We love visiting the Ucluelet Aquarium every year to see their new developments. The staff, along with the guidance of the Indigenous community, create an intriguing environment for their temporary visitors of the surrounding waters, allowing visitors the opportunity to see them up close and personal. Terrific learning experience for all ages. The artisan section is also fantastic!

Visiting the Ucluelet Aquarium was such an incredible experience! It’s a small community-run, catch-and-release aquarium, but the amount of marine life you see up close is amazing. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and truly passionate about ocean conservation. I loved how interactive the displays were—being able to see local sea creatures right from the surrounding waters made the visit even more special. It’s educational, beautifully curated, and perfect for all ages. A must-visit when you’re in Ucluelet! 🌊🐠 Highly recommended.

This small but mighty aquarium was such a treat. It's not very big but they pack a lot into the small pace. Lots of tanks with various sea life. Multiple touch tanks for the kids to explore. And they had an octopus there! I love that none of the sea life stay there - they all get released back into ocean. I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

It’s small but don’t let that fool you. I saw some of the best exhibits of sea life from the local area. They were such amazing little eco systems in each with so much to watch and learn about. The critters are only there part of the year and that put back into the waters they were found so the tanks will always be changing. The staff were great - friendly and knowledgeable and eager to share with people. I think it was an awesome visit. Definitely a must go

For a small little place it has a lot to offer. The volunteers are amazing and super friendly. The touch tanks are great and they have things that we have never seen before. We drove over from Parksville and it was totally worth the drive.

My wife LOVES this place!!!!! The touch tanks are very cool. We like that they collect their display creatures at the start of the season and release them back into the same locations at the end of the season. You could spend the whole day just watching the octopus.

The aquarium was on the smaller side for the price, but I felt the cost was worthwhile as a way to support the local community while visiting. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, and the touch tanks were a fun, interactive feature. I especially appreciated learning that the marine life is caught and then released after a few months — it’s reassuring to know the animals aren’t kept there permanently.

Easy, well marked and packed trail. Stunning ocean views around every corner. Lots of rest areas and spots for pictures.

Awesome views of the rugged coastline with multitudinous lookouts and benches for enjoying them. Pristine, well maintained and top notch in every way!

A fantastic trail, with numerous wonderful little places to stop and watch the water. It would rate a 5 if you're already nearby, but wasn't quite worth driving over from the east coast for.

The Wild Pacific Trail currently traces about eight kilometers of the rugged shore along the western coast of Vancouver Island. Starting in Ucluelet, the trail follows the impressive, picturesque and sometimes dramatic shoreline and passes the Ancient Cedars just outside of Ucluelet. The shoreline itself is also abundant with birds and marine wildlife. Interpretive signs along the trail provide additional information on the ecosystems and the animals. Most parts of the Wild Pacific Trail are easily accessible, some parts are moderately steep. Parking lots with toilets are provided along the trail. We started at the Amphitrite Lighthouse and walked along the Lighthouse Loop. Maps with additional information are provided.

Incredibly well maintained trail that hugs the ocean most of the way. It is a walking trail that does have some incline and downcline so if you do have mobility issues be very mindful. Most the way it's wide to be able to walk around others or walk side by side in twos. There are many trail head openings along the main roads. The only criticism is there is a slight lack of signage. We did about 9kms of the trail and are avid hikers so we had no difficulty figuring out which paths to take. As there are many other paths that I suspect lead to properties such as hotels or to openings along the road. Just be very mindful if you aren't directionally savvy.

Absolutely beautiful views! Lots of benches in picturesque spots. The trail is relatively easy. There are some short cuts (bypass with a picture of a stroller, though I wouldn’t say that the trail is stroller friendly). Bio toilets are on parking lots. Parking is free.

