It was such a stunning day we decided a stroll up and down Second in Qualicum Beach would be fun. So many little shops to visit. We ended up at ‘WHAT’S COOKING’ my favourite cookware shop where escape is nearly impossible without purchasing something. Patrick, the proprietor, was telling a customer about local eateries and Sheila asked him what he recommended. Del’ile he said without hesitation. Their dinners rival anything in Vancouver he said. Well, after a small purchase, we sallied forth down the street to DeL’ile for lunch.
This restaurant has been open for some time and on one occasion I tried their croissants. But I was not aware that they had opened a bakery next door which also serves lunch with both indoor and outdoor seating. Sidewalk seating in today’s warm sun seemed a perfect idea. Imagine lunch outside this late in September.
Lilette, the boulongerie, offers a variety of breads, croissants and other pastries as well as light lunches. Here are some of the lunch specials.
We both ordered the daily soup, a wonderfully rich Squash soup. One Chocolate Croissant and a toast with Mushrooms, Cream, Parmesan and Kale. The croissant was out of this world good and the creamy mushrooms were simply fabulous. The staff were gracious and efficient too.
This is a real find for a local lunch with a continental feel. It could be habit forming. DeL’ile is open for dinner which is on our to do list. You can peruse the menu here…
No visit to Ucluelet & Tofino is complete without a visit to the WILD PACIFIC TRAIL near Ucluelet. It is magnificent. There several different sections to the trail as shown on this map.
On a recent visit we walked the Amphitrite Lighthouse trail. It meanders around the point over 2.4 kilometres and is an easy walk for most people. It starts at the lighthouse and runs along the rugged shoreline for a while before going inland through the woods. There are numerous viewpoints along the way, most with benches so one can sit and take in the stunningly spectacular views.
Part of the Broken Islands Group in Barkley Sound can be seen and if it’s not foggy you can see Cape Beale at the entrance to Barkley Sound.
Viewing this shoreline and the many rocks with waves crashing over it’s easy to understand that before modern navigation aids the were dozens of shipwrecks in the area.
The pathways are gravel and the vegetation is nicely groomed. We ran into a park worker who was trimming the lush SALAL beside the trail. At one viewpoint we were lucky enough to spot a pod of Killer (ORCA) Whales who were cruising very close to shore. We pointed them out to some British visitors who were thrilled to see them.
Some really interesting trees can be found on the trail. Caused by the wind over time probably.
The trail goes inland over a hill then back down to the water near Terrace Beach returning to the lighthouse.
Amphitrite Lighthouse was first constructed in 1906 but was destroyed by weather in 1914. The existing concrete structure was opened in 1916. Originally it was manned but was automated in 1988.
The section of trail between Ancient Cedars and Big Beach is about 8 kilometres for those wanting more.
We enjoyed the Lighthouse loop immensely and are going back in November, hoping to see some real storm activity. If you are ever in the area, DON’T miss it!
Another gorgeous sunny morning in Ucluelet was a good time for a short stroll on the Wild Pacific Trail again. Off we went just in time to see a pod of Orca Whales going by quite close to shore. A bonus for sure. The German & British tourists were thrilled when we pointed out the whales. It was wonderful. O
Since it was noon and a certain peckishness, even esurient, was developing so a stop at UCLUELET BREWING COMPANY, a Brew Pub in a former church. What a delight! The interior renovations are really well done with big beams, wood floor and a large patio overlooking the harbour. It was windy out so we perched on tall stools at a table inside.
The food menu is limited here. Some snacks, wraps, a Grilled Cheese. But they specialize in Charcuterie Boards. We chose one with 3 cheeses, 3 meats, 2 kinds of crackers, house made jame & mustard plus olives & spiced apple slices. A glass of wine and a Flight of in-house beers were the beverages. Loved the beer. 4 very distinctive tastes that were all good. The charcuterie was simply delicious and perfect for our lunch today.
Some really nice music was playing in the background. Our server advised that it was Ana Ash, a folk singer from California. Might be worth checking her out on Apple Music.
Ukee Brewery is a must stop. Good food, nice and prompt service, great surroundings and excellent beer. We even left with two cans to take home.
It seems the transformation from Church to Brew Pub was a grand idea. My kind of Church. Learn more at https://www.uclueletbrewing.ca
Here we are in Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island for a leisurely 6 days. Staying in a friend’s condo right on the water. How lucky are we?
