There’s something for everyone on this list from city-breaks to beach town chill-outs, to adventurous mountain towns, to foodie destinations, to luxurious glamping.

Since, I’m an outdoorsy person, most of the trips have an adventure focus, but there are lots of options for less sweaty activities too. All of these trips are a few hours away, and some of them you can do without a car.

So here are my picks for the most beautiful weekend getaways from Vancouver.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Weekend Getaways From Vancouver

Here’s a custom Google Map I made for you. It shows all of these beautiful weekend getaways from Vancouver, plus a few of the attractions, restaurants and attractions that I recommend.

Bowen Island

Tiny Bowen Island is just minutes from Vancouver but feels worlds apart. This Howe Sound island is mostly forested, with lots of small beaches, which makes it a great place for kayaking and hiking. My favourite spot is Cape Roger Curtis on the west side of the island.

The village of Snug Cove at the ferry dock has a few restaurants to choose from, but the pizza at Tuscany Restaurant is amazing. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Cocoa West Chocolatier for incredible handmade chocolates. Yoga and meditation are also really popular here, with several retreats on the island. 

My guide to Bowen Island has lots of other suggestions for great things to do.

Where to Stay on Bowen Island

Artisan Suites: This all-suite hotel is located in Artisan Square just a few minutes from the ferry terminal. It’s the in same complex as tons of cute boutiques and Cocoa West Chocolatier. Check rates.

Cabin Rentals: There are lots of really cute cabins on Bowen Island for rent. The Wildwood Cabins are gorgeously rustic and get amazing reviews. Check rates.

Squamish

For the last three years I’ve lived in Squamish, known as the adventure capital of Canada and one of the best small towns in Canada. It sits at the head of Howe Sound sandwiched between mountain ranges. It has world-class hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and kiteboarding.

For less heart-pumping adventures, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola up to a gorgeous mountain viewpoint, visit Shannon Falls, or swim at one of the lakes. My list of the best things to do in Squamish includes lots more recommendations.

Where to Stay in Squamish

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins: We stayed in these adorable cabins on a winter trip to Squamish. Bonus: Fergie’s Restaurant is on the property so getting the best breakfast in town is easy! Check rates.

Executive Suites Hotel: This all-suite hotel has great access to hiking and biking trails and is my number 1 pick on my list of the best hotels in Squamish. Check rates.

Alice Lake Provincial Park: This large campground is on my list of the best campgrounds in Squamish. It has a great swimming lake and lots of trails. Check availability.

READ NEXT: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

Whistler

Whistler is a great weekend trip from Vancouver at any time of year. In the summer you can ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola up the mountain for amazing views, go swimming in the lakes, stroll through the village, or hit up the famous mountain bike trails. One of the main reasons I love Whistler is because it has some of the best hiking trails around.

In the winter you can downhill ski and snowboard of course, but there are also has plenty of beautiful snowshoeing trails. Read my guide to the best things to do in Whistler in winter for even more ideas.

READ NEXT: 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)

Where to Stay in Whistler

The Westin Resort and Spa: If you want to splurge, this is the place. My now-husband took me here to impress me when we were first dating. Check rates.

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel: Apartment-style suite hotels are really popular in Whistler. This one is right in the village and gets great reviews. Check rates.

Camping: My guide to camping in Whistler has details for 18 campgrounds near Whistler.

READ NEXT: 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Pemberton

Pemberton often gets overshadowed by Whistler, its flashier neighbour to the south. But Pemberton makes a great weekend getaway from Vancouver. It’s a chill, small town surrounded by mountains with lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. (Nearby Joffre Lakes is gorgeous.)

But it also has a strong farming and ranching history. Head to North Arm Farm for u-pick berries, a produce stand, and a cafe. Or book a horseback ride – Pemberton has more horses per capita than any other place in BC!

Where to Stay in Pemberton

Pemberton Valley Lodge: Highly rated all-suite hotel near downtown Pemberton and an easy walk to the One Mile Lake trails. Check Rates.

Cabins: There are lots of cute cabins and tiny houses for rent near Pemberton. This cabin the woods is luxe but rustic and has a hot tub. Check Rates.

Sechelt and the South Sunshine Coast

Sechelt is located on the Sunshine Coast, a short ferry ride from Vancouver, making it the perfect weekend trip. Make sure you also check out the nearby villages of Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Halfmoon Bay. There are tons of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. But lots of people prefer to book a stay at a cabin or resort with a water view, then just chill out.

The Sechelt area is also an emerging destination for foodies and artisans with weekend farmer’s markets in Sechelt, Gibsons, and Roberts Creek. With lots of new craft breweries, distilleries, cider houses popping up, the area now has its own Sunshine Coast Ale Trail. My husband loves the beer at Persephone Brewing near the Langdale ferry terminal.

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do in Sechelt

Where to Stay in Sechelt and the South Sunshine Coast

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort: This one has is special for me since it’s where I got engaged! The luxury tent cabins are unreal and worth the splurge! Check Rates.

Cabins: There are tons of cute cabins for rent on the Sunshine Coast. This cute cabin in Madeira Park has its own private beach! Check Rates.