The Wild Pacific Trail is an absolute gem! The breathtaking ocean views, lush coastal rainforest, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks make this trail a truly unforgettable experience. The well-maintained paths and clear signage make it accessible for all fitness levels. I especially loved the viewpoints along the way, which offer perfect spots to take in the stunning scenery or snap some photos. It's also a great place to spot wildlife—I saw eagles and even a few seals offshore! Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, an inspiring hike, or just a chance to connect with nature, the Wild Pacific Trail delivers. I highly recommend making this a priority if you're in the Ucluelet area!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amphitrite Lighthouse is an incredible spot, especially for storm watching! 🌊🌬️ The views of the wild Pacific are absolutely breathtaking, and you can really feel the power of the ocean from here. The waves crashing against the rugged rocks create an unforgettable experience. The trail leading to the lighthouse is well maintained, easy to walk, and surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. Even on a stormy day, it felt safe and accessible. The lighthouse itself is small but iconic, and the setting makes it feel very special. If you’re in Ucluelet, this is a must-visit whether you want a peaceful walk on a calm day or to witness the dramatic stormy seas. Highly recommend bringing a good rain jacket and camera.

Beautiful and iconic lighthouse with stunning coastal views. The walk to the lighthouse is short and scenic, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Great spot for photos, watching waves crash against the rocks, and just taking in the ocean breeze. A must-visit if you’re exploring the Ucluelet area.

This historic lighthouse is located alongside a hiking trail with a picturesque ocean view. As part of the Wild Pacific Trail, you can follow the Lighthouse Loop, a 2.5km long circular trail around the peninsula on Barkley Sound in the Pacific Ocean. You can't get very close to the lighthouse, but the hiking trail along the coastline is beautifully laid out and rugged. The moss-covered trees and the view of the Pacific are impressive.

What a beautiful trail. So incredibly well maintained. The views are stunning. A quick 1 hour walk, worth the time!

Really nice spot to visit! The rocks are incredibly rugged and the hike has many beautiful vistas. Great way to spend a couple hours in Ukee!

Arrived early before “official open” but they were there ready, parked first and walked around this incredible place before the crowds turned up. My first visit was 1973 with my parents. This was my 4th time. As always a beautiful spot

Good place for a quick hike with family when you are at Ucluelet. The lighthouse is off limits but has lots of information about its history. Very good short picturesque hike under trees and along the coast with great benches and vantage points. The information area has binoculars and clean washrooms. Porta potties on the grounds.

This is a non-profit salmon hatchery, which happens to also be a great location for observing wildlife, including black bears. The volunteers may be able to show you some of the salmon they are holding the tanks for spawning; when we were there, they were tossing live salmon back into the estuary, to the delight of kids watching. There is a very small visitor center with a handful of displays. We visited in late October 2023 and were blessed to see a mother and cub black bear foraging on salmon carcasses. In addition, we saw a sea lion that swam up the estuary before being chased away by the bear! I chatted for a while with the manager, Dave, who was very knowledgeable and friendly. He told us that in 10 years, he had never before seen a sea lion in the estuary, so perhaps don’t get your hopes up on that!

This was our favorite out of five hatcheries we visited on Vancouver Island in late September. We did not see a bear (I think we were a little early in the season). But the scenery here is lovely and the hatchery staff very welcoming and happy to answer questions.

Worth the visit and the chance to see bears! We weren’t so lucky in the bear department, but the fish were pretty neat to see and the staff were very informative and kind with any questions we had. It’s a pretty spectacular thing they are doing. Really appreciate the experience and knowledge gained.

Very lovely place. You will learn a lot about the fishes and their abilities like changing their color for matching the surroundings. The people are doing an important job and you will learn why. We can highly recommend to spent some time here :)

Bumpy dirt road to get there but well worth it for a chance to see bears in natural habitat. You have to stay within the fenced area for saftety. Plan for multiple visits for sighting. It's very serene and beautiful to nature watch, even if you don't catch the bears at the right time. Limited parking.

Fantastic spot to see bears very close if you are lucky enough to be around when they wander in from the forest to feed from the Salmon from waterfall pools next to the hatchery. Super friendly staff chat to help achieve this and pass time pleasantly..waiting for a bear or two.

what an amazing place! after 2 months traveling everywhere without seeing even one bear, we saw there one big black bear eating fish, and a mother and a cub on the tree. just amazing. they don't charge for the entry, it is by donation which is highly recommended to donate so they could keep with their great work.

A truly spectacular trail, unmissable if you are going to Ucluelet. The trail is maintained to the highest standards, and there are views all the way round. The lighthouse has some info boards nearby, and you may be lucky and see some deer or eagles. It's just about the perfect walk for appreciating the beauty of this coastline. Enjoy!

