It’s been awhile since our last stay at Ucluelet’s Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, so we were ready for a revisit to see what the resort’s been up to over the past several years. This is a gorgeous property to keep in mind for when travel opens up safely again!
In case you’re not familiar with Black Rock Resort, they’re located on a dramatic headland above the crashing waves of the Pacific, surrounded by the Wild Pacific Trail and the rugged rocky coast of West Vancouver Island.
And now, the resort is setting a new standard for sustainability with a Refillable and Zero Waste model to minimize the resort’s ecological footprint, take a load off the landfill, reduce plastic waste and support local entrepreneurs.
Black Rock is one of the first resorts in Canada to adopt this model and has partnered with two forward-thinking small businesses, The Den and Mint Cleaning, to make this dream a reality.
“The Zero-Waste dream started with a conversation. It reflects how we feel about the natural environment and our desire to protect the rainforest and ocean,” says Adele Larkin, General Manager of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.
[Local products for sale in the gift shop]
Black Rock guests can now enjoy 100% refillable bathroom products supplied by The Den, including Oneka Cedar + Sage shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand lotion.
Pandemic Safety Measures
Both Big Beach Bar & Lounge and Currents Restaurant offer take-out and delivery items at this time. Selections include burgers, fish & chips, vegan dishes, a West coast pot pie with local seafood, and an array of snack/shareable small plates.
With warmer weather and sunshine headed our way, there are several ocean view patios to enjoy once we can all safely travel again. If you’re lucky, you may just spot a Grey whale or two. While we were here, there was an Orca pod spotted close to the resort, on the hunt for fish!
A unique aspect of the resort is that it’s connected to part of the Wild Pacific Trail right in the middle of a rainforest. As well, the resort keeps the property free of additional outdoor lighting at night so you can really enjoy stargazing out here!
Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for spectacular views of nature. At once we feel at peace amongst the old growth trees.
The kitchen contains Miele appliances and fully stocked cupboards with cutlery, pots and pans plus glassware. There’s a compact dishwasher, convection oven, cooktop and fridge as well. A Nespresso machine is on the counter, together with a selection of brewing pods.
The large, sleek bathroom is definitely a highlight! A modern white soaker tub is perched on a black tile platform with two frosted glass windows that can open to the bedroom. The floor tiles are heated and the stone-tiled, two-person shower has both a small adjustable shower head and a rain shower.
The suite contains two storage closets, one with a safe large enough for a laptop. Both the living room and bedroom have flat screen TVs with a variety of channels.
Windows open to bring in the fresh sea air, and at night, the waves caress the rocks, gently lulling us to sleep.
Once we’re unpacked, it’s time to enjoy the large balcony overlooking the rocks down to the sea. This resort simply invites guests to unwind and choose their own adventure, whether it’s a walk along the attached Pacific Trail, kayaking, surfing, hiking, whale-watching or just lounging. The small town of Ucluelet is just a few minutes away by car.
A fitness center off to the side of the lobby leads to an ocean view plunge pool and hot tub.
Take an afternoon to indulge at on-site Drift Spa. Black Rock uses Island-made, nutrient-rich, organic seaweed products during their massages. Custom facials, mani/pedis, West coast hot stone massage and other treatments are available by appointment.
Nearby Big Beach, Little Beach, Terrace Beach and Spring Cove offer a variety of walking trails.
Black Rock Resort is also both kid- and pet-friendly. Additional amenities include a guest concierge service, an electric vehicle charging station and laundry service. Guest parking and wifi are free.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is located at 596 Marine Drive in Ucluelet, BC.
We were graciously hosted by Black Rock Oceanfront Resort for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain our own.