox Bay Beach. Next, head to Chesterman Beach and take your time exploring. I loved looking at the beautiful houses along the beach.
After you’re done exploring Cox Bay and Chesterman Beaches, head to Harbourview Coffeehouse to check out their cozy clothes and impressive book collection. They have a stunning covered outdoor patio where you can enjoy your warm beverage, and perhaps even spot some orcas.
I love checking out local shops and boutiques on all of my trips, and I always try to find unique and beautiful pieces to remind me of my adventures. I loved Two Trees Home + Gift and Caravan Beach Shop where I found a gorgeous Pendleton Spa Towel to take home with me.
For your last dinner of your trip, treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Wolf in the Fog. We tried the potato crusted oysters, Korean fried chicken, and house made pasta. It was all incredible! I also really wanted to try Jeju on our trip, but it was closed for the season when we visited in mid-November.
Day 7: Explore Tofino
Sadly it is your last morning in Tofino. Be sure to check out another local gem: Savary Island Pie Company. They have some breakfast options, an amazing spread of fresh baked goods, and some scrumptious pies – grab one to take home (lemon buttermilk pie with berries, anyone!?). Take in your last view of the Tofino harbour and then start the drive back to Nanaimo.
Visit Little Qualicum Falls where you will see beautiful waterfalls in a pretty forest setting. There are a number of trails and you can choose to see the upper falls, lower falls, or both. We did both, and getting to the upper falls was a short little hike which we enjoyed.
We suggest a final lunch at Cuckoo in Coombs. This Italian restaurant is absolutely beautiful and the food is just as incredible. They are very popular and do not take reservations, so be sure to get there when they open, or be prepared to wait (it’s worth it!). I loved the Peach Bellini and Linguine Creamy Pesto, while my husband raved about the Maccheroni Ragu Bolognese. The interior of the restaurant is so cozy, the service is friendly, and every dish is really divine. Do not miss this spot!
Continue your drive back to Nanaimo and as you take the ferry back to Vancouver, take a moment to soak it all in and start daydreaming about your next visit! We covered a lot this week but there is always more to explore, and that’s part of the fun 🙂
Let me know if you have any comments or questions below! Enjoy your visit to Ucluelet and Tofino, I know you will love it!
Check out more BC adventures and articles from Tazmin.
Tazmin is a policy analyst and educator with a passion for travel. She has recently returned to her hometown of Vancouver, BC, after living in Ottawa, where she’s excited to rediscover the beauty of the West Coast with her Mini Aussie, Luna. A lover of small towns, cozy coffee shops, and scenic hikes, Tazmin shares her adventures and insights as a writer for Little Miss Ottawa. You can follow her adventures @travelwithtazmin
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