A must do if you visiting the Ucluelet area! The loop is about 45 minutes and fairly easy. You get to see the sturdy lighthouse, the thunder-crashing waves, beautiful ocean views, and amazing forest vista's with bent trees bowing down to the ferocious winds that frequent this area. You will want to stop for every Vista to take a breath and decompress to forget the city ad enjoy the wild. Kids will love this walk, and adults will cherish the peace. The new interpretive centre near the lighthouse is worth a stop to engage with the experts there, and don't forget to put some coin into the donation box on the loop trail.

A must-visit in Ucluelet! We walked the Wild Pacific Trail to see the iconic Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The trail is well-maintained, peaceful, and filled with stunning ocean views at every turn. You can really feel the raw beauty of the West Coast—the sound of the waves crashing, the smell of the sea breeze, and the serenity of nature all around. The lighthouse itself is such a beautiful reward at the end of the walk, standing strong against the rugged coastline. Perfect spot for photos, reflection, and just appreciating the moment. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ucluelet—easy walk, unforgettable scenery! 🌊🌲✨

Spectacular trail with absolutely stunning views! The walk was easy and suitable for most people, and we found ourselves stopping at numerous viewpoints to admire the scenery. The weather was perfect, which made the experience even better. Definitely a trail worth doing if you’re in the area!

Must do hike when staying in Ucluelet! The Whale Parking Lot is within the loop of about 2,5km (and free, but not big). It's not too hard, little elevation. If you have a hard time walking uphill, start by going to the lighthouse and end at the bog. This way you'll be walking the steepest parts going downhill. You can choose to extend your route, by going to Terrace Beach for example (although I didn't find the beach very exciting). The rocks at the coast can be climbed at most places. This is fun! Take some time to let out you're inner child/rock climber. However, remember to be cautious of the waves.

This is a beautiful and very easy hike. Not easy to find long hikes in the area. Fantastic views the whole way round and benches all over for rests and taking in the views and enjoying the sounds of the ocean.

Beautiful walk!! Such great look out spots all over. There was so many and each one with such amazing views.

We got in at 6pm with a group of four no wait on a Sunday - lucky us ! The food was all really good we ordered chicken wings, Caesar salad, lamb, and three different burgers. Everyone was happy and the portions were very generous I had to take half my lamb home. Very busy place for tourists and locals alike. Friendly staff at the door. We did have to ask for napkins three times and didn’t have the warmest service but clearly this place is always busy and the staff are working extra hard to keep it moving. Overall an easy place to stop where you can count on a good meal.

The dishes are excellent! The server is so nice too. Fair price & the outdoor seats are great in summer.

We came here late after arriving in Ucluelet. The staff were friendly and polite. The food was good and I really enjoyed the calamari. I would order them again.

The food was good and the restaurant cozy! If you’re hungry, don’t go for the salmon as the portion was rather small - the Salmon pasta and the burger were amazing, though! However, the wait was quite long in the evening (around 30 minutes at 7:30 pm).

We stopped in for lunch on a somewhat chilly, rainy and windy day. This was a very homey place that helped take the chill off and set the day up to be great! I had the Crispy Chicken Burger topped with bacon. Starting with the pickle on top that was crispy and tasty this was a delight. The chicken was breaded and cooked to perfection and the toppings rounded it out really well. It was big enough to feel good about but not too big to feel like I ate too much. I swapped in a cup of Seafood Chowder and that hit the spot perfectly! It warmed me up like a hug from my grandma. The staff were warm and friendly and very helpful. Highly recommend!

Food was so good. I came last year so when I came back this year I knew I had to eat there again. There has been a small wait both times but nothing significant.

Had lunch at Cedar Grill and the food seriously delivered. The burger was juicy, cheesy, and stacked just right - absolute perfection. The seafood chowder? Creamy, rich, and loaded with flavour. Not the warmest service, but the food more than made up for it. Worth the visit if you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Lovely little restaurant for brunch! We came on a very busy Monday morning. We waited about 20 min for a table for 2. The staff were lovely - super friendly and attentive. We ordered the salmon eggs Benedict and a build-your-own omelette. They were both really good. The hash-browns were delicious as well - I just wish the portion was a little bigger but that is a minor criticism. Service was wonderful. Overall we really enjoyed our meals at The Blue Room. We’ll definitely return the next time we visit Ucluelet.

