The ultimate guide to Vancouver Island’s Pacific Marine Circle Route

Vancouver Island is one of my favourite road trip destinations in British Columbia. It is home to wild beaches, old-growth rainforests, snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes. The great thing about the island is that you don’t have to drive far to get off the beaten path and experience these rugged landscapes. The Pacific Marine Circle Route is one of the best road trips on Vancouver Island. This 289 km loop follows the southern coastline of the island, from Victoria to Port Renfrew, before veering north up to Cowichan Valley and back down to Victoria. 

This scenic drive will take you to some of the best places on Vancouver Island and is a great way to see a lot in a short space of time. To help you explore the Pacific Marine Circle Route for yourself, I’ve put together a comprehensive 3-day road trip itinerary. You will also find optional add-ons in case you want to extend your trip, driving tips, suggestions on where to stay, and more!

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PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE ROUTE: VICTORIA TO PORT RENFREW AND COWICHAN VALLEY

There are so many wonderful things to see and do on Southern Vancouver Island. The drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew and up through Cowichan Valley is a great way to experience this beautiful region. You could easily spend a week exploring all the stops along the way but the nice thing about this route is that you can cover a lot in 3 days.

My boyfriend and I both work full time during the week so we’re always looking for trips we can squeeze into a weekend. This 3-day Victoria to Port Renfrew and Cowichan Valley itinerary is ideal if you’re travelling over a long weekend or have a Friday or Monday off work. If you do have more time, I’ve included some suggestions on how to extend this road trip later in the blog post. 

Before we jump in, here are some important things to know about the Pacific Marine Circle Route to help you plan your trip.

Pacific Marine Circle Route Overview

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a 289 km (179-mile) loop around Southern Vancouver Island, starting and ending in British Columbia’s vibrant capital, Victoria. You could drive the whole route in one day; however, there are lots of amazing places to see along the way so most people do it over 3 days. This way you can take your time and stop at the wild beaches, explore some of the rugged coastal trails, and sample local wines at Cowichan’s award-winning vineyards,

You can drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route in either direction. We did a clockwise loop so this itinerary will go from Victoria to Port Renfrew to Cowichan Valley and back to Victoria.

• Day 1: Victoria to Port Renfrew (111 km/ 69 miles)
• Day 2: Port Renfrew to Cowichan Bay (100 km/ 62 miles)
• Day 3: Cowichan Bay to Victoria (55 km/ 34 miles)

Below you’ll find an itinerary map for the Pacific Marine Circle Route which features pins for each day’s scenic stops, hiking trails and places to eat. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title and use it to help gauge daily driving distances.

How to get to Victoria, BC

BY FERRY

There are a few different ferry routes to the island depending on where you’re travelling from:

• Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay): From Vancouver, take the ferry from Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal. Once you get off the ferry, it’s a short drive to Victoria via Highway 17 (Patricia Bay Highway). The whole trip usually takes around 3 hours.  
• Port Angeles (Washington) to Victoria (Inner Harbour): If you’re coming from Washington or Oregon, you can hop over to Vancouver Island from Port Angeles via the Black Ball Ferry. You’ll arrive into Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
• Seattle (Pier 69 Downtown) to Victoria (Inner Harbour): This is a lovely and relaxing way to get to Victoria. The ferry departs from downtown Seattle and arrives into the Belleville Terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour in less than 3 hours.

Travel tip

If you’re planning to take the ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling on a long weekend. You don’t have to pay the full amount right away. You can opt to pay the small reservation fee which secures your spot and pay the rest on the day. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure otherwise your reservation will be released.

BY AIR

For those coming from further away, I’d recommend flying into Victoria and renting a car. I always use Skyscanner to find reasonable rates on flights.

You can hire a car from Victoria airport once you arrive. I personally use Auto Europe for car rentals as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good.

