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Canadian Princess

Not until I looked closely did I realize this boat is stationary and now part of the Canadian Princess resort in Ucluelet, British Columbia. The boats in front are for fishing excursions during the day. One thing is for sure, the fish you get here is fresh, much fresher than anywhere save another fishing town. Food aside, I don't know why but when I see this boat I imagine it on the open seas and then I can't help but hear Gordon Lightfoot singing about the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. That can't be a good thing.

Not until I looked closely did I realize this boat is stationary and now part of the Canadian Princess resort in Ucluelet, British Columbia. The boats in front are for fishing excursions during the day. One thing is for sure, the fish you get here is fresh, much fresher than anywhere save another fishing town. Food aside, I don’t know why but when I see this boat I imagine it on the open seas and then I can’t help but hear Gordon Lightfoot singing about the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. That can’t be a good thing.

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Ucluelet Fishing Vessel

This is taken from the harbour in Ucluelet, British Columbia. This was the scene one evening as we sat outside at a little floating restaurant while the sun lowered below the horizon. A nice place to sit and relax after a long day of sightseeing and whale watching. A good many of the town residents are commercial fishermen and these boats come and go all times of the day and night. Aside from the natural beauty, sport fishing is probably the biggest attraction in Ucluelet. I think this is one of those places fishermen must read about in magazines and then one day make it here to catch their hearts content. On a related note, I passed up fish and had the ribs. Not that I don't like fish, maybe being surrounded by so much fish I had the urge for something different.

This is taken from the harbour in Ucluelet, British Columbia. This was the scene one evening as we sat outside at a little floating restaurant while the sun lowered below the horizon. A nice place to sit and relax after a long day of sightseeing and whale watching. A good many of the town residents are commercial fishermen and these boats come and go all times of the day and night. Aside from the natural beauty, sport fishing is probably the biggest attraction in Ucluelet. I think this is one of those places fishermen must read about in magazines and then one day make it here to catch their hearts content. On a related note, I passed up fish and had the ribs. Not that I don’t like fish, maybe being surrounded by so much fish I had the urge for something different.

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Ucluelet Lighthouse

While here I visited the lighthouse several times looking for different angles and light, but my most memorable time was the first day. The locals call the month after July

While here I visited the lighthouse several times looking for different angles and light, but my most memorable time was the first day. The locals call the month after July “Fogust” and for good reason. It could be clear and within thirty minutes everything is blanketed and then maybe an hour later it goes away, thus the lighthouse. So there I was climbing on the rocks just past the “do not climb on rocks” sign and the fog started to roll in. I’m fifty meters in front of the lighthouse contemplating the beautiful mist when out of nowhere the automated fog horn sounds. Those horns can be heard for miles, and possibly a few of the swear words I uttered in response as I grabbed on to a rock to keep from falling over. Yup, that’s me, stoo-pid tourist.

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Black Rock in Ucluelet

This is Black Rock Hotel in the town of Ucluelet where I recently stayed. It's on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The shoreline couldn't be more different than that of Florida, yet the contrast was something I very much appreciated. The coast is rugged, yet punctuated with long beaches frequented by surfers, and while the waves aren't huge, they're respectable even on calm days. I loved walking along trails here and exploring tide pools and just listening to the sound of the ocean on the rocks. Food for the soul indeed.

This is Black Rock Hotel in the town of Ucluelet where I recently stayed. It’s on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The shoreline couldn’t be more different than that of Florida, yet the contrast was something I very much appreciated. The coast is rugged, yet punctuated with long beaches frequented by surfers, and while the waves aren’t huge, they’re respectable even on calm days. I loved walking along trails here and exploring tide pools and just listening to the sound of the ocean on the rocks. Food for the soul indeed.

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Ucluelet Killer Whale

Last week I was on a whale watching boat in the Broken Islands just off the coast of Ucluelet in British Columbia. The captain warned us we might not see whales as they hadn't been spotted in a few days. With so much scenery I was fine with that, it would be an enjoyable cruise nonetheless. As fate would have it we did in fact come upon a family of Orcas. But none of us, including the captain, were prepared for what we were about to witness. As it turns out an unlucky sea lion was there also shadowing a small powerboat and the whales knew. The sea lion would not leave the side of the boat until it eventually sped away leaving him exposed and effectively ending his life. Over the next thirty minutes we watched as the whales surrounded, attacked, toyed, and eventually put an end to the sea lion. It all took place within a radius of twenty-five to one hundred meters from our boat. I'll never forget the sound and feeling of the powerful waves and splashes as the whales pursued their prey. Our captain, Brian Congdon of Subtitle Adventures, said that in thirty-five years of whale tours he's never seen this. It's a well known fact that Killer Whales eat sea lions, but it is rare indeed to witness this act in nature. I for one was deeply impressed by this raw display of nature up close and unscripted.

Last week I was on a whale watching boat in the Broken Islands just off the coast of Ucluelet in British Columbia. The captain warned us we might not see whales as they hadn’t been spotted in a few days. With so much scenery I was fine with that, it would be an enjoyable cruise nonetheless. As fate would have it we did in fact come upon a family of Orcas. But none of us, including the captain, were prepared for what we were about to witness. As it turns out an unlucky sea lion was there also shadowing a small powerboat and the whales knew. The sea lion would not leave the side of the boat until it eventually sped away leaving him exposed and effectively ending his life. Over the next thirty minutes we watched as the whales surrounded, attacked, toyed, and eventually put an end to the sea lion. It all took place within a radius of twenty-five to one hundred meters from our boat. I’ll never forget the sound and feeling of the powerful waves and splashes as the whales pursued their prey. Our captain, Brian Congdon of Subtitle Adventures, said that in thirty-five years of whale tours he’s never seen this. It’s a well known fact that Killer Whales eat sea lions, but it is rare indeed to witness this act in nature. I for one was deeply impressed by this raw display of nature up close and unscripted.

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Wild Pacific Trail

Took a hike on the lighthouse loop of the Wild Pacific Trail today. It starts at the lighthouse in Ucluelet, British Columbia and then along the rugged coast and forests of Douglas Firs. It's only two and a half kilometers but the problem is there are spectacular views about every fifty meters (I'm not exaggerating for once). It ended up taking four hours to complete and I think my camera worked harder than me, poor thing. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess this must be in some top ten list of most scenic hikes in North America. If not, then I'm creating my own and this starts at the number one spot.

Took a hike on the lighthouse loop of the Wild Pacific Trail today. It starts at the lighthouse in Ucluelet, British Columbia and then along the rugged coast and forests of Douglas Firs. It’s only two and a half kilometers but the problem is there are spectacular views about every fifty meters (I’m not exaggerating for once). It ended up taking four hours to complete and I think my camera worked harder than me, poor thing. I don’t know for sure, but I’d guess this must be in some top ten list of most scenic hikes in North America. If not, then I’m creating my own and this starts at the number one spot.