THINGS TO DO
PORT RENFREW, BCAdventure Awaits in Port Renfrew
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or peaceful moments in nature, Port Renfrew offers something for everyone. Hike through ancient forests, cast a line for world-class fishing, shop for souvenirs or explore vibrant tidal pools teeming with marine life — adventure awaits around every corner.
HIKING
Recommended hikes and directions starting from Port Renfrew
Red Fir Creek - 1 hour from Port Renfrew
Start your journey at the Port Renfrew Community Centre and cross the single-lane bridge over the San Juan River. Keep right at the fork and cross Deering Bridge. For Lake Cowichan, turn right; for Avatar Grove, turn left. Continue by turning right at 9 Mile Junction onto Len’s Creek Main, then keep left at the next fork to stay on Len’s Main. Follow the “New Route” signs and turn left onto Bear Creek Main. After crossing a large bridge over the San Juan River, continue straight uphill. Turn right onto Mosquito Creek Main, keep left up the steep hill, then go straight. Stay right at the next two forks, continuing onto Red Creek Main. At the “T” junction, turn right. Park where the road widens — the trailhead is on the right, about a 10–15 minute walk to the Red Creek Fir.
Lonely Doug - 40 minutes from Port Renfrew
Start in Port Renfrew by heading northeast on Parkinson Road. Turn right onto Pacific Marine Road and continue for approximately 3 kilometers. Then, turn left onto Gordon River Road and follow it for about 7 kilometers. Take a right onto a logging road and drive another 2 kilometers until you reach the parking area for Lonely Doug. The tree is located in a clear-cut area, with a short trail leading directly to it.
Harris Creek Spruce - 40 minutes from Port Renfrew
Start in Port Renfrew by heading northeast on Parkinson Road, then turn right onto Pacific Marine Road. Continue along this road for approximately 20 kilometers. Watch for signage or a small pullout near the roadside — the Harris Creek Spruce is located just off the road, with a small parking area nearby for easy access.
Eden Grove- 45 minutes from Port Renfrew
Start in Port Renfrew by heading northeast on Parkinson Road, then turn right onto Pacific Marine Road and continue for about 3 kilometers. Turn left onto Gordon River Road and follow it for approximately 7 kilometers. Continue along the gravel logging road for another 5 kilometers, driving with care, until you reach Eden Grove.
Other Popular Hikes and Attractions
Sandbar Trail
Fairy Lake
Botanical Beach
Little Beach
Sombrio Beach
Mystic Beach
SHOPPING
Out West Supply Co
Out West Supply Co. offers West Coast-style apparel and gifts that capture the spirit of the Pacific. Explore a variety of local and handmade items, including stylish t-shirts, cozy hoodies, and vibrant decals.
Wild Renfrew Gift Shop
Take a break from the elements by stepping into the warm and welcoming Wild Renfrew Gift Shop. Offering a selection of locally sourced clothing, stickers, snacks and West Coast ready supplies, you’ll enjoy this Port Renfrew staple.
San Juan Market
San Juan Market is the only local grocery store in Port Renfrew. Located in the heart of the town, this market offers ice, liquor, groceries, and concession items.
Sarah Grace Boutique
Looking for a unique shopping experience? Check out Sarah Grace Boutique. Browse the latest fashion trends specific to the west-coast style of living.
SERVICES
Drift Nordic Sauna
Escape to the west coast of Vancouver Island to Drift Nordic Sauna. With stunning views of the San Juan Harbour, our Nordic sauna circuit offers a wellness experience grounded in nature, tranquility and renewal.
Pacific Gateway Marina – Event Venue
This oceanfront venue offers a stunning West Coast setting for weddings, retreats, private parties, and special celebrations, with breathtaking views and a truly memorable atmosphere.
Pacific Gateway Marina
Pacific Gateway Marina offers safe annual, overnight, and short-term moorage for recreational and commercial fishers, as well as transient boaters.
FISHING & TOURS
Swell Time Charters
Ideally located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Swell Time Charters offers access to world-class salmon and halibut waters from Race Rocks to the offshore banks of Port Renfrew. With over 20 years of local experience, guide Blair Legallais leads trips to the renowned Swiftsure Bank and surrounding areas.
McKenna Sportsfishing
Kevin has fished the waters off Port Renfrew and Vancouver Island his entire life, with over 20 years of professional guiding experience. Known as one of Port Renfrew’s top-producing guides, he offers safe, comfortable trips targeting halibut and salmon from April to October, including Chinook, coho, spring salmon, and cod, with a special passion for fishing Swiftsure Bank.
Pacific Sportsfishing Charters
Pacific Sportsfishing Charters is a world-class sportsfishing destination located in beautiful Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. If you’ve come to wrestle the famous Halibut on the prolific Swiftsure Bank or fight some of our famous Pacific Salmon, you’ve come to the right place!
Vicious Fish Charters
Join Captain Des Hatchard for a great day of fishing for up to eight guests. Fish aboard modern, Coast Guard-standard aluminum boats equipped with a head and up-to-date electronics, departing daily from Port Renfrew.
Hook’em Danno Fishing Adventures
O’Fishal Fishing Charters
Trophy halibut and chinook are abundant off Port Renfrew, Swiftsure Bank, and Victoria throughout the summer. Captain Nelson has guided along the BC coast since 2001 and knows Southern Vancouver Island waters inside and out, having fished them since childhood. Both freshwater and saltwater trips are covered.
Day Trip Drea
Guided Hiking Adventures from Sooke to Port Renfrew. Jump in with your local guide and visit Ancient Trees, stunning West Coast Beaches, and Hidden Waterfalls.
Island Magic Experiences
Looking for an adventure? Island Magic Experience offers private charters, multi-day tours, or rental gear for camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, or biking! They strive to share their knowledge with you in a way that is safe, fun, and educational.
Marcus Kennett Fishing Charters
Marcus been fishing in Port Renfrew since he was a kid and guiding since 2000. He fishes for salmon, halibut, and bottom fish, running a 26ft Glacier Bay Catamaran. It is one of the smoothest riding boats out there. He has all of the required safety gear and all of the fishing gear you might need!
Seawind Fishing Adventures
Sou’Wester Sport Fishing
Sou’Wester Sport Fishing offers memorable trips for all ages and skill levels along Vancouver Island’s wild coastline. With nearly 20 years of local experience, your guide takes you out in a comfortable 25-foot Grady White, fully equipped with quality tackle, modern electronics, and safety gear for a safe, enjoyable day on the water.
Spring Roll Sport Fishing
Owner-Operator Nick Hui has been a Professional Certified Tidal Angling Guide for the past 14 years, with over 16,000 hours on the water. He has amassed a wealth of knowledge unmatched in the sport fishing industry. Continued affiliation with Gibbs Delta Tackle as a pro staff member.
TYEE TOMS Sportfishing
Welcome aboard Big Deck Energy, a 30ft Slickcraft Sportfishing boat. With its spacious deck, there’s plenty of room for a comfortable fishing setup, making it an ideal choice for both casual and serious anglers. Captained by Tom with 30 years of experience navigating the waters of Port Renfrew.