As we all begin the exciting venture of local travelling this summer, there is no shortage of West Coast adventures to have.
The best way to protect the things we love about the places we visit is to change how we travel. Luckily, many loyal visitors to Ucluelet have already been doing this for decades. Best of all, Ucluelet is ready and happy to welcome you like a local.
Here are four ways to love Ucluelet like a local:
Leave no trace
People enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Ucluelet because a lot of people before them have tried hard not to spoil it.
Join them by becoming an unspoiler. If you’re considering bringing disposable single-use wrapping, or packaging, please don’t. The only thing you should throw away is the idea that there is a place called “away.” Pretend there are no garbage cans. If you see someone else has left a mess, tell yourself you’re cleaning it up for your next visit.
Keep pets on a leash
We know you love your dog, so please keep your dog on a leash. That way, you’ll always know where they are and that they’re safe. This keeps everyone happy while you enjoy nature, keeps your furry family members safe, and keeps wildlife protected.
Respect the locals
This means all of them. For the animals and plants, treat them as kind hosts whose home you’re graciously being allowed to visit. Admire and enjoy them safely from a distance. Leave the shells and flowers alone: don’t shoplift from mother nature. And for the people who call Ucluelet home, treat them like the friends you hope will always invite you back to their place. If you do, they will.
Book ahead
We all love the freedom of last-minute plans or no plans at all, but we hate it when we don’t get to do what we want. A small town like Ucluelet fills up quickly, and even when there isn’t room for more people, it doesn’t ever feel downtown crowded. So if you really want to see Ucluelet in the summer, you’ll need to be less spontaneous and plan ahead.
And if you can’t find just the right place for you and your group on the dates you were hoping for this summer, remember: there are three other seasons every year. They may have a little less sunshine, but there’s just as much to see and do. Beat the rush and book now!
When visiting, treat Ucluelet like the destination it is: a small, friendly place between ocean and forest. With your help, the community can keep it that way.
For more suggestions on how to love Ucluelet like a local, meet Salty, the Sea Otter. He’s got a lot to say!
