FAQs;
Ucluelet, Tofino & UkeeTube
How do you pronounce Ucluelet?
If you're an English speaking person it's just 3 words you probably already know; You-Clue-Let
It's an anglicization of the name of the local First Nation's people, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (pronounced Yuu-thlu-ilth-ath)
Is UkeeTube part of Tourism Ucluelet or something?
UkeeTube is just me, a guy named Geoff who lives in Ucluelet. Some tourism businesses and other organizations occasionally hire me to create things but there is no board, or stakeholder meetings. If you see it on UkeeTube, it's something I created and wrote unless otherwise stated
What's the best thing to do in Ucluelet?
I adore the Wild Pacific Trail. It allows you to see the best scenery Ukee has to offer. It's easily accessible, including sections that are wheelchair user friendly. It's also free!
What's the big white ball on top of the mountain near Ucluelet?
On top of Mount Ozzard you'll see a large structure that looks like a giant golf ball. Some locals like to tell tourists it a rotating restaurant but it's actually radio and radar equipment for navigation and weather monitoring. People regularly hike the gated road to the top for a panoramic view of the Barkley Sound and the Ucluelet area
Can I fly a drone in Ucluelet or Tofino?
Flying drones in Ucluelet and Tofino are subject Transport Canada regulations, just like anywhere else in Canada. If you have a drone use Transport Canada's tools to figure out where you can fly. Even if a region is clear to fly you should always use extreme caution as sightseeing flights, coastguard helicopters and other low-flying aircraft are more common here than many other places. Additional regulations beyond Transport Canada's are in force here that you may not be familiar with. Notably, much of the region falls inside The Pacific Rim National Park or other Provincial Parks. In these parks all drones are prohibited without express written permission. Since this isn't a Transport Canada regulation there are no exemptions for microdrones. Also, marine mammals must be avoided. All drones, including microdrones must stay about 1km (0.5 nautical miles) away from marine mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises.
What do I absolutely have to see in Ucluelet?
The Amphitrite Lighthouse is probably the most iconic building in Ucluelet these days and the Lighthouse Loop section of the Wild Pacific Trail in great for sunrises and sunsets. There are a few other great places to watch sunsets, Big Beach is a favourite of mine.
Is anything on UkeeTube made with AI?
Except for an April Fool's joke or two there is no generative AI content anywhere on UkeeTube. Even building this website I used the legacy AI-free design app. Also, all of the text has been written by me. That said, some AI editing technology is practically unavoidable. The quality of real slow-motion footage and other images may have been improved using technologies some will identify as AI
Do You Make Money From UkeeTube?
I make a small amount of direct income from my Facebook and YouTube pages, I mean a very small amount. Over a typical month I'll make less than a music or photography gig will make me in a few hours. In addition to the satisfaction I get from sharing this beautiful place with a sympathetic audience, it also functions as marketing for my services and print sales.
Some local businesses and organizations pay me to create content for them or license my images for their campaigns. I've also had footage that first appeared on UkeeTube licensed by networks and films. This allows me to reinvest in gear that benefits both my business pursuits and the creative stuff I publish. Work for clients is also often the reason I get to visit some of the special places I can share here.
Finally, a handful of followers use the subscribe functions on various platforms to send me a small amount of money regularly which I appreciate very much. Perhaps, one day, I'll be able to dedicate my energy completely to the more artistic side of what I do.
Is Ucluelet Better Than Tofino?
To paraphrase a statement about the Ukee Days festival; There Ain't No "TofinoTube"
Seriously though; the relationship between Ucluelet and Tofino is too interwoven to look at it that way as a resident. I've lived in each community for about a decade. We rely on each-other for resources, housing and employment in such symbiosis that I couldn't really imagine one without the other.
As a visitor they are slightly different experiences; Tofino has long, sweeping sandy beaches, full of people. Ucluelet's coast is a twisting, rocky trail of rugged rocks and crashing waves that you can have large sections of all to yourself.
Ucluelet has a reputation for being more affordable but maybe more rough-and-ready, our restaurants don't all have shiny Instagram profiles and we don't always remember to update our Google business hours. So you might have to walk around a bit to see who's open.