Sightseeing
Easy hike with access to the ocean. Be sure to check out the tide pools! Low tide is the best time to visit.
In winter this can be a spectacular spot to watch big waves. Go along the trail a bit and you'll see what we mean. But please be careful! If a big swell is happening, stay in the tree line. It may not look like it, but the waves will come right up and over the rocks on a big day!
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Botanical Beach Provincial Park
Easy hike with access to the ocean. Be sure to check out the tide pools! Low tide is the best time to visit.
In winter this can be a spectacular spot to watch big waves. Go along the trail a bit and you'll see what we mean. But please be careful! If a big swell is happening, stay in the tree line. It may not look like it, but the waves will come right up and over the rocks on a big day!
Parkinson Creek Trailhead
A great spot to access the ocean from. Moderate hike. More tide pools!
A unique spot to visit. A high clearance 4x4 is necessary, the road is rough. Or park before the bridge and walk in. This Douglas Fir was saved from logging in the middle of a clear cut. Its become a symbol of forest preservation and it is truly amazing to see.
https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/learn-more/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
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Big Lonely Doug
A unique spot to visit. A high clearance 4x4 is necessary, the road is rough. Or park before the bridge and walk in. This Douglas Fir was saved from logging in the middle of a clear cut. Its become a symbol of forest preservation and it is truly amazing to see.
https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/learn-more/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
An old growth forest grove saved from logging. Huge cedars and not to difficult to drive to, just go slow.
https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/learn-more/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
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Avatar Grove
An old growth forest grove saved from logging. Huge cedars and not to difficult to drive to, just go slow.
https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/learn-more/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
Wild Renfrew Whale Watching
17293 Parkinson RdSee Grey, Humpback, and Orca in our local waters.
In the land of big trees, go see the biggest. High clearance vehicle recommended.
https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/learn-more/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
Red Creek Fir - the world's largest Douglas Fir tree
In the land of big trees, go see the biggest. High clearance vehicle recommended.
https://www.ancientforestalliance.org/learn-more/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
If you visit during the summer and need a break from the heat, go for a swim in Lizard Lake. It is a beautiful mountain lake and not hard to get to. Excellent for canoeing also. The road is paved all and it is well signed.
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Lizard Lake
If you visit during the summer and need a break from the heat, go for a swim in Lizard Lake. It is a beautiful mountain lake and not hard to get to. Excellent for canoeing also. The road is paved all and it is well signed.
The Fairy Lake tree. Known to everyone in town. In the land of big trees, this little one still has what it takes.
Fairy Lake Bonsai Tree
Pacific Marine RoadThe Fairy Lake tree. Known to everyone in town. In the land of big trees, this little one still has what it takes.
The last intact Old Growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island. Activists are fighting to save it from logging right now. Visit, and help our efforts to save this pristine wilderness. Getting there will take planning. Prepare and travel safely.
Fairy Creek Old Growth Forest
The last intact Old Growth valley on Southern Vancouver Island. Activists are fighting to save it from logging right now. Visit, and help our efforts to save this pristine wilderness. Getting there will take planning. Prepare and travel safely.
Sombrio Beach
Our most visited beach year round.
Just a 2 minute drive from the cabin, or a short walk if you prefer. Spend the day at Big Beach. Enjoy the sunshine and a beach fire or storm watch in the winter. Be careful when the swell is big in winter time!
To get here just go back along the highway and go left at the fire station. Cross the bridge and on the left is a parking lot. You can walk to the beach from here.
Pacheedaht beach
Pachidah RoadJust a 2 minute drive from the cabin, or a short walk if you prefer. Spend the day at Big Beach. Enjoy the sunshine and a beach fire or storm watch in the winter. Be careful when the swell is big in winter time!
To get here just go back along the highway and go left at the fire station. Cross the bridge and on the left is a parking lot. You can walk to the beach from here.
The Juan de Fuca Trail is accessible from many spots along Hwy. 14. Be prepared, but many of these hikes are moderate day trips all with access to the ocean.
https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/juan_de_fuca/jdf_map.pdf?v=1617053278706
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Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead (Southeast / China Beach Terminus)
British Columbia 14The Juan de Fuca Trail is accessible from many spots along Hwy. 14. Be prepared, but many of these hikes are moderate day trips all with access to the ocean.
https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/juan_de_fuca/jdf_map.pdf?v=1617053278706
Food scene
Coastal Kitchen Cafe
17245 Parkinson RdA local favorite.
Right close to the cabin. Great spot for a simple breakfast, cup of coffee or ice cream.
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Tomi's Home Style Cooking
17152 Parkinson RdRight close to the cabin. Great spot for a simple breakfast, cup of coffee or ice cream.
Great pub for dinner or a beer. A favorite of mine, especially the deck in the summer!
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The Renfrew Pub
17310 Parkinson RdGreat pub for dinner or a beer. A favorite of mine, especially the deck in the summer!
Sit by the marina and enjoy a nice meal. Bring a warm layer though. Its partly inside/outside style dining, but they do have heaters.
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Bridgemans West Coast Eatery
17110 Parkinson RdSit by the marina and enjoy a nice meal. Bring a warm layer though. Its partly inside/outside style dining, but they do have heaters.
Cold Shoulder Cafe
11950 W Coast RdThis is where we all hang out. See you there sometime!
Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria and Market
2908 Tieulie PlPizza!
Local general store which can provide most basics. Keep in mind Port Renfrew is remote and stock can vary. Be sure to check the freezer for "Glenwood Meats"
san juan market
Parkinson RoadLocal general store which can provide most basics. Keep in mind Port Renfrew is remote and stock can vary. Be sure to check the freezer for "Glenwood Meats"
Local First Nations business selling high quality local seafood!
https://authenticindigenousseafood.ca/fisheries/seafoam-seafoods/
Seafoam Seafoods
17296 Parkinson RoadLocal First Nations business selling high quality local seafood!
https://authenticindigenousseafood.ca/fisheries/seafoam-seafoods/
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Pacific Marine Circle Route, a short trip to Lake Cowichan!
Take a day trip to Lake Cowichan. It's less than an hours drive from Port Renfrew. You'll see wilderness and logging country. Some beautiful rivers too. Spend the day at the lake in Lake Cowichan.
Here are useful links about the route. Its a great drive in all directions!
https://www.hellobc.com/road-trips/pacific-marine-circle-route/
https://www.tourismcowichan.com/blog/pacific-marine-route/