Pacific Marine Circle Route driving conditions and tips

The entire Pacific Marine Circle Route is paved and the roads are genuinely very good. There are some bumpy sections on the way from Victoria to Port Renfrew and then out to Cowichan Valley so take it slowly. As you drive through from Sooke to Port Renfrew, there are some sharp bends and the road is quite windy. You can do this road trip in a 2 wheel drive (2WD) but if you want to venture out to Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew, you may need a 4WD with high clearance.

Some parts of the route are quite remote and you will lose cell coverage. I found that I didn’t have any service between Sooke and Lake Cowichan. The route is well signed but I recommend downloading offline maps or taking a physical one with you just in case. 

Make sure you stock up on groceries before you set off, either in Victoria or Sooke, because there aren’t many stores from Sooke until Cowichan Valley. There is a small general store in Port Renfrew but the selection is limited. The same applies for gas. Fill up in Sooke as the gas station in Port Renfrew isn’t always open and there aren’t any others until Lake Cowichan.

When is the best time to drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew and Cowichan on the Pacific Marine Circle Route?

The southern island has a sub-Mediterranean climate which means that it has some of the mildest weather in Canada. As a result, it’s a great place to visit all year round and each season offers a different experience. 

In spring, the weather is beginning to warm up and the region is fairly dry. Summer is the best time to visit for outdoor activities. The weather is lovely and warm with little rain so it’s an ideal time for hiking and cycling. It’s also a great time to see migratory whales as they make their way through the waters of the Salish Sea and the North Pacific. However the downside is that it can be very busy and accommodation can be more expensive so you’ll need to book in advance to get the best prices.

Fall is a gorgeous time to do the Pacific Marine Circle Route as the trees change colour making the drive really magical. It can get quite chilly in the evening and you should expect more rain so pack accordingly. I would avoid doing this road trip in winter as the weather can be a bit unpredictable. As I mentioned earlier, some of the route takes you through remote areas without service so if the weather took a turn for the worst, you could get stranded.

PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE ROUTE: 3-DAY ITINERARY

This is quite a jam-packed itinerary so you’ll need to arrive the night before or very early on day one in order to fit everything in. When we did this trip we arrived Thursday after work, stayed overnight in Victoria, and got up early on Friday to start the drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew.

Pacific Marine Circle Route Day 1: Victoria to Port Renfrew

Wake up early, grab some breakfast, and get ready for a busy day of exploring beaches, waterfalls and coastal trails! Once you’ve fuelled up for the day, it’s time to start the scenic drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew. I suggest stocking up on food and supplies before you set off on the Pacific Marine Circle Route. The drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew will take you through some remote areas and you’ll go a while without passing any stores or services. If you have time, pack a picnic in a cooler for the day so you enjoy lunch on one of the beaches.   

First Stop: Sooke

The small town of Sooke is the first stop on your way from Victoria to Port Renfrew. Take Highway 1 north and then travel west for 45 minutes along Highway 14 to Sooke.

Known as the place where “the rainforest meets the sea”, Sooke offers plenty of opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature. It has an abundance of wildlife and endless outdoor activities – I honestly think it’s one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets! Stretch your legs at East Sooke Regional Park. Spanning over 3,500 acres, the park has over 50 km of hiking trails ranging from easy hikes like Creyke Point to the challenging East Sooke Coast Trail.

Jump back in the car and drive to one of Vancouver Island’s geological wonders, Sooke Potholes. Located in Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, these aqua-green natural pools are carved into Sooke River’s bedrock. You can walk along the Riverside Trail which has beautiful views of the river and canyon. The out-and-back trail is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long but you can walk as far as you want. Along the way, you’ll find marked and unmarked beaches which lead to amazing swimming holes.

Travel tip

There are three parking lots but I found that the beaches and potholes are better further up the road so aim for parking lot 3 if you can. In the summer, Sooke Potholes is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike so parking fills up quickly.

Drive into the town of Sooke and grab a coffee and take a short walk along Whiffin Spit. This small natural peninsula separates Sooke Basin and the wild waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Keep your eyes peeled for shorebirds, harbour seals, geese and herons. I have a full guide to Sooke if you want more information on the best things to do.

Second Stop: Shirley Delicious

Continue west along Highway 14 for 20 minutes until you pass Shirley Community Hall. Turn left onto Sheringham Point Road and you’ll find Shirley Delicious. This little A-frame cabin is one of the best places to eat on the way from Victoria to Port Renfrew on the Pacific Marine Circle Route. This café is nestled in the woods and serves fresh baked goods, coffee, brunch and lunch dishes. It’s a great place to stop and take a little break.

Once you’ve had something to eat and drink, jump back in the car and get ready for the prettiest part of today’s road trip. The drive between Sooke and Port Renfrew will take you through some of the most rugged West Coast landscapes on Vancouver Island.

Third Stop: Sandcut Beach

Sandcut Beach is one of the most unique stops along this stretch of the Pacific Marine Circle Route from Victoria to Port Renfrew. It is home to a gorgeous waterfall which flows over a sandstone cliff right onto the beach. You can walk behind the falls in summer and fall when the water flow isn’t as

The beach is a short 10-minute drive from Shirley Delicious. Keep an eye out for a small parking lot on your left (it is signed but it’s easy to miss). From the parking lot, follow the trail through the forest down to the beach. It’s a short walk but make sure you have good hiking boots because the trail can get very muddy. Once you reach the beach, go left and walk along the shore for about 5 minutes until you see the waterfall.

Fourth Stop: Mystic Beach

Continue along Highway 14 for 15 minutes until you reach the next stop on the Pacific Marine Circle Route, Mystic Beach. Home to another photogenic waterfall, Mystic Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

The beach is located at the southern end of the Juan de Fuca Trail, a 47 km multi-day hike along the west coast of Vancouver Island. It’s considered a challenging trail and usually takes about 3 to 5 day to complete. Fortunately, you can explore small parts of the trail such as Mystic Beach as day hikes.

To get to the beach, park at the China Beach day use parking lot which is where the Juan de Fuca Trail starts. You’ll walk the first 2 km of the trail which takes you through the forest, across a picturesque suspension bridge, and down some wooden steps. Once you get to the beach, turn left and walk along the water until you get to the waterfall. At low tide, you can walk to the other side of the falls. Spend some time taking in the views, playing on another rope swing, and exploring the cave.

Fifth Stop: Sombrio Beach

Once you’ve finished exploring Mystic Beach, jump back in the car and continue along the highway to Sombrio Beach. This part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route is where the road gets narrower and windy so take your time as you go around some of the sharp bends.

After about 21 km on the highway, you’ll see a gravel road on your left that will take you down to Sombrio Beach parking lot. There isn’t always a sign so it can be easy to miss. The road is gravel and can be rough and bumpy so go slowly. There are some big potholes so if you don’t have a 4WD you can always leave the car at the top and walk down instead. Once you reach the parking lot it’s an easy and short walk to the beach.

Sombrio Beach is a popular surfing location and a great place to enjoy your packed lunch if you brought one with you. This is definitely one of my favourite spots on the drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew so make sure you leave enough time to explore the beach.

You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, but this is where you’ll find the hidden waterfall. Tucked away in a mossy canyon, this waterfall is not a secret anymore but it’s still a beautiful sight to see on your way from Victoria to Port Renfrew. To find the waterfall, turn left and walk down the beach towards an outhouse in the trees. About one minute past the outhouse, you’ll spot a creek flowing onto the beach. Follow the creek upstream (make sure you have waterproof shoes on) and eventually you’ll come face to face with the hidden waterfall.   

Travel tip

This canyon is a sensitive place and is sacred to the Pacheedaht First Nation. There is already some graffiti in the canyon which is sad to see. Please be respectful and minimize your impact by following the 7 leave no trace principles so future generations can enjoy this natural place. 

Sixth Stop: Port Renfrew

It’s now time for the last leg of your road trip from Victoria to Port Renfrew. Continue on the highway for 19 km (23 minutes) until you reach the town of Port Renfrew. Located at the end of Highway 14, this small town is one of the starting points for the West Coast Trail and the Juan de Fuca Trail. Once a little logging town, Port Renfrew has become an eco-tourism hub and is home to some of the tallest trees in Canada.   

Like Sooke, Port Renfrew has an idyllic and remote, small-town charm. The town is spread out around a wide inlet surrounded by mountains so there isn’t really a downtown area. There is a small general store in town if you need to stock up on food and supplies but it doesn’t have a big selection. If you need gas, there is a seasonal gas station but I would fill up in Sooke to be on the safe side.

End the day with a walk down to the dock to catch a beautiful West Coast sunset and then grab some dinner. The Renfrew Pub serves hearty pub food and locally brewed beer on tap. It has a friendly and inviting atmosphere and is located right on the water next to the dock. There is also the Bridgeman’s Bistro which serves classic and local dishes.

Where to stay in Port Renfrew

There are some lovely places to stay in Port Renfrew, from oceanfront cottages and vacation rentals to guest houses and campgrounds. Here are my top picks:

WILD RENFREW

This is my favourite place to stay in Port Renfrew. The resort has a range of seaside cottages and studios, some of which have private fire pits and hot tubs. They also have the West Coast Trail Lodge which is a more economical option. There is a 2-night minimum stay here so if you plan to add an extra night on to your trip you could stay here. Check prices >

WILD COAST WILDERNESS RESORT

Located in the heart of Port Renfrew, the Wild Coast Wilderness Resort is a great place to stay. You can choose from private cabins in the woods, rustic yet modern cottages, suites, and hiker huts. Check prices >

GOING COASTAL R&R

If you’re travelling as a family or with a group of friends, this holiday home is a lovely option. It has four bedrooms, two additional sofa beds, a terrace with sea views, and a BBQ and fire pit. Check prices >

Pacific Marine Circle Route Day 2: Port Renfrew to Cowichan Bay

Wake up in beautiful Port Renfrew and grab some breakfast from the Coastal Kitchen Café. Pick up a few extra things for lunch as it’s going to be another busy day on the Pacific Marine Circle Route. This part of the drive will take you through the old growth forests of Port Renfrew to the rolling hills in Cowichan Valley. Cell service is very spotty in this area so you probably won’t have any signal for part of today’s drive.

First Stop: Botanical Beach

Before you start the journey from Port Renfrew to Cowichan Bay, drive down to Botanical Beach. It’s just a 5-minute trip in the car down Cerantes Road to the Botanical Beach parking lot. The hike down to the beach is about 1.5km long but it can be quite muddy depending on the time of the year.

The beach is known for its tide pools which are filled with colourful coral, starfish and other marine life. Make sure you check the tide tables before you go as the pool are only visible at low tide (i.e. when the water is out).

If you want to, you can continue walking along the rainforest loop to Botany Bay. There are some beautiful views along the way. The trail will then take you back to the car park where you started. The whole loop is about 2.8 km long and takes an hour to walk.

Second Stop: Avatar Grove

After Botanical Beach jump back in the car and take a little detour to Avatar Grove. Located about 20 minutes from Port Renfrew, Avatar Grove is home to some of Vancouver Island’s oldest and tallest Western Red Cedar and Douglas fir trees.

There are actually two groves; the upper grove and the lower grove. You’ll have to climb up and down some wooden stairs and board walks to reach both groves. The highlight is Canada’s Gnarliest Tree, a huge cedar tree with several gnarly burl growths on its lower trunk, which can be found in the upper grove. Make sure you wear sensible shoes with good grip as the trails can be quite muddy and slippery in places.

Avatar Grove can be accessed in any car but the last part of the road is unpaved so it can be quite bumpy. If you’re in a 2WD just go slowly and you should be okay.

For those of you travelling in a 4WD, you can continue further afield to Big Lonely Doug, the world’s second largest Douglas fir. If you don’t have a 4WD, you’ll have to miss this stop. Seeing Big Lonely Doug is quite a jarring experience and makes you realize how important it is that we protect old growth forests in British Columbia. In 2012, the Douglas fir was saved by a logger working in the area and today it stands alone in the middle of the clear cut.

