The Ultimate Guide To: Ucluelet Surfing
Surfing in Canada?! Who would have known but its true! Ucluelet has an unreal surf culture with fantastic local beaches, surf shops, and waves. The surfing culture in Ucluelet and Tofino is so welcoming and warm! It’s a perfect area to surf for the first time or for seasoned surfers to test their skill and meet some native surfers. While visiting hit up the surf towns of both Ucluelet and Tofino.
If your looking to try your hand at surfing make sure to hit up the local surf shops Relic, Long Beach, and Wya Point. Strap your board to the roof of your car then head to Florencia, Wickaninnish, or Long Beach. After squeezing yourself into your wetsuit, go catch some waves, bail a hundred times. and finally ride one out!
Once you need a break from surfing check out our guide on the 21 Things to Do in Ucluelet!
Ucluelet Beaches
Florencia Bay
Florencia is the closest beach to Ukee, about a 10 minute drive. The beach is located on the southern portion of Pacific Rim National Park. Florencia is a true beauty complete with stellar views, pristine beach, towering trees, and rugged cliffs. Florencia is known for step cliffs and rugged coastlines so make sure to paddle out a save distance. Only skilled surfers should head to Florencia and even then it’s risky for those unfamiliar with the region. Instead we recommend everyone heading to Wickaninnish and Long Beach.
- Skilled Surfers Only
- Dog Friendly
- Parking Available
- Bathrooms
Wickaninnish Beach
15 minutes from Ucluelet you’ll be greeted by the white capped waves at Wickaninnish Beach. Wickaninnish is known for having consistent waves with miles of beachy coast. If you’re spending the day at Wickaninish make sure to build yourself a sick surf shelter out of the drift wood scattered across the beach. Or maybe just settle in one already created. Once settled you have a full day of surfing on one of the Pacific Rims top beaches! Head up and down miles of coast to find your ideal surf spot.
- Surfing Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Parking Available
- Bathrooms
- Changerooms
Long Beach
Long Beach is hard to miss if you’re heading up to Tofino. This beach has the most obvious name along the coast, 16 kilometers long it’s clear how it received its title. Long Beach is a popular hang out for site seers and surfers alike. Keep an eye out on the horizon for whales coming for a visit. Long Beach is also a great storm watching destination. The storms can create some unreal waves that are to treacherous for even the most experienced surfers. The entrance to Long Beach has a wave warning meter, make sure to respect it!
- Surfing Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Parking Available
- Bathrooms
- Changerooms
Ucluelet Surf Shops
Relic Surf Shop
Ukees newest surf shop is located at the entrance of town. This shop was sustainably built using shipping containers. The shop is packed with gear, rentals, suits, and everything needed to get started.
Long Beach Surf Shop
Long Beach has surf shops in both Tofino and Ukee! In either shop you’ll be greeted by a full-service selection and knowledgeable staff that’ll get you ready for hitting the beach and shredding the surf.
Wya Point Surf Shop
Wya Point is owned and operated by the Ucluelet First Nations! Get everything you’ll need to for the waves: rentals, equipment, lessons, and expertise from native Ucluelet instructors.
Where To Stay Ucluelet
If you’re looking for accommodation in Ukee or neighboring Tofino, hit us up! Lifty Life has unique places to stay throughout the Pacific Rim. Read our guide on the differences between Tofino and Ucluelet to pick your ideal trip.
Reach out to our team for some destination expertise that’ll help you plan an amazing Pacific Rim holiday!
