Guidebook for Port Renfrew
Food Scene
Great hamburgers. Best chowder. Good on-tap beer selection. Outdoor seating on the waterfront when the weather is suited.
31 locals recommend
The Renfrew Pub
17310 Parkinson RdGreat hamburgers. Best chowder. Good on-tap beer selection. Outdoor seating on the waterfront when the weather is suited.
Fabulously grilled cheese sandwiches and the best Coconut Curry Soup. Outdoor seating when weather permits. Free WiFi.
8 locals recommend
Tomi's Home Style Cooking
17152 Parkinson RdFabulously grilled cheese sandwiches and the best Coconut Curry Soup. Outdoor seating when weather permits. Free WiFi.
The beachy, laid-back restaurant serves up modern West Coast eats; opens mid-May. Inside and Outside seating available. Great organic salads!
14 locals recommend
Coastal Kitchen Cafe
17245 Parkinson RdThe beachy, laid-back restaurant serves up modern West Coast eats; opens mid-May. Inside and Outside seating available. Great organic salads!
A great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee and a delicious baked good. This is an absolute must-stop if taking the Sooke to Port Renfrew road.
111 locals recommend
Shirley Delicious
2794 Sheringham Point RdA great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee and a delicious baked good. This is an absolute must-stop if taking the Sooke to Port Renfrew road.
West coast fare right at the water's edge. Located at the Pacific Gateway Marina, it is within a 10-minute up the road - turn left at the Telus Telephone Booth (next to Tomi's Cafe).
15 locals recommend
Bridgemans West Coast Eatery
17110 Parkinson RdWest coast fare right at the water's edge. Located at the Pacific Gateway Marina, it is within a 10-minute up the road - turn left at the Telus Telephone Booth (next to Tomi's Cafe).
Jorden River is a great spot to stop and break the journey from Victoria to Port Renfrew. Stop for a cup of java and watch the surfers across the street.
34 locals recommend
Cold Shoulder Cafe
11950 W Coast RdJorden River is a great spot to stop and break the journey from Victoria to Port Renfrew. Stop for a cup of java and watch the surfers across the street.
Parks & Nature
Big. Big trees. Did I say BIG trees!!
** Currently closed for trail upgrades ** Visit at your own risk **
I am told it will re-open sometime prior to Winter 2022/2023.
51 locals recommend
Avatar Grove
Big. Big trees. Did I say BIG trees!!
** Currently closed for trail upgrades ** Visit at your own risk **
I am told it will re-open sometime prior to Winter 2022/2023.
A must at low tide. The tidal pools are super, naturally wonderful.
25 locals recommend
Botanical Beach Provincial Park
A must at low tide. The tidal pools are super, naturally wonderful.
Great white sandy beaches. Perfect surf at the head of Gordon River. Lots of beach space for dogs to run.
7 locals recommend
Pacheedaht Campground
305 Pachidah RdGreat white sandy beaches. Perfect surf at the head of Gordon River. Lots of beach space for dogs to run.
An iconic once-in-a-lifetime hike that connects the spirit and nature.
8 locals recommend
West Coast Trail
West Coast TrailAn iconic once-in-a-lifetime hike that connects the spirit and nature.
Check out the great photo opportunity of the little "Christmas" tree on the stump in the middle of the lake. Also, in the Fall you can see the spawning salmon swim right by your feet from the stream into the lake. Watch for bear! They will be checking out the salmon too.
Fairy Lake
Check out the great photo opportunity of the little "Christmas" tree on the stump in the middle of the lake. Also, in the Fall you can see the spawning salmon swim right by your feet from the stream into the lake. Watch for bear! They will be checking out the salmon too.
Has a great trail that loops around the lake; not too onerous. Take a swim for a refreshing lake-fresh feel.
6 locals recommend
Lizard Lake
Has a great trail that loops around the lake; not too onerous. Take a swim for a refreshing lake-fresh feel.
The beauty of this trail is that you don't have to commit for a multi-night camping trip. You can join the trail for a full or half-day hike and easily return home. Bjorn Holm is tucked full of books on this trail and so many others.
