Walking on the Wild Side in Ucluelet, BC

Sea anemones and sea star

Rocks that were submerged at high tide beckon. I approach with bated breath and let out a silent cheer when I see bright splashes of colour on the dark stone. The whole, long drive (and ferry ride) from Calgary, my husband and I had promised the girls they would see sea stars and sea anemones. Now we could make good on that promise!

Minutes later, all four of us are racing to the beach to check out the sea critters. Breakfast can wait, but the tides will not. As the girls squeal with glee, counting sea stars and stroking their bumpy backs, my husband and I agree it was worth the drive.

For more information on camping/lodging at Wya Point Resort, please see my story: Our Favorite Vancouver Island Campgrounds.

The Wild Pacific Trail

Where we roam the rugged coastline and watch the roaring sea

Late morning finds us at The Wild Pacific Trail’s Lighthouse Loop, a short drive from Ucluelet. In contrast to the rugged coastline, the trail is easy, so we can watch the waves as we walk (plus, the sun has chased the slugs away). Surf smashing against the rocks remind us to stay on the trail.

Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

Here, at the southern end of the peninsula, it is open sea in most directions, so we are treated to sweeping views of Barkley Sound and the Broken Islands Group. As we take in the turbulent seas and wave scoured rocks near Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, we wonder how it has stayed standing for over a century (built in 1906 after a shipwreck, then rebuilt in 1915).

The Broken Islands Group

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet