Savour the breathtaking west coast of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim, home to the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples for millenia.
Port Alberni is a central hub for exploring the Island, and it’s a town rich in culture and heritage. Explore the three local breweries, along with a wide range of culinary delights and a new distillery.
Next, head further west to discover the surf towns of Tofino and rugged Ucluelet. Each boasts its own brewery, beaches and trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and so much more.
Continue your Vancouver Island adventures on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail and Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail.
Tofino, BC (photo: Tourism Tofino)
Ucluelet Brewing (photo provided)
Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni, BC
Alberni Brewing Company in Port Alberni, BC
Port Alberni, BC (photo: Melissa Renwick)
Dog Mountain Brewing in Port Alberni, BC
Tofino Brewing in Tofino, BC
Ucluelet, BC (photo: Tyler Cave Productions)
From the mainland of BC:
Travel to Vancouver Island on BC Ferries. From Vancouver, take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, or from Tsawwassen to Duke Point.
Alternatively, you can walk onto the new Hullo Ferries fast ferry from Downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo.
From Nanaimo/Victoria/Southern Vancouver Island:
Follow the Island Highway (Highway 1/Highway 19) North. Take exit 60 at Qualicum Beach to turn onto Highway 4 West to Port Alberni, then enjoy the scenery on your drive. The trip takes about 2.5 hours from Victoria or about an hour from Nanaimo.
From Comox Valley/Courtenay/Northern Vancouver Island:
Travel south on Highway 1 or Highway 19, then take the Highway 4 exit West at Qualicum Beach. Port Alberni is about 90 minutes away from Comox.
Discover Cathedral Grove’s ancient Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Support restoration efforts and enjoy wildlife viewing in this remarkable park.
Port Alberni is a small city at the heart of Vancouver Island. Even though it is geographically closer to the east coast of the Island, it sits at the head of the Alberni Inlet, which extends all the way out to the Pacific Ocean on the west coast. Originally, there…
Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni, BC
Whether it’s to take in the history of this former sawmill and logging operation or to go for a scenic walk, you won’t be disappointed. The surroundings are breathtaking. Picnic tables are set up all over the site if you’re in the mood for a picnic, and there is a…
Founded by Heather and Jason Welsh in partnership with Yvan St. Onge, a local chef, Alberni Brewing features spacious seating, a fireplace, an outdoor patio, and a full kitchen serving a wide range of delicious dishes alongside tasty beers. Head Brewer Jason Welsh brings years of homebrewing experience and passion…
A contemporary restaurant offering innovative seafood and an in-house smoked meat driven menu. Their globally inspired gluten-free menu showcases a diverse range of fish, quality meats, tacos, burgers and bowls.
Stop in for a nightcap, or a late-night snack. Antidote ferments and distills the ‘Spirit of Alberni’ with locally sourced grains and fruit, while crafting all products with the ‘wild-at-heart’ in mind. They keep sustainability in mind by sourcing recycled bottles and keeping their carbon footprint low. With fine spirits…
Be sure to stop in at the Alberni Valley Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Port Alberni is an outdoor lover’s dream and a vibrant cultural hub. Dive into the town’s rich maritime history at the Alberni Valley Museum or take a ride on the historic Alberni Pacific Railway. Adventure seekers can hike the trails of Mount Arrowsmith or kayak the serene waters of Sproat Lake, famous for its ancient petroglyphs.
The Broken Bow is located down at the Harbour Quay. They make almost everything from scratch including our sauces, hash browns, waffle batter, and fried chicken batter. They use local suppliers including Hertels Meats, Petes Mountain Meats, Fluer Smokery, Forest For Dinner, Half Acre Garden, Circle Dairy, Mecca Tea, and…
For a mix of adventure and relaxation, head to Stamp River Provincial Park. The park is home to the impressive Stamp Falls, where you can watch the salmon run during the late summer months. The trails around the park are perfect for a family hike, offering beautiful views and a…
Founders Andy and Robin decided to move to Vancouver Island from Edmonton with the goal of opening their own brewery. Robin obtained a Biological Science degree at the University of Alberta where she managed a yeast biotechnology lab. When they moved to BC she augmented that foundation by taking Simon…
Check out early Indigenous petroglyphs dating back thousands of years, from a special floating dock. The Sproat Lake Petroglyphs, also known as K’ak’awin, are a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering visitors a chance to connect with the ancient art and culture of the Indigenous peoples of the region. Named…
An intimate bistro serving flavourful and unique dishes. Featuring local ingredients and products wherever possible. Carrying a wide variety of wines and a full list of Vancouver Island Spirits, craft beer, and more.
Alberni Liquor Store offers a large variety of special in-store deals on boutique wines, craft beer, cider and spirits… Seriously, an entire wall of craft beers!
If you’re looking for an adventure on your way to the west coast, stop in at Westcoast Wild. The zip-line eco tours feature tremendous views and knowledgeable guides – your visit is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Don’t want to wait until Ucluelet for breakfast? Stop in at Pescadores, conveniently located on Highway 4, serving up seasonal dishes sourced from the Alberni Valley: farm fresh veggies, local meats and Pacific Rim seafood are all on the menu.
Serving breakfast and brunch seven days a week. Specializing in all day classics with a unique, west coast spin.