Travel tip

Be careful driving to Avatar Grove and Big Lonely Doug as you’re on unpaved logging roads. These roads are still actively used for logging so it’s likely that you’ll meet large logging trucks while driving. They go quite fast and won’t stop for you so make sure you drive very slowly, keep your lights on, and pull over to let them pass where possible.

Third Stop: Fairy Lake

After your detour, drive back down Pacific Marine Road to where you turned off and continue left to your next stop – Fairy Lake. The lake itself is very pretty but the real star is the little bonsai tree. This small Douglas fir tree has somehow managed to defy all odds and grow on a partially submerged log near the edge of the lake.

The best place to stop and take photos of the tree is along Pacific Marine Road just past the turnoff to Fairy Lake Recreation Site. Drive slowly and you’ll spot it from the road. You can pull over onto the hard shoulder and take some photos quickly. 

Fourth Stop: Lake Cowichan

Once you’ve taken some photos, it’s time to drive to Lake Cowichan. This stretch of the Pacific Marine Circle Route is about 55 km long and will take you around an hour to drive so make sure you have some snacks ready!

The town of Lake Cowichan is located on one of the largest freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island, Cowichan Lake. This little community is the gateway to some of the island’s best boating, hiking and hiking and camping experiences. It’s also a good place to stop for gas, supplies and something to eat.

Stretch your legs after the long drive and pop into some of the local shops. Swordfern Boutique and The Lake Mercantile have a beautiful selection of unique gifts and souvenirs, including home décor, jewellery and clothing. 

If you’re interested in history, check out the Kaatza Station Musuem’s collection of logging artefacts and beautiful murals. The museum is housed in a restored railway station and is a great place to learn more about the region’s vibrant past.

Fifth Stop: Cowichan Bay

After you’ve had something to eat, continue along the Pacific Marine Circle Route to your final stop of the day, Cowichan Bay. It’s a 30-minute drive from Lake Cowichan to Cowichan Bay along Highway 18, a.k.a. the Cowichan Valley Highway. Along the way, you’ll pass expansive farmland and lush vineyards and will understand why Cowichan has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Provence’.

Cowichan Valley is one of my favourite weekend trips from Vancouver and I definitely recommend planning a separate visit if you can. As this is only a 3-day itinerary, I recommend staying in Cowichan Bay so you have easy access to some of the best attractions. If you want more information on the area, I have a comprehensive Cowichan Valley travel guide.

Located on the East Coast of the island, Cowichan Bay is a small historic seaside village. Walk along the pier and keep an eye out for Cowichan Bay’s local wildlife. Afterwards, pop into the stores on Main Street which sell beautiful gifts and accessories, such as Beachology and Wild Coast Perfumery. Stop by the Maritime Centre and learn more about this small fishing village through the historic exhibits.

Spend the afternoon at Blue Grouse Estate Winery. Located just outside Cowichan Bay, the estate is set on 65 acres and is one of the oldest vineyards on Vancouver Island. You can book a guided tasting where you’ll get to try five different wines or opt for a tour of the vineyard and wine making process.

Where to stay in Cowichan Bay

Being a small town, there aren’t loads of options when it comes to accommodation in Cowichan Bay. Fortunately there are some lovely places nearby:

OCEANFRONT SUITES

This is my top choice if you want to stay in Cowichan Bay. It’s located close to the pier so you’re walking distance to all of the town’s main attractions. Check prices >

VILLA EYRIE

Situated on top of Malahat Summit, the hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has amazing views of Finlayson Arm inlet. This hotel is one of the most beautiful resorts in Canada. The architecture and cuisine is inspired by Europe and reminded me a lot of Italy. Check prices >

SALISHAN TREE HOUSE SUITE

Just a 15-minute drive from Cowichan Bay, this tree house is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s beautifully decorated and overlooks the ocean. I love the large glass windows and the balcony where you can enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Check prices >

Pacific Marine Circle Route Day 3: Cowichan Bay to Victoria

There are a lot of stops on the way back to Victoria today. You might not be able to fit in all of them before you catch your flight or ferry home so choose your favourites to stop at. Stop by True Grain Bread before you set off for the day and pick up some breakfast bits. This old world inspired European bakery serves some mouth-watering savoury and sweet treats!

