Exploring the sandstone shelf at Botanical Beach. Some of the farms and wineries also have on-site shops and tasting rooms. Here’s what the famous bansai tree looks at lower water levels. Find locations of ports and ships using the near Real Time ships map. Thank you for this great post. There are several beach access trails at Botany Bay, plus a couple of great view points on the bluff above the beach. My quest…are the west coast beaches and trails all dog friendly? However, all of the trails and beaches on this list allow dogs on a leash. If you have more time, hike some of the Coastal Trail. Explore the historic West Coast of Vancouver Island with the Pacific Marine Circle Tour. 77,377 posts. Fairy Lake is just outside Port Renfrew. (Oops.) Personally I found it more interesting to complete the circle around through Lake Cowichan and Duncan rather than backtracking, but I know not everyone will agree. Thanks for supporting my website! It’s a gritty little logging town that is slowly transforming itself into a cute eco-tourism hub thanks to its new reputation as the tall tree capital of Canada. The Hot Springs and Heritage Circle Tour is a great way to start the touring season, soaking your way through the scenic Kootenay Rockies. ), Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We stayed one night at the Pacheedaht campground just outside Port Renfrew. To get to Mystic Beach turn left into the China Beach day use parking lot in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Cumulative Marine Traffic … The roads are winding and a bit bumpy, but the entire thing is paved and never very steep. Or the northern most section to Botanical Beach. Even here, you can clearly see the continents, save for the region above the Arctic circle, where few ships travel. Re: … Take a short detour off the highway towards downtown and wander through over 40 magnificent carved totems that each depict a unique story told by the Indigenous carver. Now expected to re-open sometime between Midnight and 2 AM but please check @DriveBC for the latest updates. About 20 minutes past Sooke you’ll see a little A-frame cabin on the left hand side. Kerry Park Recreation, 1035 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay. 2. Great circle route, the shortest course between two points on the surface of a sphere.It lies in a plane that intersects the sphere’s centre and was known by mathematicians before the time of Columbus. Hi Taryn, If you’d prefer to explore on solid ground, venture out to Sidney’s twelve bookstores or quench your thirst at the local wineries, breweries or distillery. Photo via Shirley Delicious Facebook page. The section closest to Port Renfrew is really windy with some one-lane bridges, but take it slow and you’ll be fine. You can also access it via several side roads off highway 18. Booking.com Follow the road to it’s end past the famous Sooke Harbour House hotel and restaurant. 77,461 posts. Some people also really love the Old Country Market in Coombs – it’s the place with goats on the roof. I know this will be a long day, but it really sounds like it will also be a fantastic day. You will lose cell service between Sooke and Lake Cowichan. We did the whole trip (missed Delicious in Shirley, camper speed was to high ). Here, take a break from the road to explore “where the rainforest meets the sea”; stretch your legs with a trek out to the geological wonder that is the Sooke Potholes, or set out on a scenic shoreline walk along Whiffin Spit – extending between the Sooke Harbour and Juan de Fuca Strait. To discover its lovely secrets, one must cultivate a sense of curiosity. You may also want to stretch your legs with a walk along the lakeshore at the community park. 3 to 7 days, 563.84 km (350.35 mi) Uncover the places where many of British Columbia's artists and artisans live, work and showcase their art. The parking lot is just off the highway. You can turn around there, then head back up the road to the lookout. Destination British Columbia. Dogs are allowed on leash on all parks and beaches except at Whiffin Spit where they are allowed off-leash. If you’re just staying one night, it makes the most sense to base yourself in Port Renfrew as it’s essentially the half-way point. Walking through the muddy rainforest on the way to Botany Bay. Hi, I’m Taryn! Report inappropriate content . Perhaps I should be asking about other portions of the loop you describe, I don’t know. Not much of the Fairy Lake tree was above water during my spring visit. 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. Then add on time spent at each stop. It is the perfect destination to wrap up your road trip by spending some time on the water – whether that’s kayaking, fishing, diving or whale watching with Sidney Whale Watching. The new Pacific Marine Circle Route links the West Coast Road to the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Route map This British Columbia road, road transport or highway-related article is a stub. Wondering if you have recommendations of places to stop along the drive from SSI and Tofino. This Guide does not constitute, and should not be construed as, an endorsement or recommendation of any carrier, hotel, restaurant or any other facility, attraction or activity in British Columbia, for which neither Destination BC Corp. nor the Region assumes any responsibility. I haven’t driven the route in a RV, but I know many people do drive RVs on the Pacific Marine Circle Route each year. Pacific Marine Circle Tour. Use the pullouts to pull over and let other cars pass. And, as if the old-growth forest wasn’t magical enough, on this part of the route you will catch site of Fairy Lake, home to the “bonsai” – a tiny Douglas fir tree defying odds, growing on a submerged log in the lake. It has a crushed gravel surface that makes it great for easy walks or bike rides. It used to have a gravel portion between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan but it was paved almost a decade ago. Unlike some of other trips on BC’s backroads, this one is entirely paved and you go through tiny (and adorable towns) every few hours. I’m so happy to hear you had a good time. Minutes to the Park via East Sooke road and Beecher Bay road m so happy to hear you had good... 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