The new year is fast approaching, and a unique B.C. locale was named a top travel destination for 2026.
The honour is part of a new report from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo about how travellers will “explore the world” next year.
Expedia’s “Destinations of the Year” list highlights top emerging destinations, and Ucluelet was near the very top of that list, thanks to a 44 per cent search increase over the last year. The destinations mark spots where global traveller interest is taking off.
“Among the top emerging destinations is Ucluelet, the stunning year-round coastal destination in British Columbia,” Expedia says.
Ucluelet received another honour as part of the list, meeting the criteria for Expedia’s “Smart Travel Health Check,” which recognizes destinations “that offer meaningful travel experiences and proactively manage tourism in a sustainable way, helping to ease the strain on the world’s most overvisited cities.”
The B.C. spot was the sole Canadian destination on the list, trailing only six locations.
These destinations beat out Ucluelet due to a higher search increase:
- Big Sky, Montana, U.S.
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Savoie, France
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.
Ucluelet, located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, is renowned for its natural beauty and scenic experiences. It’s a slightly longer journey from Vancouver than a trip to Victoria.
According to the 2021 census, Ucluelet, which isn’t a city but a district municipality, has a population of around 1,650 people.
“Ucluelet is a place where the seasons bring dramatic shifts in weather, atmosphere, adventure and natural beauty,” Discover Ucluelet says.
Some popular activities visitors can take part in Ucluelet include surfing, aquatic safaris, and whale watching. Ucluelet is also home to many beautiful beaches.
The autumn period is technically considered the off-season for the island district, and Discover Ucluelet says right now “is one of the best times to travel and stay” in the unique B.C. spot.
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