Wildlife

Wildlife: A Highlight of Ucluelet Travel

Ucluelet, surrounded by water, protected reserves, First Nations land, mountains and ancient forests, is home to many species of facinating wildlife.  On land it is not uncommon to see deer, black bear, squirrels, racoons, and bald eagles.  Also, more than 200 species of shore birds  inhabit the rugged area around Ucluelet.  Wildlife tours are a popular activity in Ucluelet and are available through local whale watching outfitters.  Even land mammals and birds can be observed by boat as they live in this diverse and rich ecosystem.

Marine Life

Ucluelet is situated on the North section of Barkley Sound.  This area sees the great migration of the Gray whales as they pass the coast from Baja, Mexico on their way to feed in seas near Alaska.  Over 20, 000 Gray whales migrate through Ucluelet's waters, many stopping to feed.  To celebrate these majestic creatures the community participates in the Pacific Rim Whale Festival - a kick off to whale watching season on the west coast.

Gray whales are not the only marine mammal's you'll see during your visit to Ucluelet.  In the last 10 years the area has seen an increase in Humpback whale sightings.  Many of these whales are resident whales and are observed year after year.  There are also resident Gray whales that don't make the journey to Alaska and have been identified in the waters near Ucluelet.  Although it is not as common, transient Orca Whales are seen as well off the coast and even within Ucluelet's Harbour.  Wildlife experts in Ucluelet say "If there is food, there are whales!" 

Where there is food, there are also sea lions!  Ucluelet is home to both the Stellar and California sea lions.  They can be see in town near, and often on, the docks near on of Ucluelet's operational fish plants.  As the commercial fishermen unload their catch, these opportunist sea lions wait for their morning snacks.  There are some specific islands in Barkley Sound that act as the resting point for literally hundreds of sea lions.

Sea Otters were wiped out in the fur trade in the 20th century but are slowly making a come back.  In the spring of 2011 over 100 sea otters were spotted rafting in the bay off of Little Beach in Ucluelet. 

The marine ecosystem in and around Ucluelet is thriving with thousands of species of invertebrate, fish, and plant life.  The 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.  Come and learn about the local biodiversity...and find out what a sea cucumber feels like!  http://www.uclueletaquarium.org/

Aquarium on the Edge!