If you are looking for directions on how to get to Ucluelet, you've came to the right place! Overshadowed by the popularity of it's sister town Tofino, Ucluelet has preserved the quaint fishing town charm that people adore and is one of the kept secret of the west coast for many.

How to Get in Ucluelet?

By Car

To get to Ucluelet by car, one must travel first to Victoria or Nanaimo. Ucluelet is 293 kilometers from Victoria and 113 kilometers from Nanaimo.

North of Nanaimo, Highway 4 heads west to cross Vancouver Island to meet with The Pacific Rim Highway. To get to Ucluelet, turn left (south) and proceed for 10 minutes. Turning right (north) and driving for 40 minutes will take you to the end of this highway at Tofino. The signage is excellent and very helpful.

If you leave from Departure Bay in Nanaimo, count five and a half hour including the ferry voyage from Horseshoe Bay (counting the two hour ferry voyage). From Victoria, it's about a four hour drive.

Car Rental

Once you reach the island you can rent a car at any of the airports. If you’re flying into Long Beach, rent a car or catch a taxi from the airport to nearby Ucluelet. Every city with a ferry terminal also offers car rentals.

By Bus

The Tofino Bus runs express daily service to Ucluelet from Victoria and Nanaimo, connecting with Greyhound Canada, which serves the majority of communities on Vancouver Island.

+++ You can see here the bus schedule from Whistler to Ucluelet.

By Air

Major airlines offer frequent, scheduled flights to Vancouver Island’s Victoria International Airport, Comox Valley Airport and Nanaimo Airport from Vancouver, Calgary and Seattle. Once you reach the island you can rent a car at any of the airports listed above.

To fly from Vancouver, Victoria or Seattle to Ucluelet, the most popular airline that provides a regular scheduled flight is Orca Airways

If you are more adventureous, you can always look for other float plane operators that offer chartered service between downtown Vancouver and the West Coast such as Tofino Air.

The Tofino-Ucluelet Airport (YAZ) is about a 15 minute drive north of Ucluelet and a 10 minute drive from Tofino. Taxis and hotel shuttles are available at the airport.

By Sea

One option to get to Ucluelet or Tofino is to buy a passage at the Quay in Port Alberni on either the MV Lady Rose or MV Frances Barkely.

Ferries to Vancouver Island is offered from several mainland British Columbia and Washington State departure points. BC Ferries transports vehicles and passengers on regularly scheduled routes to Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, and Port Hardy.

Washington State Ferries, Blackball Transport’s M.V. Coho, Victoria Clipper Ferry, Victoria Express, and Victoria San Juan Cruises provide passenger only or passenger and vehicle ferry service between various points in northwest Washington and Victoria.

Conclusion

Make sure to check out 3 Useful Tips on How to Visit Ucluelet on a Shoestring Budget if you are looking to come over without breaking your budget. We are looking forward to see you here!