We recommend Sombrio Beach. It's got a large parking lot; a short, easy trail (gravel) to the beach. Great waves. Watch the surfers.
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
Juan de Fuca Marine TrailThe beauty of this trail is that you don't have to commit for a multi-night camping trip. You can join the trail for a full or half-day hike and easily return home. Bjorn Holm is tucked full of books on this trail and so many others.
We recommend Sombrio Beach. It's got a large parking lot; a short, easy trail (gravel) to the beach. Great waves. Watch the surfers.
Eden Grove is found in the Gordon River Valley, only a 45-minute drive from Port Renfrew within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. Just past "Lonely Doug" on the Edinburgh Main.
Eden grove
Edinburgh Main RoadEden Grove is found in the Gordon River Valley, only a 45-minute drive from Port Renfrew within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. Just past "Lonely Doug" on the Edinburgh Main.
At 230 feet, that tree is Canada's second-tallest Douglas fir; it soon became known as Big Lonely Doug, an unwitting monument to the fragility of old-growth forests everywhere.
We recommend you read Harley Rustad's Book, "Big Lonely Doug". It weaves the ecology of old-growth forests, the legend of the West Coast’s big trees, the turbulence of the logging industry, the fight for preservation, the contention surrounding ecotourism, First Nations land and resource rights, and the fraught future of these ancient forests around the story of a logger who saved one of Canada's last great trees. There is a 'house' copy at Bjorn Holm.
11 locals recommend
Big Lonely Doug
At 230 feet, that tree is Canada's second-tallest Douglas fir; it soon became known as Big Lonely Doug, an unwitting monument to the fragility of old-growth forests everywhere.
We recommend you read Harley Rustad's Book, "Big Lonely Doug". It weaves the ecology of old-growth forests, the legend of the West Coast’s big trees, the turbulence of the logging industry, the fight for preservation, the contention surrounding ecotourism, First Nations land and resource rights, and the fraught future of these ancient forests around the story of a logger who saved one of Canada's last great trees. There is a 'house' copy at Bjorn Holm.
Sightseeing
The tremendous paved scenic "Spirit" loop stretches from the West to the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Cell service stops at Lake Cowichan (East) and Sooke (West). Both these communities also have the last fully stocked grocery and liquor stores.
Pacific Marine Road
Pacific Marine RoadThe tremendous paved scenic "Spirit" loop stretches from the West to the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Cell service stops at Lake Cowichan (East) and Sooke (West). Both these communities also have the last fully stocked grocery and liquor stores.
If you are doing the Pacific Marine Loop and starting from Victoria to Duncan/Lake Cowichan, you will drive over the Malahat. Check out the Summit Lookout. It offers a fabulous view of the Saanich Inlet and across to the Saanich Peninsula - where the Victoria International Airport is located.
7 locals recommend
Malahat Lookout
812 Island HwyIf you are doing the Pacific Marine Loop and starting from Victoria to Duncan/Lake Cowichan, you will drive over the Malahat. Check out the Summit Lookout. It offers a fabulous view of the Saanich Inlet and across to the Saanich Peninsula - where the Victoria International Airport is located.
Goldstream Provincial Park offers lovely walks all a rich-salmon bearing stream. Towards the ocean is a well-equipped Nature Centre. If you are lucky enough to be traveling in Autumn, do stop to check out the spawning salmon, but take care of the traffic. It is seriously busy and parking is a premium.
242 locals recommend
Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park offers lovely walks all a rich-salmon bearing stream. Towards the ocean is a well-equipped Nature Centre. If you are lucky enough to be traveling in Autumn, do stop to check out the spawning salmon, but take care of the traffic. It is seriously busy and parking is a premium.
Everything Else
Gordon River Road
Gordon River RoadSurfing! Kite Surfing! SUP and Kayaking; both ocean and river.
Held in Shirley's Community Hall, it is a wonderful opportunity to find some hand-make treasures and treats. Market 2018 is held every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm - June 24 thru September 2. Check out August 19 for Shirley Day!!
6 locals recommend
Shirley
Held in Shirley's Community Hall, it is a wonderful opportunity to find some hand-make treasures and treats. Market 2018 is held every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm - June 24 thru September 2. Check out August 19 for Shirley Day!!
