What is the Port Renfrew to Cowichan road like?
The Port Renfrew to Cowichan route is where you really get to test your wilderness mettle. The road in this section is a former logging route, recently paved over to encourage Vancouver Island visitors to venture through the threading road surrounded by tall trees and rushing waterfalls.
How do I get to Lake Cowichan?
Driving directions are as follows: From Victoria go west along highway 14 to Port Renfrew Next, go inland to Lake Cowichan on Pacific Marine Road Follow the Cowichan River and highway 18 east to Duncan Finish by taking highway 1 south back to Victoria.
Is there a gas station between Sooke and Lake Cowichan?
In particular, there aren’t any stores, restaurants or gas stations between Sooke and Lake Cowichan except in Port Renfrew. There is a gas station in Port Renfrew but you can’t count on it being open so it’s best to fuel up in Sooke. There is no cell coverage on the western part of the route.
Where is the main access point for the Cowichan Valley Trail?
The main access point for the Cowichan Valley Trail is right in the town of Lake Cowichan on Cowichan Lake road just before you turn on to highway 18. You can also access it via several side roads off highway 18.
How to get from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan?
Where is the Cowichan River?
Do you need a mask in Lake Cowichan?
About this website
Pacific Marine Circle Route - Tourism Vancouver Island
Go full circle on Southern Vancouver Island with the Pacific Marine Circle Route. A road with varied landscapes, stops and views, the loop is a popular trek amongst driving enthusiasts. The total drive clocks in at a total of 289 km or 179 miles. With the beach pull outs, broad ocean views and a leg … Continued
Lake Cowichan - Port Renfrew? - Vancouver Island Forum - Tripadvisor
Answer 1 of 10: Apologies if I'm repeating myself, I thought I had previously asked this but can't find it. We are planning the above route (coming from the north end) and I want to check this is a route regularly travelled and a doable route. All the...
Pacheedaht First Nation - Port Renfrew
Pacheedaht First Nation “Children of the Sea Foam” Port Renfrew, Port San Juan, and the tributaries of the Gordon, and San Juan River estuaries sit on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Pacheedaht First Nation. We honour this land and its treaties by strengthening our relationship and responsibilities to them. We acknowledge and thank the Pacheedaht First Nation people, on ...
How to get from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan?
The best way to get from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan without a car is to bus which takes 1h 44m and costs $85 - $170.
Where is the Cowichan River?
Cowichan River Provincial Park is a provincial park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It includes the Cowichan River in a 750-hectare area stretching almost 20 kilometres, from the village of Lake Cowichan to Glenora, just south of Duncan. Its paths are part of the Trans Canada Trail
Do you need a mask in Lake Cowichan?
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Lake Cowichan is recommended.
Where to stop on Vancouver Island?
As you’re now heading into one of the most scenic and “wildest” legs of the route, be sure to leave time for stops along the way. We recommend a stop in Jordan River to watch the surfers catch two- to ten-foot waves. This section of the drive also offers access to some of Vancouver Island’s best beaches within Juan de Fuca Provincial Park; Sombrio, Botanical, China and Mystic Beaches are all great places to pull off, explore tidal pools and take in some fresh ocean air.
Where is Pacheena 1?
Pacheena 1, Juan de Fuca, BC *Note: this is the only gas station between Sooke and Lake Cowichan.
Where to go on Highway 18 in BC?
Here you have three options: 1. Turn right and head straight into Duncan to do a little boutique shopping, or visit the popular BC Forest Discovery Centre; 2. Continue east onto Herd Road towards picturesque Maple Bay, the popular hiking and mountain biking trails of Maple Mountain or the town of Crofton; or 3. Turn left and take a side trip to the world famous Chemainus murals or the spirited little hillside town of Ladysmith.
Where to go on the West Coast?
Along the way, you can take a rest stop at one of the most popular west coast attractions including French Beach, China and Mystic Beaches, and surf-city Sombrio Beach. From Port Renfrew take a right onto Deering Road. Once over the bridge at the San Juan River, you’ll head east on Pacific Marine Road all the way to Lake Cowichan. ...
Where to go on a self guided tour of Vancouver Island?
