FAQ
Q: How do you pronounce the name of this town?
A: It’s pronounced You-clue-let and means “safe harbour” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language.
Q: How do I get to Anchors Inn?
A:Â From Vancouver, take the ferry to Nanaimo (about an hour and a half journey), then drive north to Parksville and take the Highway 4 exit to cross the island, through Port Alberni, and to the West Coast. When you come to the T-junction, turn left to Ucluelet. The drive time from Nanaimo to us is about 2 1/2 hours.
Q: Can I bring my own boat?
A: Kayaks and canoes can easily be stored and launched from our beach. For larger boats there is a government dock called “52 Steps” within easy walking distance from the cabins. The local Harbour Master, Kevin Cortes, can be reached at 250-725-8190.
Q: What amenities are in Ucluelet?
A: We have a population of 1800 people, so there is at least one of every type of shop, including a large Co-op store for groceries, hardware and family fashions. Two local fish stores, Fishful Thinking and Ukee Fish, are open May through September. We have about 30 restaurants of varying price open most of the year; the choices do become more limited during the winter months.
Q: How far away is Tofino?
A: Tofino is a 30-minute drive away. Long Beach, part of Pacific Rim National Park, is half way between the two towns.
Q: Where is Anchors Inn located?
A: We are on Ucluelet Harbour, quite close to the mouth of the harbour for easy kayak access. You can literally throw a pebble and hit the water from the cabins’ decks. It is a 4-block walk to Main Street where you’ll find the bank, the liquor store, a book store, gift shop, bike rental shop, Ukee Dogs Eatery, Frankie’s Restaurant, an art gallery, jewelry store, and the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce office. It is a 6-block walk to Big Beach on the open ocean side of the peninsula, and a 6-block walk to The Wild Pacific Trail. If you look up www.longbeachmaps.com we are listed as Z in Ucluelet.
Q: What is that big white thing beside the life boat in the garden at Anchors Inn?
A: That is a Grey Whale skull, which we found while scuba diving off the beach in front of the cabins. We figure it came in on a dragger (a type of fish boat) and was dumped overboard at the dock next door many years ago.
Q: How big are the two cabins at Anchors Inn?
A: They are identical cabins, having been built from kits, and although they are only about 250 square feet they do feel larger because of the vaulted ceilings and large sundecks. Since we cater mainly to couples there is no hide-a-bed or couch in either cabin. Babies are always welcome though, as are pets.
Q: What kind of beach is in front of the cabins?
A: Ours is a pebble and shell beach; the nearest sandy beach is a 6-block walk.
Q: How private are the two cabins and the suite?
A: The cabins are on opposite corners of a half acre of property, both on the water, and a barrier of trees between them provides privacy. The suite is situated between the two cabins and set back 20 feet, so all three units have an unobstructed view of the water and privacy from each other.
Q: Are there resident pets on the property?
A: We have one dog, Rocky, who loves to meet other dog guests, but he can easily be kept out of your way if your pet prefers it that way. Our cat Luna will only visit your cabin if you invite her and no strange dogs are present.
Q: If I have allergies to pets can I stay at Anchors Inn?
A: Yes, we do a thorough cleaning after each check-out, and an even more thorough cleaning after the departure of guests with pets.
Q: Are there enough things to do to warrant a 4-night stay or longer?
A: Yes! The beaches and trails (especially the Wild Pacific Trail)Â are not to be missed, the National Park has a great interpretive centre, a visit to Tofino will take up at least half a day, and the nature tours by boat are a must. There are lots of neat shops, restaurants, docks, and ocean vantage points to explore. You’ll want to visit Tofino for a day as well, just a 30-minute drive away. Boat excursions to the Hot Springs all leave from Tofino.