THE AREA — JUST 20 MINUTES OUTSIDE OF UCLUELET ON THE RUGGED WEST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND. IT IS SET ON THE SOUTHWEST TIP OF BARKLEY SOUND WITH CLEAR VIEWS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
REMOTE, PRISTINE, ACCESSIBLE
The Bay is 20 minutes by car from Ucluelet, 10 minutes on pavement, 10 minutes on gravel. The gravel road acts as a buffer against the pressures of civilization, as does the sheer scale of the project itself. Yet, three scheduled carriers offer daily flights from Vancouver, Seattle, Nanaimo and Qualicum to the expanding Tofino/Long Beach Airport.
In sum, the remote, pristine bay is accessible within two hours of the major cities of the Pacific Northwest.
ITTATSOO BAY
The Bay is a tranquil tidal enclave that recedes and fills twice a day. “Ittatsoo” comes from the indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth word for “calm, warm waters”. The bay itself will remain in private ownership for the foreseeable future, protected in its natural state. No public access is available.
THE LAND AND CLIMATE
Ittatsoo Bay is surrounded by acres of coastal rainforest that thrives in the mild, wet climate. Cedar, hemlock, spruce, alder and shore pine trees tower over all and a lush growth of moss, ferns and shrubs coat the ground. The land rises from the foot of The Bay into seven promontories that provide exquisite views of Barkley Sound and the Beg, Fraser and Broken Group Islands. Three wetland valleys punctuate the hilly terrain.
NEARBY TOWNS — ITTATSOO BAY RESIDENTS ARE JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY FROM UCLUELET AND TOFINO, BOTH RICH IN CULTURE, HISTORY AND BEAUTY.
Traditionally supported by the fishing and logging industries, Tofino and Ucluelet are becoming increasingly attractive to visitors who want to connect with the surrounding nature. Both towns offer remarkable restaurants, art galleries, markets and friendly people.
UCLUELET
Ucluelet (population 1700) is just a 20 minute drive from Ittatsoo Bay and is the closest town. It offers world-class resorts, restaurants and adventure tourism centres that offer sea kayaking tours as well as whale watching and chartered fishing trips. Hikers can access the Wild Pacific Trail near the mouth of Ucluelet Inlet at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.
TOFINO
Tofino (population 2000) is located on the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound, 40 km northwest of Ucluelet on Highway 4. Its proximity to Long Beach makes it very popular with surfers, storm watchers, and people seeking inspiration from the beauty of the coast.
PORT ALBERNI
100 kilometres east of Ucluelet, Port Alberni (population 18,000) is a growing city ringed by mountains at the head of a narrow inlet next to the Somass River. It’s a great place to stage your next fishing trip, with five different salmon species and a yearly run of steelheads. The Alberni Valley itself has over 100 spectacular hiking and mountain biking trails.
VICTORIA
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and the largest city on Vancouver Island with a population of 408,000. Known as the “city of gardens,” it is a popular tourist destination with an attractive inner harbour ringed by famous historical buildings such as the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. It is also home to the University of Victoria, which contributes to a large student population.