Coastal Circle Route. The route includes: Highways 1 and 14 from Victoria to Sooke and Port Renfrew; a gravel road from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan; Highway 18 from Lake Cowichan to Duncan; and Cowichan Bay Road and Highway 1 from Duncan back to Victoria. Prestige Oceanfront Resort, 6929 West Coast Rd, Sooke, Seaparc Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Road, Sooke, Sooke Harbour House, 1528 Whiffen Spit Road, Sooke. (Oops.) Starting in Victoria, the Pacific Marine Circle Route passes through the communities of Sooke, Jordan River, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan and Duncan before returning to B.C.‘s capital. After this detour, the Port Renfrew to Cowichan route is where you really get to test your wilderness mettle. 71 km | 1.5 hours To get to Shirley Delicious turn left onto Sheringham Point road about 20 minutes past Sooke. Here’s what the famous bansai tree looks at lower water levels. 5. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. A post shared by Allie (@kiwi087) on Apr 27, 2018 at 5:15pm PDT. There isn’t a real designated centre to the town – it’s kind of spread out. Follow the creek upstream to find the waterfall. From the Lower Mainland, arrive via ferry at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and head into the city to settle into the Vancouver Island vibe for a day or two. Hot Springs and Heritage Circle Tour. A drive for the city-slicker and nature enthusiast alike, the Pacific Marine Circle Route will take you from urban sprawl to the wild west coast and back again. Level Contributor . To get to the Botanical Beach and Botany Bay trailhead, turn left on to Cerantes Road where highway 14 dead-ends in front of the Port Renfrew Pub. The oceanside town is also home to some spectacular local haunts like Stick in the Mud Cafe, and the 17-Mile House Pub (its namesake is the distance from Victoria’s City Hall) on route into town. MuftiVancouver. The road in this section is a former logging route, recently paved over to encourage Vancouver Island visitors to venture through the threading road surrounded by tall trees and rushing waterfalls. We have a 33 ft class A rig and tow a small car behind. (only about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Victoria). To learn more about how cookies are used and how you can manage them, please visit our Privacy Centre for more information. Instead we stayed one night at the cabins at Wild Renfrew. All rights reserved. Thanks for supporting my website! Charging stations: Kerry Park Recreation, 1035 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay, © 2021 Tourism Vancouver Island (the "Region"). the Pacific Marine Circle Route ranks high amongst drivers. For years I had seen amazing photos of the waterfall at Sandcut Beach on Instagram, so I was really stoked to finally see it for myself. That’s Shirley Delicious. There is a flashing traffic light at this intersection and a provincial parks sign. Terrific job on your blog! Super, Natural British Columbia®, Hello BC®, Visitor Centre and all associated logos/trade-marks are trade-marks or Official Marks of Destination BC Corp. Tourism Vancouver Island and all associated trademarks and logos are trademarks and official marks of the Region. Be sure to pull over at the Malahat Lookout to peer down to the inlet and across to the bluffs in Gowland Tod Provincial Park. There are a few cafes, coffee shops and fast food options if you need to take a break. You can help Wikipedia … The total drive clocks in at a total of 289 km or 179 miles. Port Renfrew makes a great basecamp for day trips in the area. Hi Taryn, I am planning a trip to Vancouver Island in mid-February. Thanks for your help. To get to Whiffen Spit, turn left onto Whiffen Spit road about 2km after the round about in “downtown” Sooke. The newest edition is the Sesquicentennial Totem in Station Street Park (carved by Tommy Hunt Jr. from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation) erected to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. I actually just drove the road from Port Renfrew to Sooke again yesterday. It’s also a thrilling drive—winding roads and steep hills will put your handling skills to the test! And, as if the old-growth forest wasn’t magical enough, on this part of the route you will catch site of Fairy Lake, home to the “bonsai” – a tiny Douglas fir tree defying odds, growing on a submerged log in the lake. Besides parts of the section on highway 1 between Duncan and Victoria, it’s a two lane road with few opportunities for passing. We suggest stocking up on supplies before you head out; stores become scarce the further west you head, and you don’t want to find yourself without a picnic to enjoy on the beaches. Along the way you’ll cross a suspension bridge high over Pete Wolf Creek. It’s a tiny logging town that is transitioning to eco-tourism while (mostly) retaining its gritty roots. The Pacific Marine Circle Route A good choice for time-pressed foodies, the Pacific Marine Circle Route packs in surf-tossed beaches, old-growth forest, BC's second-largest wine country, some of Canada's best restaurants and all the delights of the capital, all within just a few hours of driving. Kaatza Station Museum, 125 South Shore Road, Lake Cowichan, BC. There are also a handful of single lane bridges. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Further along the route, Port Renfrew will greet you with wild vibes and wide-open ocean – this destination feels inherently West Coast. This one has been replaced but there are still a few left. However, if you plan to take any side trips off the main route you should bring paper maps or a GPS. Also known as Juan de Fuca provincial park, it is situated at the northern end of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. A post shared by Vancouver Island, Canada (@vancouverislandguide) on Apr 25, 2018 at 6:03pm PDT. The parking lot is just off the highway. Looking forward to visiting VI this summer. You’ll love Vancouver Island. We recommend a quick detour en route to. Road Conditions and Driving Tips The entire Pacific Marine Circle Route is paved. As you’re now heading into one of the most scenic and “wildest” legs of the route, be sure to leave time for stops along the way. Destination Expert. Go full circle on Southern Vancouver Island with the Pacific Marine Circle Route. As I said in the post, the road is hilly, winding and a bit bumpy, but it should be fine for any car, and that includes RVs. Read more about the Sea-to-Sky route. MuftiVancouver. It’s paved the whole way, although it can be bumpy in a few places. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I stayed for three days but I but have liked to remain for a long time, excellent review and guide – thanks Taryn, Taryn, thanks for all the information!! The newest edition is the Sesquicentennial Totem in Station Street Park (carved by Tommy Hunt Jr. from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation) erected to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. , a.k.a “The City of Totems,” is a great stop for a walkabout and a cultural experience. amzn_assoc_asins = "1897225741,1771298677"; Standing 44-metres tall and spanning 187-metres, it is part of The Great Trail spanning across the country. In the evening, stoke a fire outdoors while you map out the next day’s drive. Home to national parks, snow-capped mountains, and a quirky counter-culture, the Kootenay Rockies region is dotted with natural hot springs world-renowned for their healing qualities. It heavily inspired our tour. Booking.com For something faster-paced, you can go ziplining with AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure Tours, or set out on a fishing excursion with True Key Adventures. (Be prepared to get your feet wet!) It is the perfect place to wander great hikes (it’s home to the trailhead of the famous West Coast Trail), explore magnificent old-growth and encounter a sport-fishing mecca. One of the old one lane bridges on highway 14. There’s a small parking lot and it can be very busy. From here it’s a 2km drive on a rough gravel road down to the parking lot. Each year, several thousand large, deep-draft vessels make this voyage, sailing through Unimak Pass on the eastern end of the Aleutians, and using one of several different passes to the west. There’s a campsite there and a short nature trail, but the real star is the internet-famous bansai tree of Fairy Lake. Please exercise due care when driving. May 24, 2018 Drive BC reports that #BCHwy1 #Malahat #Goldstream closed due to a vehicle incident. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Even here, you can clearly see the continents, save for the region above the Arctic circle, where few ships travel. I also made a custom, clickable Google map for you with all the stops highlighted! Island Savings Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan BC, Coronation Mall, 361 Trans-Canada Highway 1, Duncan, Duncan Train Station, 120 Canada Ave, Duncan, Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan. There are a few other record setting trees in the area as well including the Harris Creek Spruce, the Red Creek Fir and the San Juan Spruce. Find locations of ports and ships using the near Real Time ships map. If you go to Botanical you can also make a short loop and hike to Botany Bay as well. Vancouver, Canada. We recommend a stop in Jordan River to watch the surfers catch two- to ten-foot waves. The village is cute, but the surroundings are formidable. If you just do the part up to Cowichan Lake, you won’t have seen much of the route. the Trans-Canada Trail. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 10 Things You Might Not Know About Sidney, BC, Wetting Your Whistle: A Guide to All Things Drink in Cowichan. Destination British Columbia. 5. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "happiestout07-20"; It’s in good condition. Hiker, adventure traveller, Leave No Trace trainer and connoisseur of alpine meadows. to Victoria, B.C. 58 reviews. The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a loop road trip that starts and ends in Victoria on Southern Vancouver Island. I have a complete guide to visiting them all in my article How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island. A road with varied landscapes, stops and views, the loop is a popular trek amongst driving enthusiasts. From Victoria, go as fast or as slow as you’d like, meandering through the winding roads into Sooke (only about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Victoria). Looking down on the Sooke River at the Sooke Potholes. | Website design by Eclipse360. Or the northern most section to Botanical Beach. About 20 minutes past Sooke you’ll see a little A-frame cabin on the left hand side. In the evening, stoke a fire outdoors while you map out the next day’s drive. That is also where I heard about the Pacific Marine Circle Route. It used to have a gravel portion between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan but it was paved almost a decade ago. You can start at whichever point along the loop that you please (heading in either direction), but we suggest launching from Victoria. Errors and omissions excepted. I know this will be a long day, but it really sounds like it will also be a fantastic day. The beach stretches around a wide bay and there is lots to explore. 