Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew, a rugged coastal village on Vancouver Island’s West Coast, is a gateway to untamed wilderness 110 km from Victoria. Nestled at the head of Port San Juan Inlet, it’s surrounded by ancient rainforests and the wild Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views of Juan de Fuca Strait. Known as the “Tall Tree Capital of Canada,” the area boasts giants like the San Juan Spruce, one of the world’s largest Sitka spruces. The village’s remote charm and proximity to the West Coast Trail make it a haven for adventurers. Whether you’re exploring tide pools at Botanical Beach or soaking in the raw beauty of the coast, Port Renfrew delivers an authentic, off-the-grid experience in Vancouver Island’s pristine landscape.

Port Renfrew, originally a logging and fishing community settled in the early 1900s, sits in the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, who have lived in the area for millennia, harvesting cedar and salmon. Today, it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, serving as the southern trailhead of the 75-km West Coast Trail and the northern end of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, both offering challenging multi-day hikes through rainforest and rugged coastline. Avatar Grove, a short drive away, protects ancient cedars, including the gnarled “Canada’s Gnarliest Tree.” The Port Renfrew Marina offers fishing charters for salmon and halibut, while Fairy Lake features a unique bonsai-like tree growing from a submerged log. Annual events like the Port Renfrew Fishing Derby and rustic cabin rentals add to its appeal as a wilderness retreat.

About Port Renfrew

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Nearby Locations

China Beach

Cowichan Lake

French Beach

Sooke

Goldstream Provincial Park