If traveling by car, BC Ferries offers service from the mainland (Vancouver) to Vancouver Island at two points. The Horseshoe Bay Terminal in North Vancouver and the Tsawwassen Terminal, south of Vancouver. Ferry service from Horseshoe Bay arrives at Departure Bay Nanaimo, whereas service from Tsawwassen arrives in Swartz Bay near Victoria, or at Duke Point, south Nanaimo. Nanaimo is closest to Ucluelet. For more information or to make a reservation, visit BC Ferries: www.bcferries.com, 1-888-769-3766.
Driving Distances and Travel Times to Ucluelet
When traveling north from Nanaimo, exit west on Provincial Highway 4 towards Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet. Eventually, you will arrive at the junction of Highway 4 and the Pacific Rim Highway. which runs south 8 kilometres to Ucluelet or north through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to Tofino. Turn left at the junction.
Tip - Visit Drive BC for highway conditions & cameras at the Port Alberni Summit and Sutton Pass.
In the summer season passenger and cargo vessels can travel from Port Alberni to Ucluelet on the vessel Francis Barkley. It runs 3 days a week, summer only. For schedule and fare information visit www.ladyrosemarine.com
If you are coming by private boat, there is moorage available at Ucluelet's small craft harbour. It has 20 amp service, water and other marine services. It also has a recognized Canada Customs Clearance Centre. Call for more information: 250-726-4241.
Tofino/Ucluelet Airport (YAZ) is located near Pacific Rim National Park and is administered by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. The airport has three 5,000 ft runways and scheduled and charter flights operate from here.
For international air travelers, the nearest international airports are Vancouver (YVR) on the mainland or Victoria (YYJ) on southern Vancouver Island. Other major airports on Vancouver Island are Nanaimo Airport (YCD) and Comox Valley Airport (YQQ).
Click on the links below to view driving directions to Ucluelet from Vancouver Island's airports: