Nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the small town of Port Renfrew. This small harbor community of approximately 200 people is without cellphone service and a 2 hour drive from Victoria. If you’re looking for a way to disconnect and reconnect then Port Renfrew is a great way to recharge and explore the natural beauty it has to offer.
Ways to Reconnect:
1) Tallest Trees and Ancient Old Growth Forests
Surrounded by ancient old growth forest there is no shortage of things to do in this peaceful fishing village now known as the Tall Tree Capital of Canada boasting both the tallest Douglas fir and Sitka spruce trees in Canada. These magnificent trees are medium rated hikes for anyone ready to appreciate their rarity in real life. There are also many hikes to the Avatar Grove which is full of old growth forest and very tall trees.
Red Creek Fir: The World’s Largest Standing Douglas Fir
Photo: AncientForestAlliance.org (Height: 73.8m (242′), Circumference: 13.3m (43.7′), Diameter: 4.2m (14′))
2) Botanical Beach Tide Pools
Located in the Juan de Fuca Park these tide pools hide all the secrets of the ocean. Bursting with colour and life you can spy red, orange, and purple starfish and urchins, green sea cucumbers, and blue mussel shells to name a few. It is recommended to check the tide schedule before visiting.
Photo: @betterwithadventure / IG
3) The West Coast Trail
Port Renfrew is also the southern entrance to the popular West Coast Trail. The West Coast Trail boasts a serious adventure for any experienced hiker. Voted one of the top 5 hikes in North America, this 75km trek will take you on a journey through rain forests, beaches, sandstone cliffs, shipwrecks, and more.
Photo: Jason Hummel
4) Whale Watching & Fishing
Port Renfrew offers an abundance of unique adventures. From the months of June-September, you can participate in whale watching tours and they also offer fishing guides year-round. You can hire some of the best fishing guides on the island to take you on a chartered trip to salmon and halibut fishing spots.
Photo: Stay Port Renfrew https://www.stayportrenfrew.com/whale-watching
Food:
5) The Renfrew Pub
If you’re looking for good eats and good atmosphere, then the Renfrew Pub is a must stop. This waterfront pub, located beside the dock, is inviting and homey. You have the option of indoor dining underneath beautiful cathedral ceilings or an enticing patio experience with views of the ocean. They feature micro-brews and tasty local seasonal treats.
Photo: Wild Renfrew https://wildrenfrew.com/renfrew-pub/
Where to Recharge:
6) Pacheedaht Campground
The Pacheedaht Campground is a great choice for a nature immersive experience while on the island. With your choice of forest camping under towering cedar trees or beach camping right on the sand. They offer full hook up sites available and centralized washrooms and showers. No tent or trailer? No problem, they also offer a truly unique experience staying in one of their waterfront cedar sleeping barrels. Located at the beginning of the West Coast Trail, this beautiful campground should be on everyone’s lists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jetNxtfSgHY
Video: Jada Glen
7) West Coast Trail Lodge
Maybe you’re searching for a stay with more of the comforts of home, in that case you can not go wrong with staying at the West Coast Lodge. With ocean and forest views, all rooms are pet friendly and it is a short walk to the pub and dock. A great home base for when you don’t want to sacrifice running water.
Photo: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/west-coast-trail-lodge.html
