To get from Port Alberni to Ucluelet, drive west on Highway 4, the Pacific Rim Highway. It is roughly 100 km and takes a good part of two hours on a road with hills and bends, so allow more than a map app first suggests.
Highway 4 west of Port Alberni
Highway 4 climbs out of Port Alberni and runs past Sproat Lake and Kennedy Lake toward the coast. The road is two lanes for most of its length, with sharp curves in the mountain sections. At the west end you reach the junction for Ucluelet before the road continues to Tofino.
Cathedral Grove is on the other side of Port Alberni, on the way in from the east, so it is not a stop on this trip.
Winter tires and road checks
From October 1 to March 31, vehicles on this route must have winter tires or carry chains. Check DriveBC before you leave for closures and weather alerts, since the pass can see snow or heavy rain when the coast is mild. Coastal fog can also slow things down.
By bus or boat
Tofino Bus runs regional service to Ucluelet from Port Alberni, among other towns. Look at the Tofino Bus schedule for current times and fares before you plan around it, because they change with the season.
In summer, Lady Rose Marine Services also runs a boat between Port Alberni and Ucluelet several times a week. It is a different kind of trip from the highway, so check their sailing days and booking terms.
Taxi and arrival
A taxi suits anyone with luggage or an awkward schedule. See Port Alberni taxi for local service, and ask about the fare for a long run before you book. The taxi fare estimator gives a rough starting figure.
Fill up in Port Alberni before you leave. Services are thinner on the long middle stretch, and phone coverage may drop out in places.