I had a nice hazy beer to go with a well prepared brunch. It was nice and busy with a local and visiting crowd alike atmosphere. Food was on point I ordered the meat and eggs with a variety of meat sides like chorizo, sausage, Bacon etc. The lady had the classic Benny and a blueberry pancakes. The pancake was missing that mmm factor needed some more blueberries and vanilla.

A very regular place to have your breakfast, with indoor and patio seating options. Their menu is good which is why I wanted to try it. We ordered meatless breakfast plate and breaky Quinoa bowl. Both the dishes were just okay and nothing great about them. Portion sizes were very small ,the house special hash brown was fried diced potatoes and the poached egg on the quinoa bowl was almost a well done boiled egg.Anyway, the food came out pretty quick and you can give it a try only if you have to.

Great pub fare, friendly staff, and seemingly a mix of locals and tourists coming down for a bite. Expect a possible wait during peak hours- we arrived around 1pm and waited about 10-15 mins for a table of 4. They have a great spicy calamari and the chowder was tasty. Nice big family bathroom with a changing table if you need that, too.

Highly recommend, great breakfast spot! They are creative, ethical and conscious. Lots of great options. I want to come back again and again until I’ve tried everything! They are very kind as well! it was a little chilly and the inside was full so we sat on the patio and they brought us cozy blankets!!

Really good food. Managed to time it perfectly and scooped a 2 person table in the full restaurant just before a stream of people came looking to eat. We both had a ukee wrap with chowder and it was excellent. Also had deep fried dill pickles which my wife can never say no to and they were also great. Good and friendly service as well.

Tasty brunch food with filling portions. I think I was most surprised with the quinoa power bowl. This place does get busy and may have a small line up but turnover is quick. Staff here are also very friendly.

I recently tried the fish and chips here after hearing some good things. The portion size was generous, and everything was served hot and fresh. However, I found the fish to be a bit too crispy for my liking—almost over-crispy, which took away from the flavor and tenderness of the fish itself. The chips were decent, but overall, the dish didn’t quite live up to the expectations. Not bad, but not particularly memorable either.

So good! Relaxed atmosphere, good music and even better food. Fish and chips was some of the best we had, not a heavy batter but so crispy and the fish was ling cod todays catch! The prawns are equally as fantastic!

Really fresh fish and chips! The fish is caught daily, and you can taste the difference. If you’re not a big eater, start with just one piece—the portions are generous, and the fish is huge. They don’t hold back on the fries either! Downside of this was it is bit too much greasy. The coleslaw was a must to wash down those grease.

Relaxed vibe just steps from the main road. Cod fillet fish and chips were tender and flaky, cooked exactly as ordered. They cook it fresh so it takes a few minutes to get it ready. Great spot in the heart of town with indoor and outdoor seating.

Food truck serving fresh fish and chips. The batter was nice and light. The fries tasted like home made fries. Once salted the fries were great. The portion size was very generous. Being from Quebec, I was not impressed with the poutine, wrong cheese, wrong gravy, not approved. The plain fries are great just by themselves. Come early and be prepared to wait.

Superb fish and chips!! Not overly battered and the homemade sauce was exceptional! Great sized portion left me full for the day!

The fish comes out of a food truck (although there is indoor seating available) and is fresh, crispy and tasty... Plus, lots of locals seem to come here - so thats another good sign!

If you're in the area and find yourself waiting to get in, then please wait. It's worth it, I promise. There's a line up for a reason. The place is small and there isn't enough seating, but the wait is worth it when you taste it. It's a family owned and run restaurant and the care and attentiveness shows. My party and I tried several different dishes and neither of them disappointed. I loved the atmosphere created by the host and staff and the food definitely hit the spot. Thank you guys for a very pleasurable dining experience!

Very nice breakfast place that is warm and inviting, with exceptional attentive service cits clear that theccooks are professionally trained as their attention to detail in the food and the presentation is outstanding. We had the Heartwood breakfast and decaf coffee. The smashed potatoes were yummy, and the eggs were done just right. The fruit - apple, orange, and melon was fresh tasting. The protein was delicious. The toast was done just right. The place filled up very quickly but was a good vibe. Will definitely come back here.

