Port Renfrew Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Port Renfrew featuring a lake or waterhole, tranquil scenes and mountains
Port Renfrew featuring a lake or waterhole, tranquil scenes and a small town or village
Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew

Forests that skim the clouds, rivers rich with salmon and a slew of scenic hiking trails make this a dream destination for outdoor adventurers.

The coastal town of Port Renfrew is surrounded by scenic water and woodlands. Come here to get lost amid gigantic trees or take to the ocean in a kayak or on a surfboard. Whether earth or water is your element, you’ll be astonished by the massive scale of the natural wonders all around.

Wander along rugged cliffs, through untamed forests and up peaks offering panoramic ocean vistas. Get a sense of the lush natural bounty that drew the Pacheedaht First Nations people to settle here, followed by Europeans in the late 18th century.

Big trees, big skies and wide-open waters are the key features of Port Renfrew. Surfers should head to Jordan River to catch giant waves. Hiking the local parks is another way to feel tiny, as some of the world’s tallest trees tower overhead. Look for the record-breaking Red Creek fir and San Juan Sitka spruce. Another big tree with a big personality is Big Lonely Doug, an enormous fir which stands all by itself.

See more big trees in Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, to the north of Port Renfrew. Some of the trees that grow in the park are over 1,000 years old. The Pacific Rim National Park Preserve is famed for its outstanding hiking trails. Set up by Fairy Lake or Lizard Lake and fill your days with canoeing, swimming, fishing and sunbathing.

No matter where you venture, you won’t be far from wildlife. Plan a hike that takes you through countryside alive with elk, deer, eagles and wolves. Or go on a boat tour, where chances are high that either sea lions, seals, humpback whales or even orcas will show their face.

See smaller-scale marine life at Botanical Beach. Spot starfish, sea anemones and mussels hiding among the beach’s rock formations.

The easiest way to get to Port Renfrew is by flying into Victoria and then driving. Expect to spend about 2 hours on the road, driving through some of the most gorgeous countryside imaginable.

West Coast Trail Lodge
West Coast Trail Lodge
3 out of 5
17285 Parkinson Road, Port Renfrew, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, BC
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Port Renfrew Dock and Pacific Gateway ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (269 reviews)
"Very good location"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

West Coast Trail Lodge
Ocean Pearl (Oceanfront - Amazing Views ) H627189082
Ocean Pearl (Oceanfront - Amazing Views ) H627189082
Port Renfrew
Stay at this vacation home in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pacific Gateway ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Nice get-a-way from the city for a few days. Comfortable and cozy. Great location, excellent view. Could use new towels in the kitchen and bathroom."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Ocean Pearl (Oceanfront - Amazing Views ) H627189082
🌲🌲Twin Tree Cabin in Magical Port Renfrew
🌲🌲Twin Tree Cabin in Magical Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew
Stay at this cabin in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pacific Gateway Marina and Port Renfrew ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"What a beautiful Place to stay at the cabin was decorated very nicely and it was equipped woth things just incase you have forgotten things No we had an amazing time just didn’t know where to put the garbage but I texted the owner of the cabin and she got right back to me and told me where I had ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

🌲🌲Twin Tree Cabin in Magical Port Renfrew
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1BR - Garden View - Pet Friendly - Sleeps 4
1BR - Garden View - Pet Friendly - Sleeps 4
Port Renfrew
Stay at this cottage in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Pacific ...
9/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"We enjoyed our brief stay at Handsome Dans Port Renfrew. The cabin was quaint, comfortable and clean. We were fortunate to be able to stay for one night as many properties require a 3 night stay. The location was close to various beaches in the area."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

1BR - Garden View - Pet Friendly - Sleeps 4
Ocean Pearl (Oceanfront - Amazing Views ) H627189082
Ocean Pearl (Oceanfront - Amazing Views ) H627189082
Port Renfrew
Stay at this vacation home in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pacific Gateway ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Nice get-a-way from the city for a few days. Comfortable and cozy. Great location, excellent view. Could use new towels in the kitchen and bathroom."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Ocean Pearl (Oceanfront - Amazing Views ) H627189082
🌲🌲Twin Tree Cabin in Magical Port Renfrew
🌲🌲Twin Tree Cabin in Magical Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew
Stay at this cabin in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pacific Gateway Marina and Port Renfrew ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"What a beautiful Place to stay at the cabin was decorated very nicely and it was equipped woth things just incase you have forgotten things No we had an amazing time just didn’t know where to put the garbage but I texted the owner of the cabin and she got right back to me and told me where I had ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

🌲🌲Twin Tree Cabin in Magical Port Renfrew
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Port Renfrew

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Top destination
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very quiet at this time of year which we liked for an overnighter . The pub was great - very friendly and a good range of drinks and food