Let's start with the name no one knows how to pronounce. Ucluelet. That's U-clue-let. Not Uck-loo-let. Not Ew-koo-let. And definitely not, as one Texan tourist was gently reminded recently, U-sel-lutt. Truth be told, residents of this town on the...
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Let's start with the name no one knows how to pronounce. Ucluelet. That's U-clue-let. Not Uck-loo-let. Not Ew-koo-let. And definitely not, as one Texan tourist was gently reminded recently, U-sel-lutt. Truth be told, residents of this town on the west coast of Vancouver Island refer to their town by the easier Ukee. (That's You-key said quickly.) If you're not familiar with Ucluelet - its name originates from the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation word that means "safe landing place" or "safe harbour" - you might be better acquainted with Ucluelet's hippy cousin and rival, Tofino, a half hour's drive to the north. Tofino, with a reputation marinated in patchouli oil and Birkenstocks, established itself as a trendy surfing and tourist mecca long ago. Ucluelet, on the other hand, boasts a less transient local population (around 1,650 people) and, until recently, remained more resource-based with forestry and fishing as its No. 1 industries. That is, until forestry and fishing became less... See less
Highlights:
Eat: Matterson House, 250-726-2200. Wickaninnish Restaurant, 250-726-2161. Boat Basin Restaurant, 250-726-4644.
Stay: The Cabins at Terrace Beach (West Coast casual), 250-726-2101. The Tauca Lea (luxury), 250-726-4644. A Snug Harbour Inn (B&B), 250-726-2686
Whale Watch: Aquamarine...