in one of our trips to London we saw a musical
Ucluelet
Ucluelet is situated at the southern end of the narrow coastal peninsula, approximately 40 km by road southeast of Tofino. To the west and southwest lies the open Pacific Ocean, and to the east is the sheltered Ucluelet Inlet, opening towards Barkley Sound. The town occupies the land between these contrasting marine environments.
The name Ucluelet derives from the Nuu-chah-nulth language and is generally translated as “people of the safe harbour”, referring to the Indigenous Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation) and their relationship with the protected inlet.
To the northwest, Highway 4 follows the coast past Long Beach towards Tofino, with the extensive waters of Clayoquot Sound beyond. To the northeast, the same highway crosses the forested mountains of Vancouver Island, providing the principal road connection to the rest of the island.
It’s worth remembering that despite Victoria being the provincial capital of British Columbia, the island is named Vancouver Island.
The green coastal strip around Long Beach belongs to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, while the waters and islands around Tofino form part of the Clayoquot Sound region.
The big difference is that Tofino lies beside extensive sandy beaches and the intricate waterways of Clayoquot Sound, whereas Ucluelet belongs to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and is a more exposed rocky peninsula.
Check out “Welcome to Ucluelet“.
The Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is a contemporary coastal hotel that opened on 19 January 2009, built on a rocky promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was designed by Canadian architect Ron Lea to integrate with the rugged coastal landscape, and employs extensive glazing, exposed timber, stone and steel.
The building was designed around its natural setting. Rock from the construction site was incorporated into finishes, and the development sought to minimise tree removal. Large windows frame the Pacific coastline, while the building’s position allows guests to observe the changing ocean conditions.
The resort currently has 133 suites, rather than conventional hotel bedrooms. These are distributed between the main Lodge and the Wild Pacific Trail Suites, with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodation.
Most suites include kitchen facilities, a gas fireplace, a furnished balcony and a bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower.
The property operates as a resort hotel but incorporates a strata-title ownership structure, with individual units held under condominium arrangements.
Welcome
I didn’t have any problem finding the resort, even if the car TomTom only knew the road. The welcome was quite informal, and I was told that suites were not serviced everyday, but I just had to phone if I needed anything (e.g. sheets and towels changed, etc.). I received a site map, and also a map of the area indicating sights, walks, and the local Co-Op, etc.
Above we can see the main hotel building, with reception, restaurant, spa, etc., and the individual suites were just next door. I was able to park in front, and discover my new home (1401) for the next two days… It’s worth mentioning that as far as I could see the suites all involve some short slopes and stairs.
Living
The living was attached to an open kitchen area, with washer, dryer and dishwasher, etc.
Bedroom
Again, a very comfortable bedroom, although I did find the mattress a little soft.
Bathroom
A large, very comfortable bathroom, with an excellent walk-in shower and a separate free-standing bath. Excellent towels, really first class.
The View
Of course the star of the suite was the balcony and view.
Food
The resort restaurant was good, and (again) the views were fantastic. The first evening I went for fish & chips followed by “something sweet” served in a glass. Great tastes, but a bit difficult to digest. The next evening I more modestly went for a local hamburger, with some onion rings, and no dessert (a wise choice). Breakfast was limited to a toasted bagel and coffee (and great sea views).
Conclusion
Upon arrival, I was impressed, but I felt that it was not worth a return visit. However, after two-days and nights, I enjoyed the atmosphere of the place and the views, so I would not rule-out a return trip one day. But I would not go to Vancouver Island just for this hotel.
The one disappointment was no sauna or steam-room, and a small outdoor pool (22°C) with a very small hot-tub.