Powell River and the North Sunshine Coast

Sleepy Powell River is a bit more off the beaten path than Sechelt to the South. It’s a logging town with tons of outdoor adventure possibilities. The 180km-long Sunshine Coast Trail runs through the outskirts of town, making Powell River a great jumping-off point for day hikes if you don’t have time for the whole thing.

The historic downtown is home to Townsite Brewing. On my last visit, we spent a fun couple of hours there tasting beer before heading to Costa del Sol in downtown Powell River for some tasty Mexican food. Don’t miss a trip to the cute village of Lund 30 minutes north of Powell River. Head to Nancy’s Bakery on the waterfront to get one of the famous cinnamon buns.

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do on the North Sunshine Coast, BC

Where to Stay in Powell River and the North Sunshine Coast

The Magical Dome: This quirky rental cabin near Lund looks like a hobbit house. It has been on my list for a long time! Check rates.

Cabins: These glamping pods have incredible views and are right on the beach in Seal Bay. Check rates.

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a small resort community in the Fraser Valley. The main attraction is the hot springs, which are piped into a series of pools at the Harrison Hotsprings Resort as well to a public community pool. (Did you know we have lots of other amazing hot springs in Canada?)

I also love it as a winter destination for cozy cabin time and chill hiking. But the best part about visiting in winter is the eagles – you can see hundreds of bald eagles at once in nearby Harrison Mills.

And it’s less than an hour away, making it one of the closer weekend getaways from Vancouver.

Where to Stay in Harrison Hot Springs

Sandpiper Resort: I loved my stay in the cabins at this cute riverside property in Harrison Mills. Check rates.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa: Staying at this hotel gets you exclusive entrance to their deluxe hot springs pools. Book now.

Bramblebank Cottages: Cute cabins with a hot tub, fire pit, and canoes. Check rates.

Fraser Canyon

The Fraser Canyon is a off-the-beaten-path, literally. Since the Coquihalla Highway was built in the 1980s, a tiny fraction of the traffic between Vancouver and BC’s Interior goes along Highway 1 past Hope to Lytton.

The Fraser Canyon makes a great short road trip with beautiful hikes, lots of viewpoints, historic sites, and quirky, old tourist attractions like the Hell’s Gate Airtram. My Fraser Canyon road trip guide has lots more recommendations.

Where to Stay in the Fraser Canyon

Windsor Motel: I spent two nights at this recently renovated hotel in Hope. It is basic, but super clean and affordable. The location in downtown Hope made it easy to walk to shopping and dinner. Plus, it was quiet at night. Check prices.

Kumsheen Rafting Resort: I arrived early for my river rafting trip, so I walked around their campground just outside of Lytton. They have really cute teepees and glamping tents with real beds and amazing Fraser River views. I would definitely stay here next time I’m in the area. Check prices.

Manning Park

E.C. Manning Provincial Park is one of BC’s most popular parks. In the winter it has a ski resort and lots of snowshoeing trails. In the summer it’s one of my favourite places to hike with kilometre upon kilometre of wildflower meadows.

You can also go canoeing on Lightning Lakes, walk nature trails, and spot wildlife. The ground squirrels are particularly cute. The resort has cabins and a restaurant, so you don’t have to rough it.

Where to Stay in Manning Park

Manning Park Resort: The only lodging in the heart of the park, they have cute cabins and a pool. Check rates.

Manning Provincial Park: There are four campgrounds in the park, but the nicest sites are at Lightning Lake. Check availability.

Parksville

Parksville is a beach town just north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. With kilometres of sandy beaches, it’s one of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver. In summer they have an incredible sandcastle competition.

And there are gorgeous waterfalls if you head inland: check out Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls. The quirky Old Country Market in Coombs is also a short drive away. (It’s the place that famously has goats on the roof!)

Where to Stay in Parksville

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort: I know people who return to this beachfront resort year after year. Their Grotto Spa also looks really cool. Check Rates.

The Beach Club Resort: Located right on the beach and an easy walk to the shops and restaurants in Parksville. Check Rates.

Tofino

Tofino on Vancouver Island’s West Coast is a popular weekend getaway from Vancouver and one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. Explore the long sandy beaches, go for a hike in the lush rainforest, or hit the waves at Canada’s most famous surf spot.

While you might think of a beach town as a place to visit in the summer, I actually prefer visiting Tofino in winter. It’s quieter and more affordable. And the storm watching is really cool.

If you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path, head a bit south to the neighbouring town of Ucluelet, which is much quieter and just as cute. Or take a water taxi to the old-growth trees on  Meares Island or the sandy beaches of the Wild Side Trail on Flores Island.

Don’t miss the Tacofino food truck for some of the best tacos in BC. If you’re looking for sit down dinner, head to Shelter Restaurant. My husband and I had a great dinner there for our anniversary a few years ago.

Where to Stay in Tofino

Ocean Village: These adorable gothic-arched cabins are right on the water at Mackenzie Beach. Check Rates.

Island Village at Fred Tibbs: We stayed at these waterfront condos on a recent trip. They’re right downtown Tofino so you can walk everywere. Check Rates.