Hello Nature offers kayak rentals for experienced paddlers who want to get out into the Broken Group Islands or Ucluelet Harbour for a self-guided tour to experience the rugged landscapes and west coast scenery from the water. Please note: a group leader must qualify to rent by answering a few…
Ukee Poke serves up a blend of Hawaiian food and exotic flavours from Peru and Latin America. In addition to create-your-own poke bowls, you’ll find breakfast hand-helds, smoothies, and vegan options.
Explore Canada’s first collect-and-release aquarium. The Aquarium’s focus is on local species only, interactivity, open display of infrastructure and, most importantly, a “catch-and-release” model which sees specimens released back to their home habitats after their stay. Open seasonally starting in March.
Ucluelet Brewing is located in a beautifully renovated church that is perched on an ideal hilltop location overlooking the town’s harbour and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Originally built in the early 1950s, St. Aiden’s Church was deconsecrated in 2010. The idea of converting the building into a microbrewery was conceived…
Pluvio restaurant + rooms offers a unique, award winning dining experience, celebrating the best local products and natural elements of Ucluelet and Vancouver Island. The menu changes seasonally depending on what is available from the restaurant’s farmers, fishers, foragers and producers.
Looking for something to enjoy at home or at back at your hotel? Ucluelet Liquor Store has a wide selection and in-store deals on boutique wines, craft beer, cider and spirits.
Choose from ocean-front or rainforest cabins, a room at the Lodge or Spring Cove. The property is perfectly positioned between the lush old-growth rainforests and Terrace Beach, with the renowned Wild Pacific Trail passing through.
Be sure to stop in at the Pacific Rim Visitor Information Centre, at the junction between Ucluelet and Tofino, for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or just the two of you, there’s something for everyone in Ucluelet.
Lace up your hiking boots and wander along winding trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, or paddle silently through pristine waters as you explore the tranquil beauty of Barkley Sound on a tour with Long Beach Nature Tours.
Looking for something to up your heartbeat? Rent a bike from Ukee Bikes and ride the town in style, or get on the water with Relic Surf Shop or Paddle West Kayaking.
For more accommodation options, see Discover Ucluelet’s list of providers. Choose from classic cabins, luxury resorts, eco-yurts steps from the ocean, and family-friendly campgrounds.
Located on the edge of Cox Bay, the Great Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort offers breathtaking ocean views of the wild and unique Vancouver Island coastline. The natural surroundings pair beautifully with the food and beverages, modern furnishings, and local art. Serving brunch daily during the summer months.
While you’re in the surf capital of Canada, it’s only fitting that you suit up and get “on board”. There are a number of qualified surf schools in Tofino, and Surf Sister has been offering lessons since 1999. A lesson typically includes your wetsuit rental, surfing theory on the sand,…
Surfside Grill’s location at Pacific Sands Beach Resort provides incredible beach views while you eat your meal. Regardless of whether you sit at the westcoast tables or you take your meal to go, you’ll enjoy the funky beach vibe, the fresh ingredients and home-style family cooking.
Tofino and Ucluelet are connected via one continuous 44 km bike path with 3 distinct sections: the Multi-Use Path (MUP) from the Tofino town core, the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) which winds through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and the Ucluelet bike path, which leads to the Ucluelet town…
Tofino Brewing takes sustainability very seriously. As a Gold Certified BC Green Business member, the brewery uses hydroelectric power and packages cans with biodegradable eco-rings. It is an ocean-friendly business that has developed systems and equipment to recapture water used in the brewing process for re-use.
Tofino Brewing (provided)
Roar offers a unique dining experience, where meals are cooked with live fire. The food and beverage menus are inspired by the local people, makers and ingredients of Tofino. Just as you would gather with friends around the campfire, Roar invites you to get comfy while they share the stories…
Tofino Craft Distillery creates premium organic spirits inspired by the Coastal Temperate Rainforest of Western Canada. Explore handcrafted spirits and visit the Tasting Room.
The Maq Beer and Wine Store located within The Maq Hotel in Tofino. The liquor store offers a wide variety of local and imported products, ranging from cold beer to great wine selections.
Find a cozy cabin in the rainforest, beachside abode, campground, and more in Tofino.
Be sure to stop in at the Tofino Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
If the west coast weather has you looking for an indoor activity, check out the hidden 80s Arcade and Disco Room at Hotel Zed. Finding the hidden arcade is half the fun, and when you do you’ll find all the old-school arcade games you know and love—totally free to play. The mini disco has all the tricks: a glittery sequin wall, a whole bunch of dreamy, mirrored disco balls, wicked lighting and a light-up dance floor that just begs you to boogie.
Looking for a side trip that will live long in the memory books? A day at Hot Springs Cove, located in Ahousaht Hahuulthi (territory), ranks high on many bucket lists. Journey on a 1.5 hour boat ride or a shorter flight from Tofino to this remote location, where you will take a 30-minute walk along a rainforest boardwalk before arriving at the geothermal hot springs. Soak up the heat in a small succession of natural pools, and dry off in a covered area with ocean views. This trip is available year-round, and we especially recommend going on a cooler day to truly experience the contrast of the hot springs and the brisk air.
