West Coast Tourism Information

You are sitting on the horizon.  You’re floating in the water with the sounds of breaking waves behind you.  You’re looking out to the open ocean, forever.  The clouds have split to showcase the pinks, oranges, and reds of a setting sun.  Your legs dangle in the cold salt water, your perch is 9 feet of epoxy glass, and you see it coming in on the outside.

It’s a set.

The first wave rolls under you.  You bob over it and catch the smile from the surfer beside you.  The second wave is approaching and he gives you a nod.  This one is for you.

You spin your board around and start paddling into position.  You’re going to catch this wave on the shoulder, turn left, and carve it until is breaks into white wash.  With the daylight expiring this will be your last ride.

With a quick glance behind you, you know it’s time to start paddling, and hard.  Paddle, paddle, paddle…the power of the wave catches the back of your board.  You grip your rails, push down to set the fins and pop up, dropping in down a green wall of water you carve immediately to your left.  Turns: one, two, three, and you ride it out.

Once on shore you pull off your leash and look back out into the surf.  A few stranglers are catching their last waves in.  The water is cold dripping down your face; it’s salty on your lips.  The neoprene of your wet suit squeaks against your board as you walk it back to the parking lot.

A sunset surf at Wickaninnish Beach.  You can’t think of anything better than that. 

The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby Wrap up party has taken on a life of its own!  On September 12^th, after all the derby fish-off fish have been weighed and ranked, the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society presents its first organized UCLUELET SALMON FESTIVAL!!!

Starting at 2pm the Ucluelet Salmon Festival will take place at the Canadian Princess Resort parking lot.  There will be live musical performances by the “Joe Fernandez Band” and “Left at the Junction”, a guest appearance by radio program host Terry David Mulligan from The Tasting Room, beer gardens, and the BIG CHEQUE prize presentations.  Don’t forget about the cheque presentation to Thornton Creek Hatchery as well!

Enjoy a delicious wild salmon barbeque with all the fixings which comes FREE with your $10 admission to the festival.  Bring the whole family for activities like a bouncerama, fishing games, dun k tank, balloons, and face painting.  Learn about the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with fish printing and information, the Central West Coast Forest Society, The Thornton Creek Hatchery and many other vendors!

At 8pm the party moves up to the Army Navy and Air Force Hall for a live concert by local band:  The Stolen Lighters.  The party will have a Funky Fisher theme with prizes for best costumes and a 50/50 draw in support of the Thornton Creek Hatchery.   Cover charge is 10 dollars which will go back to the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society.  No minors at this venue.

It’s not too late to get to Ucluelet and go fishing for a derby contending fish!  Make sure your name is on that ladder so you’ll have something to celebrate at the Ucluelet Salmon Festival 2010!  The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby is accepting fish until September 3^rd.

To become involved in the festival by volunteering, or to have a booth at the festival please contact ladderderby@gmail.com.

Ucluelet was proud to host their first Stand-Up Paddle board race as part of the Vancouver Island Stand Up Paddle Series 2010, presented by Compass Adventure and Surf SUP.  The race took place on August 15^th at the Seaplane Base launch.

Stand Up Paddle board races were organized all over the island including races in Comox, Qualicum, Victoria and Ucluelet. 

“We were really stoked with how the fourth stop on the Surf Sup Island Stand Up Paddle Board Race in Ucluelet turned out!”  shared Stuart Robinson from Compass Adventure.  “We had 25 competitors and quite a few people came down to watch and try out some stand up paddling.”

There were different length races and different heats, the longest being 6km, starting from the Seaplane Base.  Competitors of all ages and skill levels came out to paddle, including one participant who was just 5 years old!

The results were presented at Relic Surf Shop with prizes and a barbeque in support of Relic’s Lil’ Surf program.  The sun was shining and organizers could not have asked for better weather that day.

“We’re already excited for the event next year!” said Robinson.  “We would like to thank the series sponsors for all their support:  Booster Juice, Scotia Bank, Olukai Sandals, McDonalds and Tourism Ucluelet.”

The series finale will be held in Comox on September 12^th.  For more information on the event call Stuart Robinson at 250-218-0711 or visit www.surf-sup.ca or www.compassadventure.ca.

Race Results – Congratulations Everyone!!!

GROMS:   1.  Dustin Raume  2.  Nadia Lauzon  3.  Joshua Haugert  4.  Jordan Raume

WOMEN SHORT COURSE:  1.  Amy Venable  2.  Lina Augaitis  3.  Racheal Haugert

MENS SHORT COURSE:  1.  John Venable  2.  Dean Verschume  3.  Eddy Betinol

OPEN MENS:  1. Sutart Robinson  2.  Andrew Robinson  3.  Eddy Betinol

OPEN WOMENS:  1.  Lina Augaitis  2.  Tara Cameron  3.  Shawna Buchanan

UNLIMITED CLASS:  1.  Yannich Michaud  2.  Allan Gornall

My four year old nephew’s face scrunched up as the sea cucumber was placed in his little wet hands over the touch tank.  He starred at its slimy body, fascinated and disgusted.  “I’ve never held a sea cucumber before!”  He smiled.  After the staff help him put it back into the tank he led his two year old sister around to get a better look…and to tell her all about sea cucumbers, since he is now the official expert. 

