Vancouver Island, Canada, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and the coastal towns of Ucluelet and Tofino are among its crown jewels. In this travel blog post, we'll uncover the top 10 things to do in Ucluelet and Tofino, ensuring your visit to Vancouver Island is nothing short of spectacular.
Why you should visit Tofino & Ucluelet:
This area of Vancouver Island was my favorite and the most beautiful in my opinion. The views of the rugged coastline, beautiful nature, and small-town feel made me fall in love with these two towns. To get to both of these destinations, it is a couple of hour drive from the Parksville area, but is most certainly worth it.
Where to stay in tofino bc:
I highly recommend staying at Duffin Cove Resort in Tofino during your time in this area. I stayed 3 nights and it was the perfect amount of time to explore the area!
Here’s the top 10 things to do in Tofino & Ucluelet:
1) Explore the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet
Looking for the best hike on Vancouver Island? This was my absolute favorite! I highly recommend doing it in the morning for it to be the least crowded. The views are amazing and this is a must-do if you have to decide to do only one thing in the area.
2) Go kayaking with Paddle West Kayaking in Tofino
Linked here is a video highlighting my experience! This was a great adventure that allowed us to get out on the water during our time in Tofino. Our guide was knowledgable about the area and we learned a lot about the wildlife of the region when paddling.
3) Do a zipline adventure with Westcoast WILD Zipline
This is a must-do when driving to Ucluelet or driving back to the eastern side of Vancouver Island from Ucluelet. The views on the zip line were incredible and all were over beautiful bodies of water including a gorge, river, waterfall, and more.
4) Walk around Tofino and go into the little shops for cute souvenirs
The downtown area of Tofino is adorable and I recommend walking around and exploring. Make sure to get a cute souvenir when you’re in town. I recommend doing this before you have dinner at Shelter restaurant which is my next recommendation!
5) Have a relaxing dinner at Shelter restaurant in Tofino
The Shelter restaurant is nestled right on the water and has gorgeous views. Highly recommend getting the burger and truffle fries here, it was delicious! We also saw Orcas go by us during dinner which was a truly special and rare moment.
6) Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium
The Ucluelet Aquarium is a unique, educational experience. It features local marine life in a sustainable and informative setting, making it a great activity for families.
7) See the sunset and have dinner at The Great Room at Long Beach Resort
We had our absolute favorite dinner here dining at the Great room in this resort. You can eat here even if you aren’t staying at the resort. The food was delicious and I love the chicken with the truffle polenta. The dessert you must get for the most unique flavor combination! Come here for sunset and make sure to get a reservation for a good table by the window.
8) Go on a boat tour to see whales and other wildlife
This is one thing I didn’t have time to do during my trip to the island but I have heard amazing things across companies so if you have the time, you should add this to your list!
Jamie’s Whaling Station has amazing reviews online so would recommend going with them.
9) Walk around the Ucluelet harbor
After hiking the Wild Pacific trail, I recommend walking around the Ucluelet harbor for beautiful views and a quaint atmosphere. A harbor walk is always nice and you can grab a bite to eat around this area too.
10) Hike the Rainforest trail between Tofino & Ucluelet
This is a relatively easy hike that you can definitely take your kids on! It was a peaceful walk through the rainforest and we did it early in the morning to avoid crowds. This hike is in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where you can hike along rainforest trails, explore sandy beaches, and witness stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Summary:
Overall, Tofino and Ucluelet are two beautiful towns on Vancouver Island that you need to visit!!
Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Vancouver Island's coastal paradise.