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Port Renfrew is a small coastal community on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, set at the head of Port San Juan where the San Juan River meets the sea. It lies in the territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation and was long a logging and fishing settlement. Today it is best known for the giant trees in the surrounding forests, as well as the wild beaches and hiking routes along the coast.
The town has become a base for seeking out record-sized trees. Avatar Grove protects gnarled old-growth cedars and firs along boardwalk trails, and Big Lonely Doug stands alone in a clearcut as a symbol of the region's old-growth debates. The Red Creek Fir is regarded as one of the largest Douglas firs known, and the San Juan Spruce is a giant Sitka spruce, though both are reached by rough logging roads. On the coast, Botanical Beach is known for its tide pools at low tide, and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail runs east toward Sombrio Beach and Mystic Beach. The Government Wharf on Port San Juan is the hub for fishing charters, and the San Juan River estuary attracts birdwatchers.
Port Renfrew suits hikers, photographers and anglers comfortable with rustic services. The town is part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route, a popular loop drive.
WiserMap travel guidePort Renfrew British Columbia Giant Trees and Tide PoolsPlan a trip to Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island: giant old-growth trees, Botanical Beach tide pools, Juan de Fuca trails, fresh seafood and the best time to go.Read the guide
A grove of ancient red cedars and Douglas firs near Port Renfrew, saved from logging after a public campaign, including Canada's gnarliest tree, a huge cedar with a giant burl. Boardwalks and stairs lead through the forest. The access road is gravel and rough, so drive slowly and wear good shoes.
A giant Douglas fir about 66 metres tall and close to 1,000 years old, left standing alone in a clearcut and now a symbol of old growth protection. It is one of the largest Douglas firs in Canada. The logging roads to reach it are rough, so get directions locally and drive a high clearance vehicle.
The largest known Douglas fir in the world by volume, standing about 74 metres tall with a trunk more than 4 metres wide, in a forest valley northeast of Port Renfrew. A short trail leads from the road. Access is by rough logging roads, which can be closed, so check with locals before going.
A huge Sitka spruce that was among the largest in Canada, growing in the San Juan River valley near Port Renfrew. Its top broke off in a storm in 2016, but the trunk is still massive. The site is reached by logging roads, so check road access and conditions locally before going.
A rocky shore at the end of the road past Port Renfrew, part of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, famous for its rich tide pools full of sea stars, anemones, urchins and chitons in sandstone bowls. Visit at low tide for the best pools. Walk carefully, as the rocks are slippery, and leave all life in place.
A long pebble beach on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, known for surfing and for a hidden waterfall in a narrow canyon a short walk up a creek from the shore. Camping is allowed at the beach. The road and trail are short, but bring water shoes to reach the falls and check the tides.
The southern trailhead of the famous West Coast Trail, a demanding 75 km route through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with ladders, cable cars and beach walking. Hikers start with a ferry across the Gordon River. Permits are required, and the trail is open only from May to September.
A wide estuary where the San Juan and Gordon rivers meet Port San Juan, with tidal flats, marsh and calm channels good for kayaking and birdwatching. Look for herons, eagles, black bears feeding at low tide and salmon in the fall. Paddle on a rising tide and watch for currents near the mouth.
A small lake in the forest just outside Port Renfrew, known for the tiny bonsai like fir tree growing out of a sunken log near the shore, a favorite subject for photographers. There is a small campground. Visit on a calm morning for reflections, and keep a respectful distance from the fragile log.
A small forest lake on Pacific Marine Road between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan, with a rustic campground, a dock, a short loop trail and calm water for swimming and paddling in summer. It is a peaceful break on the drive. Arrive early on warm weekends, as the few campsites fill quickly.
The village dock on Port San Juan, base for salmon and halibut fishing charters and a quiet place to watch boats and wildlife. Restaurants nearby serve seafood with views of the bay. Come in the late afternoon to see fishing boats returning, and look for sea otters and sea lions.
A paved loop of about 250 km that links Port Renfrew with Lake Cowichan and Duncan on one side and Sooke and Victoria on the other, through rainforest, logging country and along the coast. Allow a full day with stops. Fill your tank before leaving, as fuel stations are few, and watch for logging trucks.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Bernard McManus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Mpeel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mpeel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Gene Daniels, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Gene Daniels, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Michal Klajban, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michal Klajban, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michal Klajban, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Judgefloro, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Judgefloro, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Judgefloro, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
