An ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with my family. I give families the tools to experience the joys of travelling, no matter your budget. Through quick, practical solutions. Join me if you'd like to make more memories confidently travelling with your kids, without straining your finances, going into debt, or feeling like you'd have to sell off a kidney to fund your next vacation.
Apples, Ancestors & West Coast Beaches
Hello Reader,
With Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the Mexican celebration honoring the ancestors recently passed, I was feeling nostalgic for my grandparents and wrote this piece in Medium, When Apples Connect Me To My Ancestors.
Speaking of nostalgic, I also was remembering I had said I would write a trip update on our weekend getaway to Ucluelet, BC Canada back in May. Between the fires that closed the road up to Ucluelet & Tofino off an on all summer and our own evacuation due to fires in the north, it slipped through the cracks.
So here's some West Coast Vancouver Island, Canada inspiration & tips.
Ucluelet is Tofino's more laid-back, lesser known cousin & west coast gem on Vancouver Island, Canada. Close to Tofino, Long Beach & Pacific Rim National Park.
Think rocky coastline, trails through old growth forest and grey, foggy days, interspersed with the sun filtering through the cedar trees.
Every morning I would wake up early & let Derek sleep in while I walked to the downtown area, and explored.
I overheard a local at my favourite morning coffee shop (Foggy Bean) say they much preferred the off season to the summer, when 10's of thousands of people descend on the area. Truth be told, so did I. Winter storm watching anyone?
Pacific Rim National Park is the perfect spot for a beach day, a bit of surfing, and hiking through ancient forests and the main attraction in the area.
This area has lots for kids to do, especially older kids & teens.
Biking their new 25 km multi-use trail called ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced: ups-cheek ta-shee, which means going in the right direction on the trail) would be an excellent adventure for the day. It runs from Ucluelet, through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to Tofino (or vice versa).
May was a lovely time to visit; not so busy, almost everything was open, and the places to stay were more affordable.
We got a great deal on our stay at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, right on the ocean and loved waking up to the sound of waves every morning. They have suites that sleep up to 4 or 6 people too.
Local Tips:
- Bring a sweater & a light water proof jacket. Even though there was a heat wave on the rest of the island, it was cool and foggy many parts of the day, especially near the beach. Derek didn't bring a sweater or jacket & regretted it.
- You MUST stop in at Heartwood Kitchen Food Outfitters for their Ukee Fried Chicken Benny. I still dream about it. Their fried chicken & french toast was tasty too.
- For the kids go on a Scavenger Hunt to find the Evelyn May Shipwreck, or head to their catch & release Aquarium in Ucluelet.
- Trips to Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park are a must!
- Plan for at least 3 nights.
- Check out our list of over 30 fun, family friendly things to do in Ucluelet, BC & nearby
With Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park, all the beaches & trails to explore, and options for kayaking, whale watching and other tours as well, you'll need at least a few days here, to take in what this area has to offer.
If you're looking for a quieter escape, then we highly recommend Ucluelet as the perfect place to stay & use as your home base. I can't wait to go back and explore more.
West coast wanderer,
P.S. Have questions? I grew up on Vancouver Island and visit 2-3 times a year so know lots about fun places to visit & things to do.
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Packed for Life | Family Travel
Donna Garrison
An ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with my family. I give families the tools to experience the joys of travelling, no matter your budget. Through quick, practical solutions. Join me if you'd like to make more memories confidently travelling with your kids, without straining your finances, going into debt, or feeling like you'd have to sell off a kidney to fund your next vacation.
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