This self-guided tour will take you along the west coast of Vancouver Island, through the mountains of Lake Cowichan, around the Cowichan Valley and back to Victoria. Along the way you can enjoy restaurants, wineries, spectacular scenery and quaint shops in the unique coastal communities of southern Vancouver Island.
Where to hike the Cowichan River?
If you want a slightly more challenging (but still easy) hike, head to the Cowichan River Footpath in Cowichan River Provincial Park. This footpath meaders next to the Cowichan River through lush rain forests downstream to an old train trestle bridge over then river, then heads back up the other side. You can start and finish your hike at Skutz Falls, a popular swimming hole in the summer and a great place to watch salmon jump up the fish ladders in the fall.
How long is the drive to Lake Cowichan?
The route is only about 260km long and can be driven in one day, but since there is so much to see along the way, many people prefer to take a few days. Driving directions are as follows: From Victoria go west along highway 14 to Port Renfrew. Next, go inland to Lake Cowichan on Pacific Marine Road.
How to get to Sooke Potholes?
To get to the Sooke Potholes turn right on Sooke River Road. If you cross the bridge over the Sooke River, you’ve gone too far. Follow Sooke River Road up the hill into Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. There is one river access point here, but for more river access points and the hiking trails, continue a few kilometers further to Sooke Potholes Regional Park.
How to get to East Sooke Park?
To get to East Sooke Park, turn left onto Gillespie Road just after you pass the 17 Mile House Pub. Follow the signs to the park via East Sooke Road and Beecher Bay Road. Hiking the coastal trail at East Sooke Park.
How long to walk in East Sooke Park?
Explore the windswept coast in East Sooke Park. There are 50km of trails to choose from with varying difficult. If you want a short walk, hike 5 minutes from the Aylard Farm trailhead to explore the nearby beach. If you have more time, hike some of the Coastal Trail.
Where is the Cowichan Valley Trail?
The main access point for the Cowichan Valley Trail is right in the town of Lake Cowichan on Cowichan Lake road just before you turn on to highway 18. You can also access it via several side roads off highway 18. There’s lots more info on the TrailsBC website.
Is there a gas station in Port Renfrew?
There is a gas station in Port Renfrew but you can’t count on it being open so it’s best to fuel up in Sooke. There is no cell coverage on the western part of the route. You will lose cell service between Sooke and Lake Cowichan.
Where to go in Canada to drive to Lake Cowichan?
Drive south on the Trans Canada Hwy. 1 towards Duncan and Victoria. Turn Right on Cowichan Valley Hwy. 18 to Lake Cowichan (Skutz Falls is a nice place for a short detour). Hwy. 18 ends at a fork in the road with Youbou Rd. on the right and South Shore Rd to the left. Take South Shore Road. The info centre in Lake Cowichan is quite good. Continue on South Shore Rd. to Mesachie Lake. Just pass Mesachie Lake turn left onto Robertson Rd. towards Port Renfrew along the Pacific Marine Circle Route.
How long is the drive to Port Renfrew?
Port Renfrew is 107 km (67miles) west of Victoria along the Coast on Highway 14, about 2 hours driving time.
How far away is Port Renfrew from the beach?
We can arrange for pickup and transportation from Port Renfrew to the lodge, and to the Trailhead. The beaches are only a 5-10 minute drive away from the lodge.
Where to stop in Port Renfrew?
Stop at the Harris Creek Spruce on the way which is just off the road. Once in Port Renfrew turn right at the info/community center and look for our signs passed the General Store.
Is the coastal kitchen lit up at night?
Note: Our sign is not lit up at night so if you pass the "Coastal Kitchen Cafe" You have gone too far. Cyclist and motorcycles please be advised there are steep inclines and 2km of gravel before you reach the Lodge.
How to get from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan?
The best way to get from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan without a car is to bus which takes 1h 44m and costs $85 - $170.
Where is the Cowichan River?
Cowichan River Provincial Park is a provincial park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It includes the Cowichan River in a 750-hectare area stretching almost 20 kilometres, from the village of Lake Cowichan to Glenora, just south of Duncan. Its paths are part of the Trans Canada Trail
Do you need a mask in Lake Cowichan?
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Lake Cowichan is recommended.