Watch the weather as this is a great surfing spot. Great for beachcombing too. Take care of the waves, they can be pretty wicked. This spot connects with the Juan de Fuca Trail.
40 locals recommend
Sombrio Beach Trailhead
Watch the weather as this is a great surfing spot. Great for beachcombing too. Take care of the waves, they can be pretty wicked. This spot connects with the Juan de Fuca Trail.
A great stop to watch the surfers and SUP'ers. Grab a coffee or snack at the Cold Shoulder Café.
47 locals recommend
Jordan River
A great stop to watch the surfers and SUP'ers. Grab a coffee or snack at the Cold Shoulder Café.
Shopping
The market is a wonderful family friend event that brings together artisans, food producers, locals and visitors for an evening of food and fun. Market 2018 starts Thursday, June 7th from 5 pm.
11 locals recommend
Sooke Night Market
2070 Phillips RdThe market is a wonderful family friend event that brings together artisans, food producers, locals and visitors for an evening of food and fun. Market 2018 starts Thursday, June 7th from 5 pm.
From farm to table. This meat market is run by the farm that 'hosts' the animals and has absolutely everything. Through big glass windows, you'll see the slabs of beef, lamb, pork hanging in the cool room. There is poultry; an array of smoked meats, bacon, and sausages. A must if you plan on making use of our gourmet kitchen......don't forget the barbeque on the balcony overlooking San Juan Bay.
Cowichan Valley Meat Market
5191 Koksilah Frontage RdFrom farm to table. This meat market is run by the farm that 'hosts' the animals and has absolutely everything. Through big glass windows, you'll see the slabs of beef, lamb, pork hanging in the cool room. There is poultry; an array of smoked meats, bacon, and sausages. A must if you plan on making use of our gourmet kitchen......don't forget the barbeque on the balcony overlooking San Juan Bay.
Drinks & Nightlife
A home-grown distillery making small batch hand-crafted spirits (Vodka, William's White – Double Distilled Grain Spirit (a.k.a. White Whisky) and Whisky); all made with 100% B.C. agricultural products.
35 locals recommend
Sheringham Distillery
4382 W Coast RdA home-grown distillery making small batch hand-crafted spirits (Vodka, William's White – Double Distilled Grain Spirit (a.k.a. White Whisky) and Whisky); all made with 100% B.C. agricultural products.
An array of beers for all tastebuds. A good brew-pub to wet your whistle.
28 locals recommend
Red Arrow Brewing Company
5255 Chaster RdAn array of beers for all tastebuds. A good brew-pub to wet your whistle.
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery was born from a passion for bees. Bees are the central focus of our business.
They make small batches of handcrafted mead (honey wine) from local berries. The honey comes from a 20 km circumference of their farm. They are certified Kosher by BC Kosher.
Visit the tasting room, gift shop, and museum onsite at the farm.
32 locals recommend
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery
8750 W Coast RdTugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery was born from a passion for bees. Bees are the central focus of our business.
They make small batches of handcrafted mead (honey wine) from local berries. The honey comes from a 20 km circumference of their farm. They are certified Kosher by BC Kosher.
Visit the tasting room, gift shop, and museum onsite at the farm.
The folks at SBC aim to brew beers that can be enjoyed both by those new to craft brewing, as well as the most experienced connoisseurs.
Jan and I favour their lagers and pilsners.
47 locals recommend
Sooke Brewing Company
2057 Otter Point RdThe folks at SBC aim to brew beers that can be enjoyed both by those new to craft brewing, as well as the most experienced connoisseurs.
Jan and I favour their lagers and pilsners.
Sooke Oceanside Brewery (SOB), born and bred out of the desire to bring the love of craft beer to our west coast community of Sooke, British Columbia.
38 locals recommend
Sooke Oceanside Brewery
5871-A Sooke Road
Sooke Oceanside Brewery (SOB), born and bred out of the desire to bring the love of craft beer to our west coast community of Sooke, British Columbia.
City advice
Don't miss
Electric Car Plug-in
Three "community' plug-in stalls are now available in Port Renfrew. Located at the Community Hall/Post Office.