Ucluelet (pronounced you-clue-let) is a town where life slows down in the best possible way. Tucked somewhere between the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island and the rhythm of the rainforest, the scent of cedar mixes with ocean air, and there’s a sense that you’ve landed somewhere special.
Set on the traditional territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and lovingly called “Ukee” (you-key) by locals, this west coast town is a true safe harbour for all walks of life. And at the edge of the Pacific, in a beautifully restored church overlooking the inlet, you’ll find Ucluelet Brewing Company.
It’s more than just a brewery. It’s a gathering place for the community. A local landmark where tourists and locals feel equally at home. Hikers, kayakers, fishers, beachcombers, newcomers, and old friends all come together here to raise a glass and enjoy each other’s company.
Whether you’re wrapping up an afternoon on the Wild Pacific Trail or easing into the evening after a stormy morning, Ucluelet Brewing is where stories are shared and the beer is always good.
A Sacred Space, Reimagined
The brewery’s home, once St. Aidan On-the-Hill, is as iconic as the beer it now houses. Originally built in 1929 as the smallest church on Vancouver Island, the building was expanded in the 1950s using salvaged wood from a WWII seaplane base in an early act of community sustainability that still echoes through the space. After decades as the town’s smallest church, youth center and event space, it was retired in 2010 and then rescued by local builder Leif Hagar and friends who saw its soul and set out to reawaken it.
By early 2020, the brewery opened its doors. It quickly became a staple in the community, offering BC craft beer lovers a welcoming, accessible, and energetic place to share stories, raise a glass, and feel like you belong.
Inside, you can still feel the church’s bones. The bar and kitchen are fronted with original joists pulled from the very floor where the brewing equipment now stands. The coveted booth beneath the bell tower has heard its share of salt-stained stories, and the beer lineup offers playful nods to the past with names like Seventh Day Kölsch, Resurrection Red Ale, and St. Aidan’s Porter.
A Home for the Community
From the beginning, Ucluelet Brewing has been rooted in something deeper than just good beer. Located on Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory, the brewery is mindful of the land, waters, and people who have called this part of the island home for generations. That sense of respect carries through everything they do.
They play an active role in the community by supporting local events like Ukee Days, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, and the West Coast Longboard Competition. They back organizations including Redd Fish Restoration Society, Surfrider, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, and the Ucluelet Aquarium. They also contribute to local safety efforts through groups like West Coast Inland Search and Rescue and the Tofino General Hospital Foundation.
From hosting a fundraiser, sponsoring a community event, or simply offering a warm space to gather, Ucluelet Brewing shows up with care and consistency. It’s a place built with intention, grounded in community, and connected to the land it stands on.
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Brewing With Purpose
Built into the daily operations, sustainability is more than a buzzword for Ucluelet Brewing. Certified by the Surfrider Ocean Friendly Business program, the brewery focuses on reducing waste and supporting the local economy. Their initiatives include a Pak-Tek holder return program, strong recycling efforts, and environmentally-conscious brewing processes. Spent grain is composted, given to local pig farmers, or repurposed into homemade dog treats.
Even the merchandise tells a story. Every piece is sourced and printed locally, with the intention of keeping dollars in the community. Beverage options extend beyond beer, too. Guests can sip Tofino Kombucha, local wines, Island spirits, and non-alcoholic options that reflect the region’s diversity.
In the kitchen, the menu reflects the region itself. Dishes showcase local ingredients, with everything from ocean catches to foraged finds and thoughtfully raised BC meats showcasing fresh, seasonal and full-flavour bites. The offerings shift with the seasons, giving both locals and visitors something new to look forward to.
The brewing team keeps things fresh behind the bar with a rotating selection of craft beers. Crisp lagers, hop-forward IPAs and rich, malty ales reflect a mix of creativity, skill, and a deep love for the craft in every pour.
Exploring Ukee: Where Adventure Ends with a Pint
Ucluelet invites you to slow down and take it all in. That’s part of what makes Ucluelet Brewing the perfect base camp on the island. After a full day out in the fresh air, that pint feels well-earned.
Start your morning with a coffee from Foggy Bean, located just downstairs in the same building. From there, stroll down to the harbour or swing by Ukee Snack Shack for a quick bite before hitting the trail or heading out on the water. Need gear? Relic Surf Shop and Long Beach Surf Shop have what you need. Looking for something fun or unexpected? The Crow’s Nest is a favourite for browsing and picking up something special.
A day in Ucluelet might include a paddle along the coast, a walk through mossy forest trails, or a few rounds on Ucluelet’s new 9-hole disc golf course. However you spend your time, it all leads back to that cold sip at the brewery.
On sunny afternoons, the patio looks out over Č̓um̓aat̓a (Mount Ozzard) and the Ucluelet Inlet. When the weather cools down, the vibe moves indoors. Board games come out, the space fills with laughter, and the brewery’s cozy charm really shines.
Time your visit just right, and you might catch live music, a local art show, or one of the many community events that make the brewery feel like the heart of town.
More Than a Brewery
There’s a quiet pride in the way Ucluelet Brewing operates. It shows in the thoughtful renovations, the quality of the beer, the consistency of its community involvement, and the welcoming way they treat everyone who walks through the doors.
When a brewery becomes a local landmark and a community gathering spot all at once, you know there’s something special happening.
The next time you find yourself on the west coast of Vancouver Island heading towards Tofino, carve out some time for Ucluelet. Let the ocean air clear your mind, let the forest trails stretch your legs, and let a cold pint remind you that you may come for the coast, but it’s places like Ucluelet Brewing that make you want to stay a little longer.
Find the community of Ucluelet and Ucluelet Brewing Company on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail.
Every Pint Tells a Story
