Partner City

Ucluelet

Hard to Pronounce, Harder to Forget


Ucluelet sits on a narrow inlet on Vancouver Island's jagged and storm-wracked west coast. The sheltered harbour has for millennia been an oasis of calm for the Nuu-Chah-Nuulth people, and so the word 'Ucluelet' in their language means 'People of the safe harbour.' Since the 1870s European and Japanese settlers have been drawn to the great abundance of fish and trees that surround it and a small, hardy community has developed. As those industries have wound down, it is the region's spectacular beauty itself that now draws people here from all over the world.

This project is a partnership with Tourism Ucluelet. We also owe thanks to the generous support of the Ucluelet and Area Historical Society.

We respectfully acknowledge and respect the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ on whose traditional territories Ucluelet stands.

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 Ucluelet

Then and Now Photos

Emily Carr's Sketch


Emily Carr's Sketch Emily Carr's Sketch
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BC Archives PDP00627

1898

A sketch of the Nuu-Chah-Nuulth village across the inlet from Ucluelet made by Emily Carr during her visit here.

The Princess Norah


The Princess Norah The Princess Norah
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Ucluelet Archives 990-59

1930s

The Princess Norah, which serviced Ucluelet from the 1920s to the 1950s, is turning around in Ucluelet harbour.

The Uchuck


The Uchuck The Uchuck
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Ucluelet Archives

1950s

The cargo ship Uchuck docked at the Government Wharf.

Towards the Lyches


Towards the Lyches Towards the Lyches
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Ucluelet Archives a-1551-141

1900s

A view across a tidal area towards the distinctive white Lyche house. The area has since been filled in to make room for the Ucluelet Harbour Seafoods terminal. You can learn about the Lyches in the People of the Safe Harbour tour.

Maquinna at Dock


Maquinna at Dock Maquinna at Dock
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Ucluelet Archives 008 1

1920s

The SS Princess Maquinna moored at Ucluelet's Government Dock.

Maquinna and Lyche Island


Maquinna and Lyche Island Maquinna and Lyche Island
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Ucluelet Archives 010 220

1910s

The SS Princess Maquinna can be seen here through the stumps and shrubs moored at the Government Dock. Behind it is Lyche Island.

Passing Port Albion


Passing Port Albion Passing Port Albion
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Ucluelet Archives

1910s

A little boat emits a plume of smoke as it chugs past Port Albion and Lyche Island.

Mount Ozzard


Mount Ozzard Mount Ozzard
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Ucluelet Archives 990-82

1900s

Looking past the Tugwell house towards Mount Ozzard in the distance.

Winter on Main Street


Winter on Main Street Winter on Main Street
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Ucluelet Archives

1940s

People standing on Main Street by their cars during wintertime.

The General Store


The General Store The General Store
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Ucluelet Archives

1930s

A snow-covered general store.


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