General Reservation Questions
Q: Do I need to make a reservation?
A: Reservations are recommended and almost always necessary from June-September. A confirmed booking ensures the services you require will be available for your preferred dates, but we'll go an extra mile to try to meet your needs. You can help speed up the process by filling out our online Reservation Request Form.
Q: What is required to make a confirmed reservation?
A: Just give our Reservations desk a call at 250-726-7515 or fill out our online Reservation Request Form. All confirmed reservations require a deposit, and the deposit required depends on the length of your visit and the services being booked. You can also email or fax us. fish@islandwestresort.com 250-726-4414
Q: How do I get to Ucluelet & how long does it take?
A: While you can fly, boat or drive in, the majority of our guests drive. It is paved road right to Island West Resort. If you're arriving by Nanaimo or Victoria Ferry, take the Island Highway North to Highway #4 West through Port Alberni, to Ucluelet.
Nanaimo Ferry terminal to Ucluelet- approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours;
Victoria Ferry terminal to Ucluelet- approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
Q: Is Island West Resort located close to shops and other services?
A: Our Resort is located in the center of the picturesque and historic fishing village of Ucluelet on the waterfront, and it is within walking distance to giftshops, grocery & hardware stores, banks, cafes, post office, and liquor store. We are also a short walk to several hiking trails, a 15 minute drive to a year round golf course, and The Pacific Rim National Park..with beautiful sand beaches and hikes in the ancient rain forest.
Q: Does Island West Resort have shower facilities?
A: Yes, our shower facilities for registered guests are located at the Marina and Reservations Building and are open 24 hours during busy season. The showers are token operated and can be purchased at the Marina Office or the Eagles Nest Marine Pub, located on the second floor at the Marina.
CHARTER AND FISHING QUESTIONS
Q: What type of guided fishing boats does your Resort have?
A: Our boats are 24'-26' covered cruisers that are comfortable and customized for fishing. All of our boats come equipped with heads on board, VHF radios, downriggers, and all gear, bait, & tackle is included in a charter. Most have radar. Full body Cruiser Suits are supplied for all the guests on board.
Q: I want to fish for Chinook Salmon & Halibut, what length of fishing trip is most suitable?
A: Since we are mainly a Chinook Salmon & Halibut fishery, most guests combine a Chinook Salmon/Halibut trip which is an 8 hour AM adventure. Anglers can also focus strictly on Halibut in an 8 or 10 hour AM trip, or if your passion is to fish for Chinook Salmon then a 6 hour AM trip would be available. For an additional per hour fee our boats will stay out longer if available.
Q: Will there be other fishing parties on the boat besides my party?
A: No, our charters are a personalized service designed for you and your fishing party only, with an experienced skipper to give you the local know how of our area.
Q: How many people will your boats take out at one time?
A: We take from one to a maximum of four people on board a single boat. However, our four person trips are generally reserved for two couples or for families. Occasionally we will take four men on board, but this would have to be confirmed by our Reservations with the skipper in advance of confirming, and is based on a larger boat being available.
Q: What kind of fish can I expect to have the potential to catch, & when are the best fishing times?
A: February, March, & April can offer great opportunities for winter Chinook fishing in Barkley Sound. Fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing of Orca Whales, Gray Whales, Eagles, Herons, Sealions, and various species of seabirds. Combine a Fishing Trip with a Whale Watching/Nature Cruise to complete your experience.
May, June, & July offer fantastic offshore fishing for Chinook Salmon & Halibut! Fishing from 3-10 plus miles out on the beautiful Pacific Ocean and mooching or jigging for Halibut or trolling for Salmon, our goal is to try to ensure every trip is a memorable experience that will have you anticipating your next fishing adventure. Great Chinook action with sizes ranging from 15-35 pounds; hot, hot Halibut fishing with many in the 15-40 pound range and well over… is just some of the reason that many of our angler guests return more than once in a season! We have a Spring Package during May and early June that is hard to beat and is an annual favorite for many of our repeat anglers.
Late July, August, & September provide near shore fishing action that can't be beat! Test your skill & patience in pursuit of the big Chinooks, with many in the "Tyee" size of 30 plus pounds. This is a very busy time so book early to ensure availability. Many of our guests book 12 months in advance!
*SPECIAL NOTE: WITH THE HELP OF ALL PEOPLE WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO ENSURE THIS INDUSTRY'S FUTURE. WHILE THE QUEST FOR THAT "BIG FISH" SEEMS TO BE THE GOAL OF MANY ANGLERS, BE AWARE THAT THE MAJORITY OF HALIBUT OVER 60 POUNDS ARE SPAWNING FEMALES THAT WILL BE THE PRODUCERS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS, AS ARE THE LARGER SIZED LINGCOD.
