Black Rock Resort Review, Ucluelet BC – About as West Coast As You Can Get

Perched above a rocky outcrop on the West Coast of Canada’s Vancouver Island sits one of the most unique hotels in the country. Set among tall fir trees and overlooking a rugged coastline, the Black Rock Resort is about as West Coast as you can get in Canada, and I got to experience it all firsthand.

I have wanted to stay at the Black Rock Resort since images of it first popped up in my feed a few years ago. It is a beautiful building with a mix of steel, wood, rocks, and crashing waves at its front steps. Well, just like my bucket list trip to Gaspé, it took a pandemic, or at least the tail end of one, to finally get there.

This is my Black Rock oceanfront resort review.

What is the Black Rock Resort Spa and Hotel?

The Black Rock Resort and Spa stands as a luxurious coastal retreat nestled on the picturesque shores of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. This stunning resort offers a perfect blend of rugged natural beauty and contemporary elegance. Boasting breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the resort features upscale accommodations, ranging from spacious guest rooms to lavish suites, all designed to provide comfort and relaxation.

The resort’s emphasis on nature and sustainability is evident in its architectural design, incorporating elements that complement the surrounding environment. The on-site spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, while the dining options showcase locally sourced ingredients, providing guests with a taste of the region’s culinary delights. With access to outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and whale watching, the Black Rock Resort and Spa offers an unforgettable coastal getaway for those seeking luxury intertwined with the tranquility of nature.

Where is the Black Rock Resort Located?

The Black Rock oceanfront resort is located in the harbor town of Ucluelet on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It’s accessible by floatplane from Vancouver and Vicotria via Tofino Air. Harbour Air offers seasonal flights to Tofino. The nearby airstrip between Tofino and Ucluelet has scheduled service by Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Although flying to Tofino or Ucluelet offers some incredible views, driving from Vancouver or Victoria is super scenic and includes great stops. The drive from Vancouver takes about five hours, including a forty-minute ferry ride to the island. From Victoria, it will take you four hours.

Along the way, you will pass notable stops and highlights, including Qualicum Beach, Coombs Old Country Market (famous for their goats on the roof), and the incredibly tall trees in Cathedral Grove.

Note: At the time of writing this, there is a short stretch on Highway 4 that is under heavy construction. To allow for blasting, the road is often closed at scheduled times. Please consult the Tofino Tourism page for the latest details.

Black Rock Resort Spa and Hotel Rates

The Black Rock Resort Spa and Hotel rates vary based on the type of accommodation and the season. Typically, room rates at the Black Rock Resort start from around $200 to $500 or more per night, depending on factors such as room type, view, and availability. Suites and oceanfront rooms often have higher rates. Package deals, promotions, and seasonal discounts might also influence the rates.

What Amenities and Services Does The Black Rock Resort Have?

The Black Rock Resort has a massive footprint yet is purposely discrete. The property consists of the main lodge, a stunning feat of architecture built into the shoreline, and several cabin suites surrounding it. The cabin suites are tucked between the massive trees, and most offer ocean views.

The main lodge is the property’s hub and includes a lounge, restaurant, Black Rock Resort spa, ballroom, gym, and picture-perfect outdoor pools.

Black Rock Resort Spa and Pools

Overlooking the crashing waves, the Black Rock Resort features a hot tub and a small plunge pool. The latter brought some welcomed relief to the heat on our visit.

Overlooking the pool area is Drift Spa. Unfortunately, the spa was completely booked on my visit, so I could not check it out. Looking at their menu, there are many soothing services available. Paired with its outdoor pool and hot tubs just steps away, I can only imagine how relaxing a time it would be.

There’s also a decent-sized gym on-site for those looking to sweat a little while on holiday.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Review – Dining

The Black Rock Resort features a lounge and a restaurant, separated by a surge channel in the middle of the property. Currents is a 90-seat eatery with amazing sunset views. The Big Beach Bar & Lounge overlooks nearby Big Beach. The menu at each is Westcoast, and, on my visit, only the Currents menu was being offered. As pandemic restrictions lift further, this should change.

Parking

Parking at the Black Rock Resort is free of charge and ample. There are two J1172 EV chargers free for registered guests to use.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Review – Suites

The Black Rock Resort guestrooms are divided into Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom Adjoining, and Premium.

