KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Plan ahead so you can travel safely and responsibly.Respect the Local Community
Respect, acknowledge and learn about the traditional and ancestral territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, on whose land Port Renfrew, Port San Juan, and the tributaries of the Gordon, and San Juan River estuaries sit. As a guest visiting Pacheedaht First Nation territory, you share a responsibility to care for the land and to be mindful of the environmental footprint you leave.
Check the tide times
If you plan to explore the beaches or tide pools at Botanical Beach, be sure to check the tide times for optimal access to the beaches!
Cellphone service
Port Renfrew has cellphone coverage for the Rogers network. Telus users can also roam on the Rogers network. Additionally, you can connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots available around town. Be sure to download your maps, including the Port Renfrew map.
Weather
Because Port Renfrew is nestled along beautiful coastlines and surrounded by ancient rainforests, the weather can be pretty damp and rainy. Be sure to pack layers, a rain jacket and good hiking boots. Overall, packing all-weather clothing is the safest bet for your trip.
Pack in and pack out
There are limited garbage cans in Port Renfrew, so please pack out your garbage and leave no trace. It’s important to help preserve the natural beauty of the area for future visitors.
Public restrooms
There are limited public restrooms in Port Renfrew unless you are a restaurant patron or are staying at an accommodation. Public restrooms can be found at the Visitor Centre or Botanical Beach.
Drive cautiously
The roads leading to Port Renfrew are often curvy and can become slippery during the winter season. It’s advisable to check the road conditions before you depart and allow extra time for your journey to Port Renfrew if the weather is bad.
Gas or charge up
When embarking on your journey to Port Renfrew, make sure you have a full tank of gas, as there are only a few gas stations along the way until you reach Port Renfrew. Once you arrive, you can refuel at The Pit Stop gas station. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, charging stations are available at the community hall, located near the post office.
Bring what you need
Port Renfrew has a small general store that offers a limited selection of essential grocery supplies. Therefore, make sure to pack all that you need! Also, there are several fantastic restaurants in Port Renfrew. However, please keep in mind that many of them are only open for the spring and summer. So, it’s best to check their hours before planning your visit.
Signage is limited
Due to limited signage, finding the exact location can take time and effort. Plan your trip before you go and check out our Food & Drink, Accommodations and Things to Do pages!