Things to do | Coastal Rainforest Haven

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🥾 Trails & Hiking

The trails of Ucluelet are just steps away — some even start right at our doorstep. We’re lucky to live in the heart of an exceptional natural environment. Here are a few of our favorites:

Rainforest Trail

An educational trail that takes you deep into the temperate rainforest ecosystem, with wooden boardwalks and interpretive signs along the way.

Lighthouse Loop

A flat trail along the beach, perfect for a relaxed walk and beachcombing.

Wild Pacific Trail

A breathtaking coastal trail along the Pacific Ocean, made up of several loops offering dramatic views of a rugged shoreline — suitable for all levels.

A short scenic loop leading to the Ucluelet lighthouse, with stunning coastal views and great chances to spot wildlife.

🍽️ Where to Eat

Tacofino

The experience starts before you even eat: order your tacos at the iconic taco bus, then head to MacKenzie Beach (about 20 minutes away) to enjoy them. Ocean views, feet in the sand, incredible tacos — hard to beat.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

A high-end dining experience focused on seasonal, local ingredients, in an intimate and thoughtfully designed setting.

Pluvio

Upscale, refined, and yes, a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it. A must for a memorable evening (reservations highly recommended).

The restauranta offers one of the best ocean views in the area, perfect for a peaceful dinner overlooking the waves.

Local Secret: The Hidden Beach at the Bottom of 200 Steps

Most visitors stick to the well-marked paths around Ucluelet — and we get it, they're stunning. But if you're up for a little adventure, here's one our family swears by.

Park at the Willowbrae Trail trailhead, walk about 1 km along the trail, then turn left onto the wooden boardwalk. Follow it another 500 m, and you'll hit a staircase heading down. 200 steps to be exact — yes, our son counted every single one.

At the bottom? A pristine, tucked-away beach that feels completely forgotten by the world. Think driftwood, old-growth framing the cove, that particular shade of Pacific grey-green, and — the best part — almost no one there. Off-season, you'll likely have it entirely to yourself. Even in summer, the staircase keeps the crowds away. Most people see it and turn back.

Worth every step down. (The way back up is a different story — but a good one.)