Ucluelet Inlet

Ucluelet Harbour is a calm inlet that runs northwest of the town of Ucluelet. Sheltered from the worst of Pacific weather, it is generally calm, with gentle currents, and makes for a lovely spot to explore. For many it is a much calmer, less skill-intensive alternative to the Tofino Harbour gauntlet of whalewatching zodiacs, fisherman, water taxis, and float planes.

At the first major intersection in Ucluelet, follow Seaplane Road to a terminus dirt parking lot. There is a public boat launch here, the Pat Leslie Ucluelet Public Boat Launch. For kayakers, there is easy access to a shell-strewn beach. Good water shoes are recommended. Best to leave your boat here and park 100 meters up the road to stay well clear of the boat trailers coming and going. From here, it's often best to head north up the inlet. You'll pass old-growth forests with the occasional home hidden in the woods. Abandoned wrecks make for curious points of interest. There is also often logging barges being loaded and plenty of fishing boats heading out on the southeastern end of the inlet closer to Tofino. Be sure to keep to the shallows to avoid conflict with other boats.