My first time eating at Heartwoods was in 2023, and when the waitress brought the menu she asked if I’ve eaten there before, and when said no she explained the two most popular things ordered were Fried Chicken & French Toast and Fried Chicken Eggs Benny, so the Chicken & French Toast it was. I’ve tried many variations of Fried Chicken with breakfasts in Vancouver and Victoria, but this one did it for me. Well of course the second visit was the Fried Chicken Egg Benny and that was just as delicious as my first dish. I do like to always add a side or with my order as well. It’s now my favourite place for breakfast, and I love the atmosphere sitting at the bar watching the Chef’s building their signature dishes. And then there’s the coziness of the restaurant because it was once a longstanding home in the Ukee community before its transformation to date. There’s also a nice little patio out front and seating outside in the rear for a more private space. During the summer months I recommend getting there early, as it is a very popular place and there will be a line for sure, and waiting when you’re hungry is brutal for me 😂. The staff and owners are magnificent and are truly passionate about what they do and put love into their creations. I can only comment on the two breakfast orders, because that’s what I come for, but I have looked at the menu and have my eye on a couple other options.

Heartwood in Ukee is a fantastic choice for breakfast or brunch. The Salmon Benedict is bursting with flavor, and the addition of mustard seeds brings everything together beautifully. It's rich, tangy, and truly unforgettable. Another standout dish is the Fried Chicken and French Toast, which offers an incredible combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that had us finishing our plates. Be prepared to come hungry! The portions are generous, and the bold flavors are impressive. The restaurant itself is charming and cozy, with a patio out back that’s perfect for sunny mornings in Ukee. The staff is delightful! Funny, helpful, and genuinely attentive. While you might have to wait for a table, that only reflects the quality of the food. It's worth it!

From the moment we walked in, Ian and Heather made us feel right at home. Their warm hospitality set the tone for a beautiful meal. The food? Absolutely incredible—every bite was thoughtful, fresh, and full of flavor. The staff were attentive, friendly, and clearly take pride in what they do. We left with full bellies, happy hearts, and big smiles. Our whole family felt cared for and satisfied. Thank you, Heartwood Kitchen, for making our time in Ucluelet so special. We'll be back!

We had a lunch at Heartwood Kitchen. We had to wait a few minutes since it was quite busy, but this was well worth it. I ordered the chicken with sweet toast, which was the perfect combination of sweet en spicy. It was very tasty and well priced. My wife had the Huevos Rancheros tortilla which was delicious. The service was really kind and thoughtful. The only downpart was that our plates were empty. We both said to each other; "We could eat here again tomorrow or even tonight. Would definitely recommend this place! If we would ever visit Ucluelet again, we will definitely come back.

The best breakfast on the West coast of Vancouver island! We had the fried chicken and French toast when we stopped the night in Ucluelet and then drove all the way from Tofino to have it again! We also experienced exceptional service here. The servers and kitchen staff were super friendly, helpful, and even went out of their way to help us find a solution to package some fish we had caught the day before. Never change Heartwood Kitchen! You are awesome.

We went there for breakfast a few times while in Ucluelet. Great coffee and nice food options - highly recommended... PS: They have a vegan bagel with tempeh bacon on the menu. Haven't seen that in North America yet...

The regular drip coffee + English muffin is an absolute must! Got a great vibe inside and the food and service is great. Came here twice for the exact same thing and it was just as good the second time! Bonus for a bathroom that actually looks pretty nice as well!

Good coffee and a cozy atmosphere. The Morning Glory muffin is really tasty — definitely worth trying if you stop by.

Had an incredible panini sandwich here. Definitely worth stopping for lunch. The bread was excellent. Ham top notch. Coffee was also great. Stop here for a bite to eat. Loved it.

Chill atmosphere. Bit of a wait due to being so busy. Had gluten friendly options that shared the same oven as all other food. Great coffee.

The place was packed and for good reason! Dont worry about that line up because their staff move through those line ups with ease. We stopped here quite a few times on our stay. Great walking distance from the Wildwood Inn. Breakfast sandwiches and coffees were really great and hit the spot. Staff were great too.

Lovely place for breakfast, quite crowded in the morning. I loved that they had quite some veggie and vegan option like the Tempeh bagel on the photo.