Amenities & Services
This seaside resort town may be small, but its offerings are impressive: from craft breweries to restaurants with world-class chefs, upscale hotels, modern B&Bs, boutique shops and adventure tour operators.
Recent developments in Ucluelet have taken the community to the next level. The town now boasts a newly built hospital clinic, a $50+ million state-of-the-art high school, and a multi-million dollar elementary school renovation that includes earthquake-proofing.
Investments have also expanded emergency and fire services, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. With the installation of high-speed fiber optic internet across the West Coast and the completion of a scenic 40+ km bike path connecting Ucluelet to Tofino, the area is more connected than ever. Additionally, significant upgrades to roads, walkways, and bike paths make it easier to explore and enjoy everything this coastal gem has to offer.
Recent developments in Ucluelet have taken the community to the next level. The town now boasts a newly built hospital clinic, a $50+ million state-of-the-art high school, and a multi-million dollar elementary school renovation that includes earthquake-proofing.
Investments have also expanded emergency and fire services, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. With the installation of high-speed fiber optic internet across the West Coast and the completion of a scenic 40+ km bike path connecting Ucluelet to Tofino, the area is more connected than ever. Additionally, significant upgrades to roads, walkways, and bike paths make it easier to explore and enjoy everything this coastal gem has to offer.
Shopping & Dining
Dining options range from casual eateries to elegant oceanfront dining. Shoppers will find one-of-a-kind treasures in locally owned boutiques and galleries throughout Ucluelet. You won’t see any megastores here now or probably ever. The closest big box stores are just over the mountains in Port Alberni, a 1½ hour drive.
Community Activities
Year-round festivals and events celebrate everything from the gray whale migration and Ukee Days to live local music. Ucluelet also has a very active Parks & Recreation program with youth soccer, little league baseball, new multi-use sports fields, a new skate park and new basketball courts.
Schools & Services
Residents of Ucluelet and nearby Tofino share schools and services. Between the two communities, you’ll find schools, doctors, dentists, a hospital, a medical clinic, libraries, churches, and post offices.
History & Culture
The West Coast’s First Nations, European Explorers & Industries
For thousands of years, the people of Ucluelet have relied on the sea for survival. As early as 4,300 years ago, the Nuu-chah-nulth people fished these rich coastal waters, gathering salmon, cod, halibut, shellfish, and even hunting sea lions, seals, and whales. The surrounding forests provided not only food but also cedar for building homes, crafting canoes, and making clothing. Today, many Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations people continue to call this area home, preserving their deep connection to the land and sea.
WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE YUUŁUʔIŁʔATḤ ON WHOSE TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES SHORE PINE RIDGE AT OCEAN WEST OPERATES.
For thousands of years, the people of Ucluelet have relied on the sea for survival. As early as 4,300 years ago, the Nuu-chah-nulth people fished these rich coastal waters, gathering salmon, cod, halibut, shellfish, and even hunting sea lions, seals, and whales. The surrounding forests provided not only food but also cedar for building homes, crafting canoes, and making clothing. Today, many Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations people continue to call this area home, preserving their deep connection to the land and sea.
WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE YUUŁUʔIŁʔATḤ ON WHOSE TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES SHORE PINE RIDGE AT OCEAN WEST OPERATES.
Forestry
European explorers began settling in Ucluelet in the late 1880s, building a sawmill and a general store. Though forestry was part of the local economy, it wasn’t until the 1950s that it became a dominant industry. Logs were harvested and sent to mills far from the coast, leaving an indelible mark on Ucluelet's history and lifestyle.
Fishing
After World War I, Ucluelet’s economy boomed again, this time with fishing. The waters teemed with salmon, halibut, cod, and herring, prompting the development of canneries and processing stations. Around 1920, Japanese fishermen moved into the area, and commercial and sport fishing have remained key economic drivers for the community ever since.
Shipwrecks
Known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific," the waters off Vancouver Island’s West Coast have claimed over 100 ships, some dating back to early American and European exploration. The Carelmapu, a Chilean cargo ship, was wrecked in 1915 after being caught in a violent storm and thrown against the rocks at Long Beach. Barclay Sound also hosts several other famous wrecks.
Mining
Gold was discovered in 1900 at Wreck Bay, also called Florencia Bay, which attracted more settlers to the region. However, commercial gold mining proved to be challenging. Mining revived in the 1960s when Ucluelet became British Columbia's largest shipper of iron concentrates, briefly returning mining to a place of prominence in the area.
Explore The Currently Available Lots For Sale
Make your dream of living on the west coast a reality. The charm and breathtaking scenery of Ucluelet, Tofino & The Pacific Rim National Park Reserver await. Prime waterfront lots still available. Contact us to arrange your private viewing.
