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Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew is situated on the West Coast of Southern Vancouver Island, a 107 km (2 hour) drive west
of Victoria. Port Renfrew has an authentic West Coast flavor and is the trailhead for the West Coast
Trail and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
Hikers may discover beautifully secluded beaches or the incredibly diverse marine life to be found in the
hundreds of tide pools at the famous Botanical Beach Provincial Park. Each year thousands explore all
or part of the West Coast Trail which begins at Port Renfrew. Traversing the coastline past Walbran and
Carmanah Valleys the trail finishes at Bamfield on the lip of Barclay Sound, a grueling 77 km (48 miles).
The new San Juan Marine Trail traverses the coastline from Botanical Beach Park south to Sooke. The
lush coastal rain forest harbors a rich variety of plant and animal life: deer, elk, beaver, otter, mountain
lion, black bear and wolves. Numerous species of birds, including bald eagles and great horned owls
inhabit this region.
Carved by the surf, these rocky shores are strewn with sea caves and unique rock formations. The
waters here support a myriad of organisms from simple invertebrates to numerous species of whales.
Sea lions, harbor seals, killer whales, pilot whales and porpoises are common. Grey and humpback
whales are frequent visitors as they appear annually between March and November on their migration
from Mexico to Alaska. In the sky, bald eagles and osprey often soar to the delight of observers. On the
shores, statuesque blue heron pose, well fed and content.
Port Renfrew harbors one of the most exclusive fishing grounds in British Columbia. For sport fishing
there are three main areas - the mouth of Port Renfrew harbour, the Carmanah/Nitinat waters, and the
Swiftsure Bank. The San Juan River is home to hefty steelhead, as well as northern coho averaging 20
pounds. Two local marinas are available in Port Renfrew to meet your moorage or launch requirements,
as well as the home of Vancouver Island BC charter fishing, whale watching and sightseeing operators.
Fairy Lake is a BC Forest Service campground located five km northeast of Port Renfrew. It is accessed
from Port Renfrew via Harris Main, a dirt and gravel logging road. The lake is home to Cutthroat and sea
run Dolly Varden. In the summer the beach area is popular for locals and tourists alike for suntanning
and swimming. There are hiking trails in the area as well as trail bike riding, and other outdoor activities.
Lizard Lake is also a BC Forest Service Campground and is located 18 km northeast of Port Renfrew on
the Harris Creek Main logging road and is open for camping through the summer from May to
September. The lake can be fished from a dock that reaches approximately 100 feet onto the lake. It is
stocked with rainbow trout and can be fished from April to June and October. There is a Nature Trail 1.5
km around the lake that takes 35 minutes to walk.
In addition to campgrounds, accommodations include, motels, cottages, bed and
breakfasts and a small exclusive hotel.
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