WHILE IT MAY SEEM A LOT TO ASK, WE AT ISLAND WEST RESORT ENCOURAGE ANGLERS TO RELEASE THESE LARGER HALIBUT & LINGCOD WITH THE PROUD CONFIDENCE OF KNOWING THAT EVERY EFFORT MADE WILL HELP TO FURTHER ENSURE THE FUTURE OF THIS AMAZING AND WONDERFUL RESOURCE!
Q: What kind of limits can I expect for the various species of Finfish?
A: (See the Regulations area in this site www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca) While limits for most Finfish remain consistent, at times we will experience fluctuations in the quantity allowed to retain, or restricted areas where anglers are allowed to fish for certain species of Finfish. While added restrictions and restricted fishing areas are viewed by some anglers as a hindrance, Island West Fishing Resorts' strong commitment to conservation is based on the conceptual vision of a sustainable Sport Fishery that will allow our children, and their children, to enjoy this exciting pastime and valuable resource as we have in the past, and in present. This goal is highly attainable, however there is a required effort & commitment needed from all participants that use this resource, in order to build & sustain a healthy fishery.
Q: Would I have to purchase a fishing license, or is the license included in the cost of my fishing charter?
A: Your license would be an additional cost, and they can be purchased at our Marina Office. Licenses are issued for 1-day, 3-day, 5-day, or annual.
Q: Does Island West Resort cater to large groups for Accommodations & Fishing Charters?
A: Yes, we have an excellent facility that will accommodate your group of up to 18 people. This facility would be occupied only by your group. We accommodate groups larger than 18 by booking additional on site motel units, most with kitchens. Our fleet of Covered Cruisers will easily accommodate your group for fishing charters, whether your group prefers to fish 2 or 3 per boat.
MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Q: Does your Motel offer units with kitchens?
A: The majority of our rooms have kitchens with fridges, stove ovens.
Q: Does your Motel offer smoking rooms?
A: Yes, Island West Resort has a few rooms that are designated as smoking.
Q: Does your Motel allow pets in the rooms?
A: Yes, we are a pet friendly Resort with Pet Designated rooms. All pets must be registered at the time your reservation is made, and booking well in advance will help ensure availability. Nominal fee applies. All pet regulations must be adhered to for the comfort of our non pet owning guests.
Q: Does Island West Resort cater to large groups for Accommodations?
A: Yes. Our Waterfront Lodge is an excellent facility that accommodates groups up to 18 people.( When we book groups larger than 18, we use additional on site motel rooms with kitchen. This facility would be occupied by your group only of 4 or more. Rates vary depending on group size.
Island West Lodge has 7 bedrooms with combinations of twin, double, & queen size beds: 5 bathrooms, 1 fully equipped kitchens, a large common room with breathtaking views of the mountains and Ucluelet Harbour, a T.V. room, and a large patio deck . Just one minute away we have our "Eagles Nest Marine Pub" for all your dining needs.
RV AND MOORAGE QUESTIONS
Q: Do you have R.V.Hookups?
A: The RV Parking at Island West Marina has sites with Power, Water, and Sewer. We have a sanitation dumping station on site that is free for registered guest use. Most sites have a great mountain and/or harbour view. Sites with power have 15 amp service, which precludes the use of rooftop heaters and air conditioners (and who needs them in our temperate climate) and also limits the use of multiple appliances being used at the same time. We suggest advance reservations as we have a limited amount of sites and many are booked up to a year in advance. Some of our sites overlook our Marina, of particular interest to those bringing your own vessel.
Q: Does your facility have good areas for tenting?
A: While we have many return tenters, we find our sites more suited to RVs.
Q: My boat is 32' in length, is your marina able to accommodate a boat that big?
A: Yes, our Marina can accommodate boats up to 40' in length, depending on availability. When reserving for any boat moorage, it is imperative to tell the Reservations desk the OVERALL length of the vessel, including bow sprits, swim platforms or extended outboards etc…This will insure that you are not placed in one of our slips designed for boats under 22'.
Q: Does your marina offer shore power and potable water?
A: Yes, our marina does offer limited slips with shore power at a nominal charge per day. Potable water is also available on the docks and at three sites on the outside of the Marina building. We have a boat cleaning area as well, conveniently located beside the boat ramp, and close to the fish cleaning tables.
Q: What if I want to pay in USA funds?
A: We welcome payments made in Canadian or USA dollars, as well as mastercard, Visa and Debit. USA cash rate is posted at our cash registers throughout the resort, and varies with the market fluctuations. The rate of exchange when you use credit cards is set by your credit card company and bank. You can check with them before leaving the USA to get a good idea of what you can expect.