Tofino & Ucluelet Multi-Sport

Undoubtedly the ‘destination of the moment’, Tofino deserves the many superlatives used to describe this iconic west coast destination. Boasting spectacular kilometers of protected beaches (surfing anyone?), pristine forest including the Unesco Biosphere of Clayoquot Sound and a bohemian vibe, there are now luxurious hotels and fine dining experiences to match. Just down the road is a lesser-known but equally deserving destination, Ucluelet, rich in tradition with its own laid-back coastal culture. By 2021, the spectacular 40km paved bikeway that links these towns will be near completion. With this addition, and the plethora of hiking options, plus some of the best sea-kayaking in the northern hemisphere, could there be a more appealing multi-sport trip in North America?

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
Dinner at Pluvio Restaurant, ranked one of the best restaurants in Canada
A picnic on a dramatic stretch of beach
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises!

Location

Ucluelet

Ucluelet, BC, Canada

Day 1+2

Tofino

Tofino, BC, Canada

Day 3+4+5

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
5 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites
GPS instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Jun 5-10
Jun 12-17
Jun 19-24
Jun 26-Jul 1
Jul 3-8
Jul 10-15
Jul 15-20 (Space available)
Jul 24-29
Sep 4-9
Sep 11-16
Sep 18-23

2024

Jun 3-8
Jun 10-15
Jun 17-22
Jun 24-29
Jul 1-6
Jul 8-13
Jul 15-20
Jul 22-27
Sep 2-7
Sep 9-14
Sep 16-21

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

6 days / 5 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Ucluelet / Tofino

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

TERRAIN

Gently rolling

COST

Land Cost:
CAD $3,250* pp
Includes 5B/2L/4D

Single Supplement:
CAD $820*

Bike Rentals

Hybrid or Racing Bikes: CAD$230

E-Bikes: CAD$400

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Optional Activities:
Sea kayak rentals, surf board rentals, whale watching etc. are subject to supplement.

*Prices subject to GST (5%) for trips in British Columbia.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services.
Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All our trips in Canada are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) but we gladly accept payment in U.S. dollars (USD) also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604 730 1247 | +1 800 242 1825.

Getting there
The most exciting (and convenient) way to arrive to the Tofino area is by plane from Vancouver – Pacific Coastal Airlines operates daily service from $160pp. Or rent a car and drive, or sit back and take the Tofino bus, which you can access from Nanaimo Departure Bay ferry terminal. Details in your pre-departure package.

Day 1

Ucluelet

Your trip starts in Ucluelet, 40 km west of Tofino. We will meet at 2pm at the hotel and enjoy an easy-going hike on the Wild Pacific Trail; this loop through forest and shoreline to a lighthouse is a great introduction to ‘Ukee’. Overlooking Barclay Sound and the Broken Group Islands to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west, the trail system offers spectacular shoreline panoramas through ancient cedar and spruce framed walkways. We will enjoy a casual dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants here.

Hiking distance: 2.2km; elevation gain 40m.

Day 2

Rainforest Trail

Start the day with a ride along the bike path & trail that leads to the Rainforest trail, a loop walk through moss-covered woodland with ancient cedars. Afterwards, cycle back to Ucluelet. Tonight dine at one of the top restaurants in BC, Pluvio, owned by chef Warren Barr & Lily Verney-Downey.

Ride distance: 34km. Hiking distance: 2.2km; elevation gain 20m.

Day 3

Between Ucluelet & Tofino

With an investment of some $35 million, the newly opened bike path between Ucluelet and Tofino is destined to become one of the great rides of the world. We will stop for lunch at Cox Beach. Surfing anyone? Instruction is available. If you choose not to surf, walk a stretch of beach and watch the surf action. Afterwards, ride past Chesterman Beach to Mackenzie Beach and spectacular Middle Beach Lodge. Dinner tonight will be in the lodge stunning dining room.

Ride Distance: 40km; elevation gain 200m.

Day 4

Pacific Rim Traverse

Start the day with optional yoga on the beach followed by breakfast. Then it’s off to hike one of the most beautiful trails in the world, the Pacific Rim Traverse. We don’t want to give away everything, but suffice to say, that this walk that includes forested trail, raised walkways, and along stunning beaches will be unforgettable. Visit the Kwisitis Visitor Centre to learn about the First Nations of this coast. Tonight is a free night for dinner – we’ll provide a list of our favourite restaurants to choose from.

Day 5

Tofino

Lots of options today: for anyone that would like to sea-kayak, paddle out to Meares Island and then hike the Big Tree trail; the ‘big tree’ is the largest red cedar in BC, thought to be 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest in the world! Whale watching is also an option – join a tour to Hot Springs Cove with marine life viewing en-route. Or cycle into town or back to Cox Beach to surf more. Have lunch at Tacofino. Our final night dinner will be at Wolf in the Fog, a Tofino institution.

Day 6

Departure Day

After breakfast, you may leave Tofino at your convenience. Float plane option highly recommended!

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet

This 4-star hotel is on a dramatic headland and oceanfront in Ucluelet with amenities that include comfortable rooms, lounges, swimming pool, spa and fine-dining restaurant. The Wild Pacific Trail can be accessed right from the Black Rock property. Studio room.
Upgrades on request.

Middle Beach Lodge, Tofino

We confess to having a bias here. We have stayed at all of the luxury hotels in Tofino and Middle Beach Lodge exudes a casual luxury that we love. The property boasts an unrivalled location on Mackenzie Beach, a wonderful restaurant (hotel guests only), and is steps to Tacofino, the Tofino Botanical gardens and more. Studio room.
Upgrades on request.