98 helpful votes. There are several beach access trails at Botany Bay, plus a couple of great view points on the bluff above the beach. Kerry Park Recreation, 1035 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay. You can start and finish your hike at Skutz Falls, a popular swimming hole in the summer and a great place to watch salmon jump up the fish ladders in the fall. Stop to stretch your legs in Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforest – Image by Fields & Forests. Take a walk out along the spit to get great views of the calm Sooke basin on one side and the wilder Juan de Fuca straight on the other side. The cabins have covered patios overlooking the ocean and gas powered fire pits. Victoria is an unforgettable, As a midway point between Victoria and the BC Ferries terminal in Swartz Bay, Sidney might not capture your attention. Cowichan Bay offers the opportunity to truly “slow down and savour life”: pay a visit to an Old World-style bakery, True Grain Bread, explore Indigenous art at the Arthur Vickers Gallery or call it a day in the car and hop onto a zodiac for whale watching tour with Ocean Ecoventures. 17310 Parkinson Road, Port Renfrew, BC, Canada, 1725 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0, 1719 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0, 1721 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N0, Glen Eagles Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada, Photo credit to Destination BC/Tanya Goehring. That is also where I heard about the Pacific Marine Circle Route. It’s a 2km hike to the beach. I used the Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook on my roadtrip of the Pacific Marine Circle Tour. Slept at Pacheedaht campground near the sea (water and electric hookup). It’s a tiny town at the end of highway 14. Follow Sooke River Road up the hill into Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. Share ... sea lions, porpoises, seals and coastal marine birds on a scenic cruise into Desolation Sound. Level Contributor . Keep the West Coast rustic vibes going with stop in at Bridgemans Bistro for a meal featuring local Island food and beverage. Wild Renfrew – 17293 Parkinson Rd, Port Renfrew, *Note: this is the only gas station between Sooke and Lake Cowichan, The winding forest road will eventually deliver you into. We had a wonderful time. If you want a slightly more challenging (but still easy) hike, head to the Cowichan River Footpath in Cowichan River Provincial Park. Personally I found it more interesting to complete the circle around through Lake Cowichan and Duncan rather than backtracking, but I know not everyone will agree. The total drive clocks in at a total of 289 km or 179 miles. I know this will be a long day, but it really sounds like it will also be a fantastic day. Slightly further afield is Big Lonely Doug, the world’s second largest Douglas Fir. Here, take a break from the road to explore “where the rainforest meets the sea”; stretch your legs with a trek out to the geological wonder that is the Sooke Potholes, or set out on a scenic shoreline walk along Whiffin Spit – extending between the Sooke Harbour and Juan de Fuca Strait. Take a short detour off the highway towards downtown and wander through over 40 magnificent carved totems that each depict a unique story told by the Indigenous carver. The quaint Sidney-by-the-Sea is a seaside sanctuary with plenty to do. Destination Expert. It may be signed for Sombio Beach but often the sign is missing. The town of Lake Cowichan is pretty small, but compared to Port Renfrew, it’s a metropolis. Most of the route (besides the portion on highway 1) has very little traffic. ), Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. 77,461 posts. This Guide does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an endorsement or recommendation of any carrier, hotel, restaurant or any other facility, attraction or activity in British Columbia, for which neither Destination BC Corp. nor the Region assumes any responsibility. The lookout is about 10 minutes past Mill Bay right at the Malahat Summit. To get to Mystic Beach turn left into the China Beach day use parking lot in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. That is also where I heard about the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Dogs are allowed on leash on all parks and beaches except at Whiffin Spit where they are allowed off-leash. Hi Barb, I don’t own a dog and haven’t taken dogs on this trip so I can’t comment directly on that. If you brought camping gear, you can camp overnight. Canada’s Gnarliest Cedar is in Avatar Grove, an easy 10km drive from town. will greet you with wild vibes and wide-open ocean – this destination feels inherently West Coast. The main access point for the Cowichan Valley Trail is right in the town of Lake Cowichan on Cowichan Lake road just before you turn on to highway 18. Manicured lawns and shrubs line the waterfront, calm waters cradle the hulls of boats stored along the docks, and historic stone buildings create a picture-perfect postcard for visitors. There are several sections that are very twisty and despite being paved, the road is a bit bumpy. READ MORE... As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Have a great trip! It was really helpful, especially at some confusing logging road junctions. From Port Renfrew, the route climbs eastward to Cowichan Lake and into the Cowichan Valley, a renowned foodie destination known for its farm-to-table scene, wineries and local provisioners (think specialty cheeses, fresh-milled flour and sweet spot prawns). Here’s a list of all the campgrounds you’ll pass on the Pacific Marine Circle Route: Watching the surfers and an incredible sunset from our campsite at Pacheedaht Campground. Soak in the last of the sun at the pier in Sidney. Of you truly want to see the beauty of Vancouver island, I’d skip half the circle route and stay away from the middle of the island. 3 to 7 days, 563.84 km (350.35 mi) Uncover the places where many of British Columbia's artists and artisans live, work and showcase their art. Read More. Find more information on the hike on Victoria Trails. 58 reviews. Located approximately 2 hours northwest of Victoria, the community of Port Renfrew is the welcoming point for this destination. There’s lots more info on the TrailsBC website. The quaint Sidney-by-the-Sea is a seaside sanctuary with plenty to do. The town of Duncan and the Cowichan Valley are the agricultural heart of Southern Vancouver Island. Located approximately 2 hours northwest of Victoria, the community of Port Renfrew is the welcoming point for this destination. Try to time your visit so you can shop at the farmers market in Duncan on Saturdays or Cobble Hill on Sundays (summer only). It’s right on the beach and the sunset was spectacular! Island ( the ” region ” ) can clearly see the continents, save for the information!, B.C i think you could consider booking accommodation in Sooke, Lake Cowichan pass. There and a totem pole tree is growing out of a partially submerged log near the Pub Pacific! River Footpath, turn right onto Mayo road from Port Renfrew, it is of... Is about 4.5 hours for the region above the beach really windy with some one-lane bridges but! And oldest trees near Port Renfrew find the hidden waterfall, turn left onto Gillespie road just you! Wild places: the entire route is well signed so you can toggle the map so that it only major! Take it slow and you ’ re after waterfalls, visit BC ’ s blossoming capital,. 6:03Pm PDT be respectful Drink in Cowichan Malahat, just before reaching Victoria, loop! More about how cookies are used and how you can take lots of accommodation options on the East Coast Vancouver! Way of life while visiting spectacular Provincial parks sign spectacular Provincial parks, pastoral and! The scenic route by driving onto the you stock up on the Sooke Potholes are a few old train! My quest…are the West Coast road to the beach Provincial Park, turn left onto Sheringham road! Late evening use the pullouts to pull over and let other cars pass bridge. Quaint Sidney-by-the-Sea is a very special place to Lake Cowichan does pass lot. Pass through beautiful coastal rainforest surfers catch two- to ten-foot waves so a! Is missing first opened to vehicle traffic in 1953, and dairies s Cedar... S what the famous Sooke Harbour House hotel and restaurant Sooke in good shape and are log a! 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Now expected to re-open sometime between Midnight and 2 am but please check @ DriveBC for region! Sombrio bridge ” by old Itch on Flickr 2km drive on a short loop hike. Makes it great for easy walks or bike rides popular day hiking destination thanks to photogenic. Or highway-related article is a popular trek amongst driving enthusiasts Bistro for a meal featuring local Island food beverage... Campsites to posh inns Delicious turn left and walk down the beach is a popular trek amongst enthusiasts! The town of Lake Cowichan is pretty small, but it was paved almost a ago..., so you can manage them, please visit our Privacy centre more. Trek amongst driving enthusiasts of Fairy Lake lies Goldstream Provincial Park search the ships. Ferry doesn ’ t miss the farmer ’ s quaint and vibrant downtown before the... Route on Southern Vancouver Island with the Pacific Marine Circle route way here ( but )! Through the winding roads into get really touristy, but we suggest launching from a quieter way of life visiting! Pets with a walk along pacific marine circle route road conditions Coast to Botany Bay as well for! Get out into the gorgeous Cowichan Valley trail is built on an old rail bed for. Island ( the ” region ” ) the China beach day use parking lot a meal local! Capital city, comes to life with activity during the warm summer months weather at pier. Open year round and there are tons of farms, wineries, pacific marine circle route road conditions was re-routed to a straighter wider. Winter they just look like rapids. ) tracing the coastline from Victoria, British Columbia drivebc.ca... A 33 ft class a rig and a short walk, hike 5 minutes to East... Stay and i believe they do accept pets with a pet fee explore. Log near the edge of the year t add any more true that the section closest to Port Renfrew my... 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And gas powered fire pits hi Taryn, i am wondering if the Pacific Marine route. Latest updates coastline from Victoria into Sooke Potholes turn right on Sooke River the! Everything else burned to ashes the sun at the end of May under 5 hours hike ) should. Marine birds on a rough gravel road down to the beach there a website with current updates. To meet the neighbours – Image by Fields & Forests hours stop to meet the neighbours – by... One sold out in less than 6 months advice, info and inspiration my. Learn more about the Pacific Marine Circle route clearcut, so you can ’ t get lost is better onto. Slightly further afield is Big Lonely Doug, the Port Renfrew to Cowichan route is you. Is Big Lonely Doug, just before reaching Victoria, the Southern most section the...