Ucluelet exceeded my expectations when I last visited. We opted to do the Lighthouse Loop hike, one of the three sections of the Wild Pacific Trail located in Ucluelet. Along with the Lighthouse loop hike, there is also the Ancient Cedars and rocky bluffs section and lastly the artists loops and Browns Beach section in the middle of the two.
I really wanted to see the Lighthouse so we decided a walk around the peninsula would suit us perfectly. We then popped along the coast to check out Big Beach and the remnants of a shipwreck that lay on the point of the coast there before heading back into town for some incredible fish and chips followed by a beer on the patio at the Ucluelet Brewery, then headed back to our home base at Green Point campground. If you are looking for a relaxing day to take in some of the highlights of Ucluelet, I can’t recommend this enough!
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Where To Find The Trail
The Lighthouse Loop hike starts at the Whale parking area, this can be found by driving through Ucluelet, along the Peninsula Road an then turn right onto the Coast Guard Road. The parking lot is clearly signposted as is the Wild Pacific Trail, throughout town.
The Lighthouse Loop Trail
Distance: 2.6km loop
Elevation: Minimal
Time: 30 to 60 minutes
The Lighthouse loop trail is an easy going trail with great views and plenty of spots to stop and enjoy them! We started from the Whale parking area, which is the main parking area for the Lighthouse Loop hike. There are interpretive signs and an information board at the start of the trail.
The best part about doing the Lighthouse Loop hike is how relaxed it is, we encountered people of all ages and abilities on the trail. It is fairly flat and there are so many spots to sit and enjoy the views out over the ocean. I can imagine it is an insanely wild spot when the weather is bad though.
The Lighthouse Loop hike skirts the edge of the peninsular, with most of the trail having forest on one side and the cliffs and ocean on the other. Look out for birds and enjoy the shade on hot days.
When you are ready for a break, there are lots of benches to pick from all looking out towards the ocean, offering up incredible views. They are often tucked in on the side of the trail, many hiding behind hedges and trees, offering some peaceful time from how busy the trail can get.
About halfway around the Lighthouse Loop trail, you’ll find…the lighthouse! A short lighthouse, built in its current form in 1915, to withstand the insane storms which blow in. There was an interpretive officer there talking to visitors as well as signage and leaflets to learn about the lighthouse. You can’t enter the lighthouse though. If you want to see inside a lighthouse, check out the Fisgard Lighthouse near Victoria.
There is also beach access down a staircase from the trail at one point. It’s a steep staircase to a stretch of beach with a seaweed filled pool. Take a look for sea creatures here!
Near the end of the trail, just before getting back to the parking lot, there is a shorter offshoot to the trail, the Bog Loop, which has lots of interpretive signs regarding the flora and fauna of the area and it is protected as an aid for people to learn and enjoy.
What You’ll Need To Do The Lighthouse Loop hike
This is a fairly relaxed trail, so you don’t need anything crazy. You can wear hiking boots, we chose to wear running shoes just because it was so warm. That being said, we saw one group doing it in sandals, not what I’d recommend but each to their own!
A backpack with rain jackets in, just in case! It is Vancouver Island after all. Plus a Nalgene with water, especially on a hot day!
Sunscreen is a must have, along with a hat on warm days.