On my visit, I stayed in a massive two-bedroom trail suite. This room features a full kitchen, a separate living room with a pullout couch, fireplace, rain shower, in-room jetted tub (in-room hot tubs are all the rage these days), heated tiles, and an expansive deck with amazing ocean views.

Although the suite sleeps six, the extra space was welcome as both Erin and I worked out of this room for one day. We found plenty of space to take our calls and work comfortably.

Aside from the views, having a full kitchen is a nice touch and makes for a great place to bunker down for a winter storm. Appliances are from Miele and include a convection oven/microwave, dishwasher, and fridge. We were visiting in the summer during a record heatwave, so cooking was not in our best interest. Charcuterie boards, beer, and enjoying it with sunset views certainly were.

My morning routine over the three days was one of my favorite things about the hotel. There was no alarm clock, just the sound of waves, birds, and wind in the trees to wake me up. I then took advantage of the in-room Nespresso machine and made my way to the balcony with a book and a Nanaimo Bar. Little reading was done as I found the end of my coffee cup without turning a page; instead, I took in the truly stunning scenery the hotel offers.

Sleeping to the sounds of the crashing waves was another highlight. At home, I have a Google Home bedtime routine, which includes sounds of the ocean to fall asleep to. We joked as, at one point, I caught myself asking Google to stop 🤦‍♂️ .

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort Review – The Not-so-Good

Space, views, and nature more than make up for some of the guestroom shortcomings. That said, there are some things to be aware of for your visit. For one, the rooms have no air conditioners. There is a portable fan and a cool ocean breeze; however, air conditioning would be nice during a heatwave.

That said, in normal “wet coast“ weather, the Black Rock Resort would be the coziest place in Canada. Our waitress at Currents commented on the heat, saying last year, she did not wear shorts once. Under normal circumstances, I envision curling up with a book and hot drink in front of the fireplace while watching the massive waves crash on the black rocks below.

Another downfall was the room seemed a bit in disrepair. Cracks in the ceiling, stains on the carpet, and overall empty decor were surprising. Our bed was also dated. It was so worn that we literally slept in separate crevices in the mattress.

We are just coming out of a pandemic that wrecked the travel industry. Maintaining a place as large as the Black Rock Resort is no small feat, so I expect better days ahead.

What Is There To See and Do Near the Black Rock Resort?

Although the Black Rock resort is a destination of its own, several sites and activities are within a short stroll or drive.

Wild Pacific Trail

There is no shortage of places to take a stroll in Ucluelet. In fact, from the doorstep of the Black Rock, you can beach comb your way to two beaches or hop on the Wild Pacific Trail. This coastal trail is described as “a meditation with nature.” After a few steps in, it’s easy to see why. Beaches, bogs, bald eagles, and even whales in the distance can all be viewed along the Wild Pacific Trail.

A little further south and on the tip of the peninsula, the Wild Pacific Trail does a loop, passing by Amphitrite Point Lighthouse. This is a great spot to take in a sunset or evening stroll.

Ucluelet Harbour

Kayak rentals, whale-watching tours, and fishing charters are available to book and depart from here. There’s also Ucluelet Brewing, which has a beautiful patio overlooking the harbor.

Pacific Rim National Park

A short ride up the highway and in between Ucluelet and Tofino, you will find the Pacific Rim National Park. This is home to some seriously long stretches of sand and is Canada’s best surfing destination.

Tofino

Located 40 km north of Ucluelet, Tofino is slightly larger and more touristy. Although that means more crowds, it also means plenty of dining options. Recommendations here include Rhino Coffee, Tofino Brewing, Wolf in the Fog, and The Shed. Tacofino is a must-stop on your way in or out of town.

Rest Easy at the Black Rock Resort Spa and Hotel

Despite visiting during a heatwave and in rooms that could use some TLC, the Black Rock is an incredible retreat. Relaxing here is a given thanks to its rugged views, beautiful architecture, and rainforest setting. I look forward to returning during the winter storm season to really put that coziness to the test!

Stay tuned for my full three-day itinerary of things to see, do, eat, and drink in Ucluelet, a nearby Tofino!

What say you?
Thoughts on the Black Rock Resort?

For more reviews from Canada and beyond, see HERE.

— Black Rock Resort on Instagram —

Although I was provided with a complimentary stay, the experience, opinions, and ocean-sound relaxation are my own.