Ucluelet is a little fishing and logging town and the industry is definitely still apparent around the village. With lots of indigenous cultural presence and ocean life features around town it is a beautiful escape!
The roots of the Nootka (Yuu-tluth-aht Yuutu?it?ath) peoples have stories in the Ucluelet area dating back more than 4300 years according to the tourism centre. The teachings of everything being one is spread and celebrated throughout the town. In artwork and design, their presence continues to be celebrated today. The town developed trade back in the 1770s when Europeans first arrived seeking fur trades, sealing, and whaling. Also to arrive was Horticulturalist George Fraser and later, William and James Sutton. The Sutton’s operated a sawmill and general store in the area. By the 1950s, forestry work was increasing in the coastal area becoming one of the dominating industries in Ucluelet.
Today forestry and fishing industries are still visible throughout the town. The marina hosts many commercial fishing boats and the sea lions play deck guard waiting for fish to fall around the decks. During our walk along the wharf we were blessed to see a colony of sea lions visiting the deck by the boats. They are definitely loud! Skye was interested in watching them for a while then got distracted by the two sea lions playing in the bay in front of the wharf.
The town itself is not large and does not appear overly populated. People are friendly and cheerful to speak with. We decided our first morning to take a walk through town and hit up a new coffee shop each time we wanted coffee – we are definitely coffee snobs. If you expect to see a Starbucks in this area you will be disappointed but there are still many little coffee shops to satisfy your craving! Just don’t expect your super fancy $10 hand crafted delights.
Our first coffee was at The Barkley Cafe. It was a neat little shop with bistro tables for you to enjoy with your Pup. Skye was quite happy to sit in her own seat while coffee was purchased. And of course, we cannot go past a Cocktails and Dreams sign and not think of Tom Cruise. Cocktail is one of my favourite movies!
After our coffee we took little Skye on a walk around the town. Popping into stores with her was so easy! Some of the busier stores we were asked to pick her up for just because of space. But there were very few places (basically only food places) that missy girl was not welcomed! It was such a nice change to be able to take her into every store we shopped at. We even went through the art gallery with her!
While there is a lot of commercialized or mass produced items, Ukee boasts many artisan creations from the Island. If you’re looking to support small businesses this is your area to visit! Essential oil mixes from the Witch, hand carved coastal art, sublimated espresso cups (make perfect pup cup mugs) and hand screened t shirt designs. Lots of small home business and little shops to explore!
After we meandered town, we headed back to the resort for a lie down and lunch at the Big Beach Lounge. The afternoon was spent walking along the lighthouse trail and listening to waves crash against the shore. The lighthouse was getting some work done while we were there. That didn’t stop us from taking in the view and walking through the forest a little though! The trees are HUGE!
We hit the beach beside the resort for a glass of wine and relaxation in the sun. We watched the waves crashing against the rocks in the bay for hours. Beautiful sunshine! Now we did go in April so it was on the cooler side but still beautiful!
This day in Ukee was a relaxing walk through town. So many shops little miss Skye ventured into with us! And such a sweet little town. Ukee is the quintessential small town fishing village with all the luxuries you need, with nothing you don’t want. You have a local tea shop, several local coffee cafes, small town dining, ocean front dining, and even a local family restaurant/pub. A little brewery and mom and pop stores that hold all sorts of charm.
Stay tuned for day 2 where we hit up the surfing town of Tofino!
ASR Adventures 