You absolutely have to see it to believe it… Springtime in Ucluelet is an astounding Canadian experience! There’s nothing like soaking in the beauty that nature offers to make stress dissolve.
Here on the edge of of Vancouver Island, there are several species of bright, billowing rhododendrons strewn across the town, which put on a pretty amazing nature show for the first few weeks of Spring. There are crocus’, lilies, and an amazing array of flowering trees for your eyes to feast upon.
In our last post, "Want to Escape to the Ucluelet When Winter is Too Harsh?" we took you on a day of amazing west coast adventures in and around Ucluelet, BC. But, if you’re feeling a little worn out after another long, cold winter, then there is no better way to melt the ice away than to spend a couple of days reconnecting and recharging by the Pacific Ocean.
Spring is the perfect time to slow your speed and take the pace of nature; the gale-force winds of Storm-Watching season are drifting out to sea come the month of February, and the warmth of the sun encourages the buds on the flowers and the trees to begin to blossom, and what a sight it is, indeed!
Here on the edge of of Vancouver Island, there are several species of bright, billowing rhododendrons strewn across the town, which put on a pretty amazing nature show for the last few weeks of February and into March. There is something absolutely breath-taking about watching the flowers emerge over the course of a couple days. Be sure to plan on staying an extra day, because the beauty you find in Ucluelet, you won’t want to leave this amazing place to go back to the ‘real world.’
We are going to take you on a laid-back experience of how we love to spend a Spring day, relaxing, rejuvenating and getting back to the natural rhythm of things.
What to do to relax in Ucluelet?
1- Explore Ucluelet's Hiking Trails
It’s recommended that you get an early start on your relaxing Ucluelet day, because Mother Nature’s show begins at sunrise. The birds are singing, the deer are stirring, and the breath-taking BC scenery reveals itself in glowing shades of pink and orange.
To get connected to this incredible nature experience, you will certainly want to make the most of the many Hiking Trails that abound in the area. Take your time when walking the twists and turns you will meander upon through the trails of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. If you look carefully, you can scope out the emerging Spring flora on the temperate rain forest floor, and you will discover the rich tapestry of our very special coastal ecosystem.
There is one very special hiking gem that Ucluelet is proud to call its own, and that is the award-winning Wild Pacific Trail!
Drink in all of this exquisite scenery from one of the many benches and painter’s perches that are available for hikers on the Wild Pacific Trail. Walk where the have ferns grown to skirt the edge of the meticulously manicured pathway. Encircled by green, you need not worry about a little rain or wind because the forest provides a surprisingly good natural shelter from the elements.
As this trail traces the edge of rocky cliffs, you may get a peek of sea animals playing in the aquamarine water below. Sea otters, seals and even whales make their playground in these waters and with any luck, you’ll be able to see what life is like for the fauna here on the wild west coast.
The dizzying feeling of looking down at the ocean and watching its waters churn in the jagged, rocky surge channels below is an all encompassing experience of Mother Nature’s bounty that hikers on Vancouver Island will love.
2- Discover Local Food
An entire morning can pass by in the blink of an eye when you are enjoying the trails. When hunger strikes, you know you will be able to find something to suit everyone’s taste in the core of Ucluelet. The amazing Ucluelet eateries have a wide variety of delicacies to choose from, and some even offer delivery service!
3- Learn About Marine Life
After a beautiful morning in nature, perhaps you’re ready to explore the town. We highly recommend that you take a walk along the harbour with your preferred hot beverage in hand, then perhaps a visit to the Ucluelet Aquarium where you can learn all about the incredible marine life that lives in the world below the water’s surface. Through a stimulating “hands on” learning environment (touch tanks and displays),this family friendly Aquarium brings out the curiosity in everyone that enters its doors.
4- Treat Yourself Right!
For those of you who would like a little pampering to go along with all the coastal bliss, why not book yourself a wellness treatment? Ucluelet has everything from full service Spas, Physio, Registered Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers, Yoga Studios, Acupuncturist and a Doctor of Chiropractic; you’ll enjoy top quality caring practitioners that will ensure you leave balanced and restored.
5- A Stroll On A Beautiful Beach...
We would be amiss if we didn’t let you in on the biggest and best way to unwind while here in Ucluelet … a trip to one of the local beaches for a stunning West Coast sunset. Nature always pulls out the big stops at the end of the day, when the sun dips beyond the horizon and the sky alights with astounding colours. Check the Weather and Tide reports, and grab some grub for a dinner on the beach you will remember forever.
Your piece of paradise awaits!
When will you be joining us for a spectacular Spring day in Ucluelet?
Photo Credit: Melody Charlie