There’s no place like Ucluelet to experience the wild West Coast in all of its glory. Secluded beaches, a temperate rainforest, and lively storm-watching during the colder months. What more can you ask for? The vibrant coastal village is already world-renowned for its sustainable tourism opportunities, and it looks like it’s gaining traction on Expedia.

Powered by real-time search data from Expedia’s app and website, their recent Destinations of the Year list reveals the top spots that world travellers are most interested in visiting.

Ucluelet was ranked #7 out of #10 global destinations, with a 44 per cent search increase over the last year.

How are these destinations chosen?

Destinations are selected based on increases in flight and accommodation searches on Expedia for the travel period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, compared to the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Expedia has also introduced a new Smart Travel Health Check framework to help travellers identify destinations offering rich cultural and natural experiences, minus the overcrowding experienced in the world’s most popular tourist spots. The framework is aligned with the World Travel + Tourism Council (WTTC) principles, according to Expedia.

On the list, 2026’s trending destinations that align with WTTC’s six actions for sustainable tourism management are marked with a checkmark. Those without one may not yet fully meet the Smart Travel Heath Check indicators, but still offer memorable travel experiences.

Year-round outdoor adventures

Ucluelet, as with many places across B.C., is recognized for its plentiful year-round outdoor adventures and rugged wilderness.

For one, the hike along the famed Wild Pacific Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the coastline, with hikers able to clearly spot the Broken Group Islands, Barley Sound, and Amphitrite Point.

The accessible 9 km journey was previously voted the #1 Thing to Do on Vancouver Island by TripAdvisor.

Visitors can also book a number of wildlife-watching tours, which take them through the area’s cultural and natural history. Depending on when you go, you’ll get the chance to catch everything from humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters to black bears, grizzlies, and bald eagles.

So before you grumble away about the Vancouver rain, remember that we live in one of the most sought-out areas in Canada, with destinations like Ucluelet just a stone’s throw away!

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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