We’re from Alberta and up until that day none of us really knew that such creatures exist in our oceans, let alone how they move, eat, and protect themselves from predators.

The Ucluelet Aquarium offers visitors and locals a truly up close and personal encounter with the local Pacific marine life.  All the animals are collected in the spring, just 5km from the aquariums location in the Ucluelet Harbour.  Most of the tanks are open so kids and adult kids too, can reach in and touch the wild life.  Sea urchins, anemones, several species of star fish, clams, snails, and sea cucumbers are just a few of the animals to discover in these tanks.

The staff and volunteers at the aquarium are extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about the local biodiversity!  Each hour they give a predator and prey demonstration to show visitors how life truly is in tidal pools.

“That clam jumped right off the star fish!”  exclaimed my nephew.  “It’s like he had a foot in there or something.”

Displays also include salmon hatchlings from the nearby Thornton Creek Hatchery, colourful rock fish, crabs, jelly fish, kelp fish, local plant life, and even a baby Giant Pacific Octopus!

The most amazing thing about the Ucluelet Aquarium is that they release all their creatures, even the plants, rocks and sand, back into the ocean at the end of the season. 

This little non-profit aquarium is a must-see when visiting Ucluelet on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.  It was fun and engaging for both children and adults.  It’s been a month since our visit and my nephew and niece tell everybody they meet all they know about sea cucumbers…which is actually quite a lot.

For more information visit www.uclueletaquarium.org

Ucluelet has some of the best salt-water sport fishing in Canada.  Visitors have always travelled to fish in Ucluelet and this summer’s ladder derby has brought much more than the regular crowd to the fishing grounds!  The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby just saw the closure of it’s second full month of competition.  Over $10, 000 will be rewarded to the top fish for July.

Congratulations to Claude Rampone from Chase, BC near Kamloops.  “I was fishing with my wife and 17 year old son,” Rampone shared “They caught a 20 pounder and a 14…”  Both dwarfed next to his 43lbs – 13 oz Chinook that stole first prize.  Rampone is receiving $7000 for the catching the biggest fish in July.  He was fishing with Alan Boyd’s Wild Pacific Charter, the same guide he’s used for the last three summers.

In second place ranked Kayla Hatter with her 42lbs 11 oz catch, claiming the $2000 dollar second prize. Darle McCurdy, with a 40lbs 10oz fish, took third for $1000 dollars and Rich Howe snuck into fourth place on the last day of July for $500 dollars.  Dave Poulsen came in 5th with a 36lbs – 12 oz catch and still qualifies for the big fish off in September.

The top five fish caught each month for June, July and August will join with the 50 top fish of the entire summer for the BIG FISH OFF on September 11 and 12th.  Here the best of the best will have the chance to fish to win over $60, 000 in cash and prizes.

Claude Rampone must be planning his trip back to Ucluelet.  You can plan your fishing trip here at www.ucluelet.travel.  Just make sure you have your fishing license and a derby ticket!

All proceeds of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby are going to the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society, specifically the Thornton Creek Hatchery Project.  For more information visit www.uclueletsalmonladderderby.com.

“Ukee Days!!!!” shouted an excited Ucluelet resident from his balcony overlooking the Ukee Days parade Saturday afternoon.  This well loved Ucluelet tradition drew thousands to the streets, the festivities and the fair grounds at Seaplan Base Recreation Hall July 23^rd to 25^th.

Ukee Days kicked off Friday evening with a salmon barbeque and  live music in front of the Ucluelet District offices.  Then crowds moved to either side of Main Street to take in the annual downhill skate competition and a yearly favourite: the Whiskey Dock Run!

The Whiskey Dock Run is a relay race consisting of 4 teams of 4.  Each team member has to dress up in the ‘team costume’ and push a wheel barrow full of tin cans up the hill on Main Street and back to the start line.  The costume is then transferred to the next team member and they must do the same lap.  Meanwhile, the crowds on either side ambush the contestants with water guns, water balloons…and full buckets of water making for a very wet, very hilarious event.  Congratulations to the Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade for a well deserved victory!

On Saturday Peninsula Road was lined with visitors, locals and children anxious for the Ukee Days Parade.  Businesses dressed up their floats and were joined by local fire and police departments, and a very impressive line of classic cars.  The sun came out and the town was ripe with festivities.

On July 24^th and 25^th Ukee Days takes over the Seaplane Base Rec Hall and Fair Grounds.  It’s two days of action packed festivities including live music and other entertainment, logger sports, kids fun zone, petting zoo, vendor and information tents, amazing food, and beer gardens.  Oh, and don’t forget the pancake breakfasts each morning!