Part of the adventure includes some serious noshing at some of the local culinary offerings. On day one we hit FRANKIE’S RESTO BAR for an early dinner. It’s a funky place in what seems to be an old house & has indoor & patio seating. The patio was almost full so we headed inside. Nothing fancy to be sure, but the menu looked really good. Bedsides not much else was open on a Monday evening.
Well, a very pleasant surprise. Good service! Great food. Pulled Pork with mashed potatoes and vegetables for Sheila and a ground ribeye burger for me. The mashed potatoes were ‘to die for’ good. The burger was one of the best in a long time. Cheese, tomato, pickle, bacon, lettuce in a Brioche Bun and served with outstanding fries. Two glasses of Haywire Pinot Grigio added to the enjoyment. FRANKIE’s is a really good joint. https://www.frankiesrestobar.com By the way, we loved the sign in the window.
When one is holidaying in this neck of the woods a good brunch is mandatory, not every day, but often. We found The Heartwood Kitchen Outfitter right on the main drag in a bright yellow old home.
They do breakfast/brunch and do it well. It was Vegetable Eggs Benny for Sheila and Huevos Rancheros for me. The Huevos included fried corn tortilla tostados, refried black beans, 2 eggs sunny side, tomato salsa, cilantro, fresh fruit & smashbrowns. I’ve not been a fan of smashbrowns but these were amazing. Best ever. This was a really wonderful dish made even better with a dollop of their in house made hot sauce. Add to all that the coffee was good too. Thinking of brunch..try this joint. You will not be disappointed.
Another night, another dinner. Well we did eat at home yesterday because Sheila’s daughter and husband came to stay and brought a big pot of delicious Chilli. Tonight it was FLOATHOUSE PATIO & GRILL, another funky Ucluelet restaurant, this one on a float right in the boat basin.
FLOATHOUSE is charmingly rustic with both inside and outside (covered) seating. No reservations are offered here so we were told there could be a 40 minute wait. With our good luck we were seated outside in about 20 minutes. Service was prompt! The wine list is brief. 2 reds, 2 whites by the glass which worked perfectly for us. Right beside the patio are fish boats lining the nearby dock. Very west coast.
The menu is great. Lots of seafood although they are known for ribs. Sheila chose the Ribs & Caesar Salad. Fish Tacos for me. Oh, what a surprise! Colleen liked the Cod & Chips and Erick picked the Blackened Rock Fish & Slaw. We were all pleased with our choices.
Good food, good service and a charming West Coast ambience. As it cooled propane heaters were fired up to take off the chill. Our server, a charming young lady from Edmonton, is a musician on the side and said there is quite a music scene around Ukee and Tofino. She sings & strums guitar under the stage name CAMERON COAST.
It was a last minute thing. My favourite brother announced that they were taking the MV FRANCES BARKLEY on the trip to Bamfield. Would you like to join us? Why not?
So it was a very early Saturday morning drive to Port Alberni to board the coastal freighter, The FRANCES BARKLEY. It was a beautiful fall day as the ship slipped out of Alberni ready for the all day trip.
The ship is old. Built in Norway in 1958. She is 118 feet long, powered by an eight cylinder Bergen diesel that produces 400 horsepower at 450 rpm and a cruising speed of 9.9 knots. There are two decks with indoor and outdoor seating on the upper and seating and a cafe on the lower. They serve breakfast and lunch on board. They have beer and wine too. Both kinds of wine; red and white served from a box. But cold. One could describe the interior of the ship as early school Bus. Rustic but quite comfortable. One can go up to the bridge and chat to the Captain who is full of great information about the ship and the area.
The ship makes the trip to Bamfield three times a week to deliver freight and passengers. On this day she made three stops on the way. At Kildonan, a beautiful inlet, she unloaded propane & groceries onto a float. Then a septic tank & new propane stove on another. Later she dropped off a guy who was the caretaker at a church camp. Watching the ship manoeuvre into tight spots to unload cargo was real west coast stuff. The scenery along the way is simply Spectacular! We even saw Humpback Whales.
We arrived at Bamfield just after noon and disembarked. Fortunately, Sheila’s son, a former Coast Guard member had arranged for us to have a tour of the Bamfield Base. Really an interesting tour including boarding the Cape McKay, the resident Coast Guard Rescue Vessel.
Then a visit to Bamfield Mercantile, the only store in town, a stroll down the boardwalk and a hot dog before reboarding the FRANCES BARKLEY. The trip back to Port Alberni was delightful. Warm, sunny and smooth.
It was a 9 hour round trip. Well worth the price. We would recommend this day trip to everyone wanting a west coast experience. For more information go to
MURPH..Just Saying. 