Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 820

that finally has some great options - make for the new visitor center ( 250-726-2485;

www.ucluelet.travel ; 1604 Peninsula Rd; 9am-5pm) .

Sights & Activities

Ucluelet Aquarium AQUARIUM
( www.uclueletaquarium.org ; Main St Waterfront Promenade; adult/child $12.50/6.25;
10am-6pm) Replacing the tiny waterfront shack that stood nearby, the excellent
Ucluelet Aquarium opened this much larger facility in 2012. It retains key approaches
from the old place - marine critters are local and most are on a catch-and-release pro-
gram - including the kid-luring touch tanks. But it's the enthusiasm of the young staff
that sets this place apart, along with the ability to educate on issues of conservation
without browbeating. In summer, look out for family-friendly lab workshops (free).

Wild Pacific Trail HIKING
( www.wildpacifictrail.com ) Starting at the intersection of Peninsula and Coast Guard Rds,
then winding around the wave-slapped cliffs past the lighthouse, the 8.5km Wild Pacific
Trail offers smashing views of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands. Seabirds
are abundant and it's a good storm-watching spot - stick to the trail or the crashing
waves might pluck you from the cliffs. Plans were in place on our visit to expand the
route by another few kilometers - check the website for progress.

Majestic Ocean Kayaking KAYAKING
( www.oceankayaking.com ; 1167 Helen Rd; tours from $67) Majestic Ocean Kayaking leads day
trips around the area, plus multiday tours of the Broken Group Islands.

Relic Surf Shop SURFING
( www.relicsurfshop.com ; 1998 Peninsula Rd; rentals from $30) If you want to practice the ways
of surfing, check in with Relic Surf Shop.

Sleeping & Eating

Surfs Inn Guesthouse CABIN, HOSTEL$
( 250-726-4426; www.surfsinn.ca ; 1874 Peninsula Rd; dm/cottages from $28/139; ) It's hard
to miss this blue-painted house near the center of town with its small, woodsy dorm
rooms. But the real find is hidden out back: two cute cabins that are ideal for groups and