Nominations were also taken for best business, citizen and volunteer of the year.  Business of the Year went to Black Rock Oceanfront Restort.  Citizen of the Year went to Mike Mead-Miller for his contributions to the community and Volunteer of the Year went to Kathie deVries for all her hard work.  Congratulations everyone!

If you missed this year’s Ukee Days be sure to check it out next year.  Details will be posted at www.ucluelet.travel.

Come and celebrate the Ucluelet Harbour!  Uu-a-thluk, Ucluelet Fisheries, West Coast Aquatic, Tofino Streamkeeps, Ocean Planet Adventures, the Ucluelet Aquarium and Ucluelet First Nation are doing their part on July 15th for the Ucluelet Harbour Appreciation Day. 

The entire community is invited to take part in this important day.  Activities include clam surveying, forage fish spawning assessments, dive, shore and beach clean ups, and a free traditional feast to follow.  For more information call Katie Beach at 1-250-725-3899.

There it was, on the boat and in the cooler, worth $7000 dollars.  High Roller Charters made its way back into the Ucluelet Harbour.  The derby staff waited at the dock in the inner boat basin, smiling and waving their clip boards with cameras around their necks.  Todd Jennings is bringing his catch in to be weighed at the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby weigh station.  He had a hunch…his fish was the winner.

At 35lbs – 3oz the Chinook took the lead on the ladder on June 27^th, leaving only 3 full fishing days for the competition to knock him off the top.  “The competition in this derby is thick!” said Jennings.  “Some of the best fishing guides on Vancouver Island fish in Ucluelet.  They have 20 to 25 years experience and they all want a spot on that ladder!”

It’s July 1^st and Todd Jennings is the first monthly winner!

His winning fish was caught at 3:30 in the afternoon off the lighthouse bank.  “Some of the biggest fish I ever caught out there was in the afternoon,” Jennings shared.   “Usually you’ll catch more fish in the morning…but for some reason the bigger ones have bitten in the afternoon.”

The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby has had a successful first month.  The efforts to raise funds and awareness for Thornton Creek Hatchery and salmon enhancement will only increase as the season continues. 

Jennings has decided to give back to the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society by using prize money to sponsor the derby.  He has joined with the rest of the sport fishing community to push derby tickets as much as they can.  Encourage visitors and fishermen to purchase their derby tickets at one of the participating vendors in Ucluelet.

“It was so exciting to weigh in my fish!  The money is all going to a great cause,”  said Jennings.  The fish are out there, and it’s no secret that some of the best salt water sport fishing is right here in Ucluelet, BC. 

“Ucluelet fishing is awesome but we have to replenish the resources for fishermen to come in the future,” added Jennings.

It’s not over yet!  There are still monthly prizes for July and August and the big GRAND PRIZE will be rewarded to the winner of the fish off September 11^th and 12^th.  Get your derby tickets today and get your fish on!

NEWS RELEASE

June 24, 2010
Ministry of Forests and Range
SMALLER CAMPFIRES COME INTO EFFECT CANADA DAY – New regulations that shrink the size of legal campfires will come into effect July 1 to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today. “As we head into peak camping season, I want to remind people that more than 850 fires resulted from careless human behaviour in 2009. That number must come down,” said Bell. “We want people to enjoy the great outdoors, but not at the cost of public safety.” Under the new regulations, campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter, or approximately a foot-and-a-half by a foot-and-a-half. Previously, campfires were permitted to a maximum size of one-metre by one-metre. The new rules also require campers to build a fireguard around their fires by scraping down to the dirt and clearing away potentially flammable debris, such as twigs, leaves and needles. A shovel or at least eight litres of water must be stored nearby to extinguish the fire. Provincial staff will begin educating campers about the new regulations during the Canada Day long weekend, giving people an opportunity to learn about the changes. As summer progresses, failure to comply with the new rules will result in a $345 fine. An additional $345 fine will be levied for campfires lit during a ban. “Make no mistake. If we catch people being careless and causing wildfires this summer, we will aggressively pursue penalties for those responsible,” said Bell. “The message we want to deliver is that we take wildfires seriously – and so should you.”
An advertising campaign has been launched to reinforce the province’s zero tolerance for people who start wildfires. A new website, www.firesafebc.ca, is also available that encapsulates all provincial information related to wildfire activity, campfire bans, health advisories and evacuation orders.
Facebook and Twitter users can follow the latest wildfire information at BCForestFireInfo (www.facebook.com) and BCGovFireInfo (www.twitter.com). Since April 1, fire crews have responded to 310 fires across the province, of which 260 were human-caused. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million or spend three years on prison.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone, or toll-free to 1 800 663-5555.
Media Contact:
Cheekwan Ho Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-8482
More information on wildfires in British Columbia is available on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo.
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

http://www.bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp