Port Renfrew, Canada: Planning Your Way to an Unforgettable Experience
When to Visit
We’ve been to Renfrew several times for long weekends in both the spring and the fall and experienced some spectacular sunsets, rainbows, and beaches. Port Renfrew is a tiny town known for its beaches, fishing and hiking (many people visit in order to access the West Coast Trail). Just two hours from Victoria it is a great place to unwind, especially since there is little to no cell service. Bring your surf board as it’s fun to paddle or surf from Pacheedaht Beach.
Weather
You never know what kinds of west coast weather you might get so pack for a little bit of everything and plan for a couple of amazing storms if you visiting outside of the summer months. Last time we stayed at Wild Renfrew in the fall they came and boarded up the glass railings on the deck (but all turned out fine). These storms often give way to rainbows and sunshine so you may need to plan your exploring accordingly.
Getting There
You can access Port Renfrew from two directions along the Pacific Marine Route. If you are making your way from Victoria through Sooke, Shirley and Jordan River it is a 2 hour drive depending on traffic (about 110kms). Another option is to come from Duncan via Lake Cowichan a 1.5 hour drive (about 90kms). The drive is stunning with ocean vistas, forests, and beaches. The roads are windy and not always in the best repair, snow tires are required in the winter months and there is little to no cell reception-but that’s what makes it an adventure.
Location, Location, Location
Types of Accommodations
There are a few options for where to stay depending on what you are looking for. Here are a few favourites that we’ve tried:
- Pacheedaht Campground, which sits on a beautiful stretch of beach. Some sites offer power and water.
- Fish Tales Cottage
- A four-bedroom house with beautiful views from both levels. This house had everything we needed, a full kitchen, laundry, deck with a BBQ and an outdoor fireplace for roasting marshmallows. It had lots of space for our group of eight and was very reasonable.
- Wild Renfrew
- The kids thought it was exciting to drive right out onto the pier to our cottage. We rented a two-bedroom cottage with a small kitchen, a deck and fireplace overlooking the ocean and a beach with beautiful shale stone. The sunsets from the pier are fantastic and the Renfrew Pub has great food. Stays at Wild Renfrew are on the higher end but well worth a visit during the quieter storm season.
Getting Around
If you want to explore the nearby beaches and hikes you will need a vehicle.
Day Trips
Spend the day wondering around Botanical Beach Provincial Park or head out to Avatar Grove to check out Canada’s gnarliest tree and then stop by and see Big Lonely Doug. Be sure to check out this book if you want to learn more about the area and its history with logging.
