Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
british columbia, canada
The Ucluelet and Area Historical Society showcases some of the area’s most interesting history. We aim to provide a small snapshot of stories and images from our archives that will bring local history to life and give new insights into some of the areas most recognisable landmarks, industries and people. The Ucluelet Peninsula and Barkley Sound area has a significant First Nations history inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years. We wish to acknowledge the traditional territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.
Important LINKS with historical significance
Lloyd Bridal’s Port Albion Story
Port Albion travel to and life there 1944 – 1946 We started our trip to Ucluelet, Vancouver Island at the train station in Calgary carrying Mervin in arms, with many friends there to see us off. Mom had six kids in tow as dad had gone ahead and found work at a fish...
Hazel Simmell’s Story
1946 and too young to enlist Hazel Simmell’s haunted memory of a close brush with death in Ucluelet Inlet. During World War II many Canadians too young to enlist wanted to do their part in the war effort, including many girls. Ontario girl Hazel Simmell's parents...
Will Sutton; Ucluelet pioneer 1891 – 1914
Skeletons; sawmills; gold; hydro-electricity and conservation? The brilliant, colourful life of a once-famous Ucluelet Pioneer Will Sutton: Timberman, Geologist, Mineralogist, Lecturer, Conservationist; and Promoter of Vancouver Island; he also robbed graves and...
Airplanes of the West Coast of Vancouver Island
Stranraer Flying Boat, Ucluelet inlet near Seaplane Base There are many beautiful views over our Ucluelet inlet. My all-time favourite view has to be one that includes our little Cessna float plane taking off. I will stop and look – it’s a compulsion. I love that...
St. Aidan On-the-Hill
The Smallest Church on Vancouver Island in 1929 In 1929 this spot was the site of the smallest church on Vancouver Island. The tiny church was moved down the hill, where it served as a library, a gift shop and a teen gathering place, until it was finally demolished in...
Military History
Many remnants of Ucluelet's military past can still be seen around the town. During World War II, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Canadian Army were stationed in Ucluelet.The RCAF base was located on what is now Seaplane Base Road.The Stranraer aircraft...
Early Logging
Logging has always been an exceptionally demanding and dangerous industry. The first loggers didn't have access to power tools and machinery and had to do everything by hand using very rudimentary hand tools.In this image, Herbert James Hillier and George Grant stand...
The Old Fishing Fleet
Ucluelet has long been recognised as a safe place to sit out a storm - the name even means 'Safe Harbour'. In the first of our images of the fishing fleet you can see a group of three whaling boats moored at the wharf on the east side of Ucluelet Harbour.Salmon...
Amphritrite Lighthouse
The Pacific Ocean around Ucluelet was known as the Graveyard of the Pacific due to the high number of shipwrecks along the coast.The first Amphitrite Lighthouse was built at the point after the Pass of Melfort sank with all aboard.The unusual design of the second...
Settler Families
Several places around Ucluelet are named after some of the first settler families in the area. One example is Tugwell Fields named after the Tugwell family. Their home and business building is still standing at the top of Main Street where it is now a thrift store...
Early Transportation Links
The First Nations used ocean going canoes to travel around the coast. As European exploration and trading grew, ships became more frequent visitors to the settled coastal community. Sailing ships were at the mercy of the winds and the waves. Many were pushed towards...
Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia 1894 – 1944
George Fraser was one of the world’s leading hybridizers, especially of rhododendrons. His renown among hybridizers, however, was in producing rhododendrons crosses. His work was recognized internationally and recorded in the Gardener’s Chronicle of London. Plant explorers and botanists corresponded with him, as did The Royal Botanic Garden, Kew and the Arnold Arboretum, Boston. Hosted by David McIntosh.
One of the reasons Ucluelet came in second place as the Best Small Town in British Columbia is the amazing people who live here! We are an active and vibrant community of all ages. Our foundations are a major part of who we have become. Mary Kimoto is a great example of why we are such a strong community. Hey, I know this isn’t a flashy, exciting, visually stimulating “UkeeTube” video — and possibly a tad boring — but take a few minutes and help the Historical Society acknowledge the beautiful people who are foundational to our beautiful Ucluelet, THE real ‘best small town’.
It’s time to talk about it. A significant historical interactive Storytelling Workshop took place in Ucluelet on October 29, 2022.