MY WEST COAST RECOMMENDATIONS
There is a lot to see, do, taste, and experience on the west coast. It’s incredible what is on offer in such small remote communities. The best thing to do is check out the respective tourism information websites, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino, however following are some of my favourites after 14+ years on the coast.
ACTIVITIES ON THE WAY:
Some things to do along the way to the coast (in order):
From Victoria to Nanaimo:
Goldstream Park Beautiful short walks around the river with lots of salmon at certain times of year.
Malahat Skywalk Breathtaking views high among the trees & surrounded by the sea.
Cowichan Bay A unique historic waterfront town with local foods & artists.
From Nanaimo to the Coast:
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre A world-class rehabilitation facility caring for local animals.
Goats on the Roof markets & surrounding artisan shops in Coombs.
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Cathedral Grove with short walks around old growth trees
The Hole in the Wall, Port Alberni
Access is from the highway though it is on the left side as you get to Port Albenri. You’ll need to go past it, turn around, and come back to the parking area. This is safer than trying to walk across the highway. That said, there is a small parking lot next to Coombs Country Candy on the right side of the highway. Avoid parking in the candy store parking lot unless you will get some ice cream & candy. :P Whatever you do, don’t follow map/gps directions as they are private roads and you may get locked in.
Sproat Lake
A beautiful big lake that is worth stopping at to take in the vastness & scenery, or even a quick swim.
Wally Creek, Kennedy River
Roughly 55km from Port Alberni towards the coast. It’s not on any maps. You will see a roadside parking area with a totem pole on a bend along a rocky section of the Kennedy River. You will see it ahead as you come down a slight hill. It’s on the right side of the road so it’s easy to pull into. It’s the only open big pullout and you’ll probably see other people, so it’s obvious. You can explore out upon the rocks along the river. Be extremely careful as the rocks can be slippery. It is an unstaffed, remote, rugged spot and there’s no cell coverage.
EAT, SEE, & DO ON THE COAST:
Both towns have multiple whale & bear watching, kayaking, SUP boarding & surf companies.
All are equally as great as each other, so your best bet is to look through these lists and contact them ahead of time.
Ucluelet Activities and Tofino Activities
Places To Eat:
Ucluelet
The Break
Frankies Restobar
Heartwood Food
Abbondanza Pizza
Pluvio
Sake Sushi
Full list of places to eat
Tofino
Pointe Restaurant at Wickaninnish Inn
Rhino Coffee House & Doghnuts
Shelter Restaurant
Tacofino
Tofitian Coffee
Tuff City Sushi
Surfside Grill
Wildside Grill
Wolf in the Fog
Full list of places to eat
Places To Visit:
Ucluelet
Cedar House Gallery is a First Nations focused gallery located downstairs from the condo
Pacific Rim Distillery has various spirits with locally inspired flavours
Rubio Glass and Jewelry has local jewelry & glass blown creations located downstairs from the condo
The Den Refillery a zero-wast body & household goods refillery located downstairs from the condo
Ucluelet Aquarium a collect & release aquarium located right across the road from the condo
Ucluelet Brewing beer and great snacks and food
Wild Pacific Trail has various lengths of walks taking in ancient forests and ocean views
Tofino
Chesterman Beach & Cox Bay Beach at any time of the day but especially at sunset
House of Himwitsa is a First Nations focused gallery with a wonderful collection of local art
Jeremy Koreski is a local photographer who captures the coast beautifully
Mark Hobson is an incredible local wildlife and landscape artist (his work is all throughout the condo)
Roy Henry Vickers is a First Nations artist and his gallery is a stunning long house
Rubio Glass and Jewelry has local jewelry and glass blown creations
Tofino Brewing Company beer, beer, beer… what more can I say
Tofino Craft Distillery has various spirits with locally inspired flavours
PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK (between the two towns):
There are fees for the following trails and beaches within the Pacific Rim National Park boundaries.
It may be worth your while to stop in at the Info Centre at the Junction (where you turn left for Ucluelet and right for Tofino) on your way in, and pick up a pass.
Park Fees
Kwisitis Interpretive Centre
Rainforest Trail
Schooner Cove Trail
Bog Trail
South Beach Trail
Treat Yourself
Relax and get a treatment or two from any of these great services, but best to book in advance.
Tofino Mobile Massage will come to Ucluelet for in accommodation treatments
Drift Spa at Blackrock Resort Ucluelet
Nurture Day Spa Ucluelet
Arbutus Health Centre Tofino
Ancient Cedars Spa Tofino (at the Wickaninnish Inn hotel)
Sacred Stone Spa Tofino