Barkley Sound is located south of Ucluelet (U-clue-let). An area approximately 800 square kilometers. It was explored and named in 1787 by Captain Charles William Barkley of the Imperial Eagle, a British trading vessel. His 17 year old bride Frances, the first white woman to see British Columbia, accompanied Barkley.
Barkley Sound falls within the traditional territory of
the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have occupied the area for more than 4
thousand years. They lived part of the year in the sheltered bays of
Barkley Sound and the other on the outer shores exposed to the Pacific
Ocean.
Ucluelet comes from a Nuu-chah-nulth phrase, "Yu-clutl-ahts, the people with a good landing place for canoes" otherwise known as "safe harbour". It has grown into a popular tourist destination
with waterfront lodging, popular restaurants, pubs and cafes. You can browse the local galleries and quaint shops featuring creations
and crafts by local artists. The Wild Pacific Trail offers world class views as it skirts the rugged coast of Ucluelet through
ancient rainforest canopies and pristine beaches that are abundant in sea life.
The Broken Group Islands are situated south of Ucluelet
in the entrance to Barkley Sound. The islands are renowned for salt water fishing,
scuba diving and ocean kayaking. They are rich in marine life, sandy
beaches, hidden coves and beautiful scenery.
The west coast of Vancouver Island is exposed to the
moisture-laden westerly winds blowing off the Pacific Ocean. The warm
air masses are forced up by the island mountain ranges, resulting in
considerable precipitation falling on the Pacific Rim region during the
winter months of October to March, while summers are relatively dry.
The rainfall and mild temperatures account for wonderful rainforests
and lush vegetation in the area. Species of old-growth forests include
the sitka spruce, western hemlock and western cedar. The undergrowth is
rich with salal and evergreen huckleberry.
The Pacific Rim National Park provides amazing trails and sandy beaches that are a haven for hikers and surfers. The area is well known for it's whale watching as the Pacific Gray Whales migrate through this area each Spring.