First Stop: Kinsol Trestle

Take a short drive to your first stop of the day, Kinsol Trestle. It’s a pretty drive down to the community of Shawnigan Lake and along the lake itself which is today’s second stop.

Standing at 44 metres tall and spanning 187 metres, this spectacular bridge is one of the highest free-standing wooden railway trestles. It once carried trains over the Koksilah River but today it is a pedestrian bridge and is a popular trail for cyclists and walkers. You can walk along the bridge and get some photos at the various viewpoints before heading back to the car.  

Second Stop: Shawnigan Lake

Drive back along the road past Shawnigan Lake until you reach the town. It’s a very small community but it’s a bit of a hidden gem so it’s definitely worth stopping here. Spend some time walking around Shawnigan Village and explore the gift shops and galleries.

Shawnigan House Coffee + Chocolate specializes in handcrafted chocolates and locally roasted coffee. Next door you’ll find Omas Bakery which sells fresh baked goods, daily soups and healthy salad bowls. If the weather is nice, get something to take away and eat in Shawnigan Wharf Park located in the heart of the village.

Third Stop: Old Baldy Mountain

This is one of my favourite hikes on Vancouver Island and it happens to be located on the Pacific Marine Circle Route so I had to include it! Depending on how much time you have before travelling home, you might be able to squeeze this in.

The hike is quite short and took us about 30 minutes to reach the top; however, it is quite steep in places and is classed as a moderate hike. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views over Shawnigan Lake on one side and the peninsula on the other. This is also the home of the (not so) secret tree swing. Sadly, it was broken when we went last year, but it has since been fixed and is now back in action!

Fourth Stop: Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Jump back in the car and take Shawnigan Lake Mill Bay Road for 3km and then turn left onto Cameron Taggart Road. After 2km, turn right onto Merridale Road which will take you down to Merridale Cidery & Distillery.

This is one of my favourite stops on the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Everything is made from scratch using locally-grown produce so it really is farm to table and orchard to glass. It’s a lovely place to go for lunch as you can walk through the meadows of apple trees and then sit down in the farm house overlooking the orchard. Their apple cider is delicious but if you’re the designated driver they do also serve non-alcoholic flights including freshly-pressed apple juice and lavender soda.

Fifth Stop: Malahat Skywalk

Once you’ve had some lunch, drive back down Cameron Taggart Road. Go left at the end of the road to join back onto Shawnigan Lake Mill Bay Road. After 2.5km, you’ll reach Highway 1 and will turn right to begin your drive down to Malahat.

Named after the Malahat First Nation, this rugged area has beautiful views of the Saanich Inlet, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands. As you get closer, you’ll notice you are driving along ‘the Malahat’. This is a 25km portion of Highway 1 and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. There are a number of viewpoints and rest areas where you can stop but I recommend continuing onto Malahat Skywalk as you’ll get the best views from this lookout.

The entrance to Malahat Skywalk will be on your left but you’ll have to drive past it as you aren’t allowed to turn left across the highway. Instead, you’ll continue driving until the next exit, come off, and then re-join the highway heading back to Malahat Skywalk.

This is one of Vancouver Island’s newest attractions. You’ll walk through a beautiful arbutus forest to a spiral tower which takes you up to a lookout with 360 degree views. From the top you can see Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains in the distance. This is one of my favourite day trips from Victoria as it’s only a 35-minute drive from the capital city.

Sixth Stop: Goldstream Provincial Park

After you’ve soaked in the views, it’s time to get back on the road. Continue south on Highway 1 for about 25 km (you’ll have to drive north and then come off and re-join the highway south again). At the end of Malahat, you’ll find you next stop, Goldstream Provincial Park.

