Every year since completing my Yoga Teacher Training on Vancouver Island, I’ve kept one promise to myself: I go back.
No laptop. No packed schedule. No “I’ll just answer one email.”
Just ocean air, giant trees, and a full system reset.
The first few times I went alone. It was my off-the-grid escape — the place I could actually hear my own thoughts again. After that first trip though, I knew I had to bring someone with me the next time. My son, Jack.
We’ve pinky-promised that once a year we return to Vancouver Island as a little gift to ourselves. A week with no rushing, no alarms, no sports schedules, no work. Just presence.
It’s also one of the only places where Jack gets to see the real version of his mom — makeup-less, hair doing whatever the coastal humidity decides, no laptop, and singing our hearts out while driving through the forests like we’re on tour.
Honestly, it might be the happiest version of me.
Why We Stay in Ucluelet
Most people head straight for Tofino, which we do love, but we’ve fallen hard for nearby Ucluelet. It’s quieter. Slower. Less “Instagram line-up,” more real life.
Last time we stayed at Ucluelet Heights; A gorgeous home built by Katie and Sean — friends we met through the yoga world. Supporting people you know (or people your friends know) always makes a place feel even more special. You can find it here.
The house had forest views, outdoor showers, a cold plunge, a fire pit and a hot tub that we used aggressively. Morning hot tub. Night hot tub. Occasionally, “it’s raining and we’re still in the hot tub.”
Our evenings were pretty perfect with makeshift charcuterie boards, board games, card games, puzzles that took way longer than they should have.
Jack spent hours drawing while I slowly realized that puzzles designed for adults are basically just humbling exercises. At one point he also decided to debut a brand-new party trick involving mooning the neighbours through the glass doors. And yes… we cleaned the windows afterward.
Parenting is b-e-a-utiful.
Live Music & a Very Responsible Drink Order
One evening we wandered over to Ucluelet Brewing Company for live music.
It was Jack’s first time inside a distillery-style setting, so naturally he marched up to the counter and confidently ordered a cold one; Ginger ale.
We danced and sang with the bands. And honestly, he had more rhythm than I did.
Small towns have a way of making everyone feel welcome — even the seven-year-old ordering mocktails while his mom tried some West Coast IPAs.
Rainy Mornings Are the Best Mornings
Our mornings followed a pretty consistent routine.
First stop: coffee at Foggy Bean Coffee Company.
Then we’d head straight into the forest for a hike.
Island rain is different from prairie/mountain rain. It feels softer somehow. The air smells like cedar, salt water, and whatever magic those giant trees are doing.
Jack still holds my hand while we walk. I know there will come a day when that stops, so I take every single second I can get while trying to sneak in about 100 cheek smooches.
We’d sit under massive trees and just breathe for a bit. The best travel moments are the ones where you’re not actually doing anything.
The Aquarium That Actually Releases the Fish
One of our favourite stops is the Ucluelet Aquarium.
What makes it so cool is that everything inside eventually returns to the ocean. The aquarium studies and showcases local marine life for the season, then releases it.
It’s a great way for kids to learn about the ocean without permanently removing anything from it.
After visiting, we walked out onto the pier. It was foggy, lightly raining, and perfectly quiet. Jack hugged me and thanked me for bringing him. That’s when I knew he officially understood the assignment. This isn’t just a trip; it’s an internal reset.
Small Town Shops Are My Weakness
Island towns are dangerous if you enjoy wandering into local shops. We popped by Space Ukee, a tattoo shop owned by Sara, a new friend from my yoga world. Jack decided he’d get a shark tattoo during the next trip out as he was “too busy” — or rather, saw a needle and ran the heck out.
Then we wandered through The Crow’s Nest, which is basically a treasure hunt disguised as a store — think mood rings from the 90’s!
At The Gypsy Drifter Shop, We picked out a book called I Am Yoga which felt very on brand for our trip.
We also stopped at The Den Refillery because their Mint cleaning products and soaps are ridiculously good. They also ship – you’re welcome.
I managed to bribe Jack into thirty minutes at Foraged Consignment (my favourite way to build a closet) in exchange for unlimited play park time afterward. Negotiations were successful and hot drinks from The Break Cafe & Bistro sealed the deal.
Food Stops We Never Skip
You cannot visit Ucluelet without eating fish tacos at Ukee Dogs Taqueria, it might as well be an enforced law. We also love wandering through town looking at the recycled art installations scattered around. Jack has recently become very interested in sustainability, so seeing art made from reused materials was a highlight. Another must-stop (and let’s say my favourite spot in town) is Yayu Cafe, an incredible plant-based café with smoothies, treats, and a very solid pad Thai. My dearest friend Jess — who introduced me to the café — wasn’t in town this trip, but we spotted her polaroid hanging inside the café and that made our day. Island connections are real.
Trails That Make You Feel Small (In a Good Way)
The Wild Pacific Trail and Ancient Cedars Loop are both must-do hikes. The waves crash against the rocks, the trees are massive, and the air smells like the cleanest air you’ve ever breathed. When a seven-year-old wants to explore, you explore. Rocks are climbed. Trails are extended. Plans get abandoned. Watching Jack take photos with his little camera might have been my favourite part of the trip. Seeing the world through your kid’s curiosity is pretty special.
Long Beach in a Windstorm
The winds were absolutely wild when we visited Long Beach. Naturally, we ran straight into them. We were soaked, hats were a must because my hair was everywhere and we laughed the whole time. A big, sand-covered dog was out there spinning in circles after going for a dip, and we both firmly believe that any dog will make any day the perfect day.
The Tofino 2-Day Trip
Even though we base ourselves in Ucluelet, the 30-minute drive to Tofino always happens at least once. We booked a trip to Hot Springs Cove with Tofino Resort + Marina, which included whale watching. And yes — we saw whales! We also waved to the with sea lions, harbour seals, birds, and a whole lot of wildlife that made us feel like we were in a nature documentary. After a short hike through the forest, we reached the natural hot springs tucked along the ocean. The space was tiny but the water was extra hot, and we definitely made some friends sitting butt-to-butt before “showering” under the waterfall. Also worth mentioning: you get an impressive step count and buns of steel on the island.
The Coffee Shop Crawl
Tofino is also where we do what my kid now calls “Mom’s coffee crawl.”
Stops included:
• Tofitian Cafe
• Mizu Mizu Cafe
• Tofino Coffee Roasting Company
As promised, Jack added another collectible mug to his collection and somehow continues to tolerate my caffeine habits. He really is a good one.
Ice Cream in the Rain (Our Final Tradition)
We end every trip the same way. Even though neither of us actually likes chocolate (yes… real psychopaths here), we head to Chocolate Tofino for ice cream. But here’s the catch… The ice cream is an appetizer to our entrée. With ice cream in hand, we walk 20 steps over and stand in line for tacos at the infamous, Tacofino.
This time it was raining…hard. We stood there soaked, eating ice cream and waiting for tacos. And honestly, we were completely unbothered. Life is great with tacos and ice cream.
One Last Stop Before Home
Before flying home from Nanaimo Airport, we always make one last stop at Cathedral Grove. Picture it: an array of green hues, ancient trees—it feels like stepping into another enchanting world. You’ll 100% expect magical fairies to sprinkle their dust and turn you into a flying unicorn. No magical mushrooms required…This is also the stop where we make our annual promise to come back next year.
The best self-care plan is simply returning to the places that remind you how to slow down. It’s an added bonus when you spend it with the ones who turn any day into your favourite day.
Forever grateful for this life.
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