Kennedy Lake Provincial Park
Yes we have a lake too!
Thought we were all about the ocean and the rainforest? Visit Kennedy Lake, just 15-20 minute drive. You’ll pass the lake on the way into town. Many people often think that Kennedy Lake is the Pacific Ocean as they near Ucluelet! Scores of Ucluelet children learned to swim at this lake prior to the opening of the West Coast Motel swimming pool.
Virgin Falls
Kennedy Lake is also home to one of Canada’s Top Ten Waterfalls (Number 8 on the list) known as Virgin Falls. If you are an outdoor enthusiast then this is an adventure for you. About an hour drive on local logging roads you can come across one of the Ucluelet’s most beautiful secrets. Fall or Spring can be the best time to view the falls.
Pacific Rim National Park
Long Beach & Broken Group Islands
The Pacific Rim National Park/Long Beach is comprised of three distinct units. The 1st unit, Long Beach stretches from Ucluelet to Tofino. There are many beaches making up Long Beach. Enjoy Wickinninnish Beach, Combers Beach, Half Moon Bay, Florencia Bay and of course, the most famous – Long Beach. There are also some gorgeous hiking trails – such as the Bog Trail and the Rainforest Trail and lots more.
The 2nd unit, the Broken Islands Group in Barkley Sound are only accessible by boat from Ucluelet. The islands are an amazing archipelago of over 100 islands and islets. The remote area of the islands allows one to view the pristine wilderness, unforgettable coves/beaches, clear waters and wildlife. This is a MUST while in Ucluelet! Many tours depart from Ucluelet daily by zodiac/boat/yacht/sailboat/kayak. See the whale watching links on our whale watching page to contact companies that will offer you an enjoyable trip!
The 3rd unit, the West Coast Trail is not easily accessible from Ucluelet. Permission must be granted to hike in this area. Pacific Rim National Park.
Mt Ozzard
Mt Ozzard is visible across the harbour from Ucluelet on a clear day.
It is easily recognized by the golf-ball shaped radar tower on its summit. The hike (more of a walk) up the gravel service road brings you right to the top, and provides a great view of the Broken Group Islands, Ucluelet, and Pacific Rim National Park all the way up to Tofino. In the summer there are lots of berries along the road, and there is probably a good chance of seeing bears. I have been told that spending several hours at the summit causes headaches from all the radiation, although I do not know of this happening to anyone. If you ever find yourself in Ucluelet or Tofino on a clear day when the surf is no good, I would highly recommend making the trip up.