There are several lovely hiking trails throughout the park ranging from easy to challenging. Mount Finlayson is on the tougher side and is a steep mountain hike with incredible views. If you don’t have much time and just want to stretch your legs, I recommend doing Niagara Falls which is a short and easy 1.3km hike.

Final Stop: Victoria

It’s time to head back to Victoria! The drive will take you approximately 25 minutes to the Inner Harbour, 40 minutes to the airport, and 45 minutes to Swartz Bay. If you have some time to kill, I have a whole guide to Victoria which covers the best things to do as well as recommendations on where to eat.

EXTENDING YOUR TRIP

This 3-day Victoria to Port Renfrew and Cowichan Valley road trip will give you a taste of area’s epic scenery. If you have time and want to see more, you could extend your trip. Here are a few suggestions on how you could spend a few extra days on the Pacific Marine Circle Route:

Victoria

Add on a day or two at the beginning or end of your road trip so you can explore the capital of British Columbia. It’s a really fun city filled with great food, gorgeous gardens, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. There are also lots of fun tours that you can join such as whale watching, panoramic seaplane tours, and food tasting tours where you can sample local cuisine.     

Sooke

Sooke has so much to offer. If you have time, it’s worth adding on an extra day to your itinerary and spending the night in Sooke on your way from Victoria to Port Renfrew. Use the extra time to go whale watching or hike up Mount Manuel Quimper to see one of the last remaining fire lookouts on the island. Stay overnight at Prestige Oceanfront Resort and enjoy breath-taking views of Sooke Basin, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. Read my complete guide to Sooke >

Cowichan Valley

With so much to see and do, I highly recommend adding on a couple of days and exploring more of Cowichan Valley. Spend some time in the picturesque village of Chemainus and discover its giant art murals and trendy boutiques. Visit Duncan, one of the larger towns in the region, and see the beautifully carved totem poles which are scattered across the city. Check out my complete Cowichan Valley travel guide for more information.

OTHER ROAD TRIPS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Vancouver Island has no shortage of scenic drives. Here are a few other great road trips to add to your travel bucket list:

Victoria to Tofino

As you travel almost 320km from east to west, you’ll leave the city behind and find yourself driving through mountain passes and untouched old-growth forests. The first leg of your trip will take you through beautiful Cowichan Valley and onto Parksville. You’ll then drive west to Port Alberni before continuing onto Ucluelet and then Tofino. Read the full road trip guide >

Nanaimo to Victoria

This is the shortest road trip route (110km) so it’s perfect if you just have a weekend on the island. You can fit in as much or as little as you like as you travel through the Cowichan Valley down to Victoria. If you’re travelling from Vancouver you can take the ferry to Nanaimo, drive down to Victoria, and then take the ferry back from Victoria, or vice versa.

North Vancouver Island

A lot of visitors stick to the southern part of the island. However, drive north past Campbell River and onto Telegraph Cove and you’ll find a remote and rugged wilderness. From secluded beaches and lush rainforests, to unparalleled wildlife experiences like kayaking with orcas and watching grizzly bears hunt salmon, North Vancouver Island has so much to offer. Read the full road trip guide >

FINAL THOUGHTS

I loved exploring the Pacific Marine Circle Route last year. The drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew and Cowichan Valley is absolutely beautiful and I hope this guide helps you plan your own road trip! If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them. I’m always looking to discover new things to do so if I’ve missed anything please let me know so I can check it out on my next trip.

Where to explore next?

Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the island over the past few years so if you’re looking for more information or inspiration, check out my detailed guides.

Here are a few other British Columbia guides that you might like:

• Gibsons: The Gateway to the Sunshine Coast
• Powell River: The Sunshine Coast’s hidden treasure
• A guide to Squamish: The outdoor recreation capital of Canada
• The complete travel guide to Bowen Island
• 10 Ideas for your next weekend trip from Vancouver

Love from Steph

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