Port Renfrew is a very special place with lots of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Overlooking the ocean and mountains our home gives easy access to wonderful beaches and spectacular old growth forests. This friendly area is a treat for nature lovers and is the perfect place for exciting activities or deep relaxation.

“Hard to describe just how gorgeous Port Renfrew and the surrounding area really is.”

Kristopher, 🇺🇸 Sammamish, WA, USA

Things to Do

Beaches

Among the main attractions of the area are the numerous West Coast beaches including the beautiful local Port Renfrew Pacheedat Beach.  The route from Victoria to Port Renfrew brings you past a range of beaches, each special in their own way.  Highlights include China Beach (35km West of Sooke and the start of the Juan de Fuca Trail), French Beach Provincial Park, Jordan River, Mystic Beach, Sombrio Beach (trailhead for the Juan de Fuca Trail), and Botanical Beach.

Arriving from Nanaimo the route winds past numerous lakes and forests.  Leaving the highway at Duncan takes you into the winery region of the Cowichan Valley.  After passing Lake Cowichan and Mesachie Lake the route climbs over the mountain passes and through the forestry plantations before dropping down to Lizard Lake, Pixie Lake and Fairy Lake.

Hiking

Juan de Fuca Marine Trail connects Port Renfrew and China Beach near Jordan River.  The whole trail is a strenuous multi-day (six days is recommended if backpacking – camping fees apply) hike in this rugged and isolated area.  Some easy to moderate day hiking opportunities to the beach or along the trail are available from the main car accessible trail heads at China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Botanical Beach or from the intermediate trail heads at Mysic Beach, Bear Beach, Magdalena Point, and China Beach near Port Renfrew.  

The West Coast Trail is a 75km backpacking trail built in 1907 as the Dominion Lifesaving Trail to provide access to rescue shipwrecked survivors along the formidable coast, sometimes known as the ‘Graveyard of the Pacific’.  The trail is now one of the world’s top rated hiking trails.  open from May 1 to September 30 and requires reservations to be made through Parks Canada Reservation Service.  The West Coast Trail is a rugged multi-day hike that connects Bamfield with Port Renfrew.  It can be travelled in either direction but is extremely rugged and requires a high level of fitness and hiking/backpacking experience.

Surfing

Port Renfrew has excellent surfing opportunities at local Pacheedaht Beach other nearby locations.   Information about weather and surf conditions is available at Magic Seaweed with nearby Jordan River a featured surf spot.

Adventure

Check out the activities available at the Wild Renfrew Adventure Centre.  Ask for Adam and enjoy guided tours and equipment rentals.

Boat trips

Ask at the Pacific Gateway Marina about fishing charters and other boat hire options.

Storm Watching

We have the perfect place to watch the drama of West Coast storms in comfort.  Magic Seaweed has information for storm tracking.

Tall Tree Music Festival

This event happens in June  talltreemusicfestival.com

Places to go

Avatar Grove

Named in reference to the fantastical forest of the movie Avatar this recently discovered stand of ancient trees is itself wonderful to experience. Paths laid out by the Ancient Forest Alliance take you to significant trees including ‘Canada’s Gnarliest Tree’ (it is pretty gnarly) and lets you get close to these magnificent giants in their natural ecosystem.

A short drive from Port Renfrew there are easy and more strenuous routes both up and down from parking on the road.  Many of the routes are suitable for children and all people on foot, please wear sensible footwear.

Avatar Grove is magnificent in all seasons.

Botanical Beach

This beach is a dreamy place where the forest meets the ocean. At low tide a treasure trove of rock pools is revealed giving access to fish and sea creatures of all sorts. Please observe and do not touch these animals.

Walks through the forest and along the beach make this secluded spot accessible.

Pacheedaht Beach

This is the local beach of Port Renfrew owned by the native band.  Tucked in between two river estuaries this beach is a unusual combination of driftwood, pebbles and sand.

There are camp sites all along the tree line and walking routes through the forest and along the beach.

The view from the beach is directly out of Renfrew Bay to the Pacific and it is the prefect spot from which to watch the sunsets.

Eagle Reach can be seen from the beach and vice versa.

Where to Eat

Bridgemans on the Breakwater

This new food outlet on the Pacific Gateway Marina is a real gem.  Catering to the early morning fishing charters it is also open for a friendly welcome and good food at other times of the day.  Easily accessible via the steps near to Eagle Reach enjoy good food while watching the wildlife and activity of the new marina.

The Renfrew Pub

The local pub in Port Renfrew is a treat. The old building is spacious and the staff are friendly and welcoming. There is a great menu on offer and food and drinks can be enjoyed from the excellent patio overlooking the water. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening. Take out also available. Check locally for opening times.

The Coastal Kitchen Cafe

This friendly cafe offers a good ranges of hot and cold fare. Wonderful breakfasts are table served here and it is a meeting place for many visitors. Refurbished over the 2016-17 off season the newly fitted restaurant is well worth a visit. You may even become a regular.

Tomi’s

The place for breakfast sandwiches of delight. Friendly counter service with seating inside and outdoors. This is a good place for a quick pick up before heading out and is conveniently located just on the main road at the bottom of Baird Road, a five minute walk for Eagle Reach.

Driftwood Donuts

Try Francine’s delicious fresh delights at Driftwood Donuts now located at the gas station.