Photos: Barbara Schramm

The Wildlife

A Highlight of Ucluelet Travel

The forest surrounding Ucluelet is home to many birds, such as Winter Wrens and Varied Thrushes. A seabird, the Marbled Murrelet, makes its nest in the forest canopy.

Deer, black bear, cougar, otters, minks, squirrels, bald eagles and more than 200 species of shore birds also inhabit the rugged area around Ucluelet.

Many of Vancouver Island's wildlife populations have evolved a little differently than their mainland counterparts. One example is the rare Vancouver Island Marmot, and another is a small red subspecies of cougars. These cougars often feed on the populous small black-tailed deer. Minks are common in the area and feed on aquatic animals, amphibians, birds and small mammals.

 

Marine Life

During the grey whale migration in early spring, a popular Ucluelet attraction is the Pacific Rim Whale Festival and the start of BC whale watching season.

The new Ucluelet Aquarium, located in the harbour, is worth a visit for an up-close encounter with the diverse local marine life. The aquarium offers a hands-on learning environment for children of all ages. Displayed specimens are gathered from the local waters on the aquarium's doorstep, then regularly released back into the wild and replaced with new creatures.

http://www.uclueletaquarium.org/

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