Southern Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are a group of over 200 small islands between Vancouver Island the mainland of British Columbia. Each island has its own personality, but they all offer beautiful ocean views, beaches, forest hikes, farmer’s markets, and artisan studios.

Saltspring is the largest and most populated island, so it has the most things to do. Galiano is a bit smaller and a little more sleepy. Pender, Mayne, and Saturna have fewer shops, restaurants, and services than Saltspring and Galiano, so do a bit of research before you go to find out what’s available. 

READ NEXT: Four Outdoor Adventures on Galiano Island

Where to Stay on the Gulf Islands

Poets Cove Resort and Spa: I stayed at this waterfront resort on Pender Island once for a wedding and it’s gorgeous! Check Rates.

Cabins: Over the years we’ve stayed at some great cabins on Saltspring and Galiano Island. This log cabin on Galiano has a killer cliff top view. Check Rates.

Victoria

Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city, but it’s not a stodgy government town. It has a beautiful harbour, interesting museums, historic buildings, a foodie scene, and easy access to beaches and trails. I’ve visited Victoria countless times because I have several good friends who live there.

One of my favourite things to do in Victoria is to bike the flat, scenic, and quiet Lochside and Galloping Goose trails. I also love walking in Beacon Hill Park or along the Waterfront Trail on Dallas Road.

For indoor activities, I like the Royal British Columbia Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Victoria’s compact downtown also is a great place to shop. I can’t go to Victoria without going to the fabulous Silk Road Tea store. If you want amazing baking, head to Fol Epi in Vic West. The croissants are sooo good.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Abbeymoore Manor: I’ve stayed at this historic B&B a few times since my friends used to live around the corner. It’s a beautiful house. And breakfast is included! Check rates.

Hotel Zed: This renovated motel has an amazing and photogenic retro vibe. It looks like an awesome place to stay on a budget. Check Rates.

Pacific Marine Circle Route

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a 260km-long loop road trip on Southern Vancouver Island. It’s the perfect length to drive over a weekend. The route starts and finishes in Victoria.

The first half of the route travels along the coast past Sooke. You can stop for hikes in the rainforest, waterfalls, or visits to wilderness beaches. Spend the night in Port Renfrew, my favourite small town, and visit Avatar Grove, home of Canada’s tallest trees and the starting point for the famous West Coast Trail.

On the second half of the route, drive inland past more giant trees to Lake Cowichan and the farms in the Cowichan Valley. Finish the trip by heading back to Victoria along the Malahat Highway.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route

Where to Stay on the Pacific Marine Circle Route

Wild Renfrew: We stayed at these gorgeous waterfront cabins in Port Renfrew. They even have patios with fire pits. Check Rates.

Prestige Oceanfront Resort: A luxury resort right on the water in Sooke and a short drive to lots of the sights on the southern side of the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Check rates.

Kamloops

I have family in Kamloops, so I’ve spent a lot of time in the area. It has an incredible network of hiking and mountain biking trails, many of which are right in the city. Sun Peaks Resort is also nearby, with its great hiking and mountain biking in summer and skiing in winter. The beaches along the riverfront are a great place to go for a swim or head out of town to the nearby lakes.

Kamloops has also gotten into the craft beer scene lately, with five breweries and two taphouses in town. With its sunny climate, a weekend in Kamloops can be just what you need to escape the rains in Vancouver in spring and fall. 

Where to Stay in Kamloops

Fairfield Inn and Suites: I’ve stayed at this hotel a few times recently while visiting family. It’s a newer hotel so the rooms are really nice, but the prices are quite reasonable. Plus it includes breakfast. Check Rates.

Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel: This new hotel has a fabulous location right on the riverfront. Check rates.

The Okanagan

The Okanagan is a big region, stretching from Sicamous in the north to Osoyoos in the south. Several lakes run through the middle of the valley, perfect for boating and with great beaches. Explore some of the cute small towns like Vernon and Penticton or check out the many things to do in Kelowna.

The hot and dry climate is also ideal for orchards and vineyards. There are over 200 wineries to visit, but I like the smaller organic ones near Summerland, which are easy to visit by bike. Don’t miss everything apple at Davison Orchards – it’s one of the best things to do in Vernon.

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail runs through the Okanagan. It’s easy biking, especially on an e-bike, and has great views of the lakes and vineyards. My favourite sections are are in Penticton (there’s a tunnel!) and Vernon.

Where to Stay in the Okanagan

Penticton Lakeside Resort: Great rooms right on the lake in downtown Penticton. Walking distance to the beach, kayaking, farmer’s market, breweries, etc. Check Rates.

Predator Ridge Resort: This resort has a great ridge-top location with great hiking and mountain biking trails and restaurants on site. Check rates.

Hotel Zed: Like their sister location in Victoria, this budget motel in Kelowna has an incredible retro look. Check Rates.

Wells Gray Provincial Park

Wells Gray Provincial Park is located in British Columbia’s interior north of Kamloops near the town of Clearwater. It’s a huge park with giant lakes and lots of hiking trails. But it is famous for its waterfalls. There are 8 waterfalls easily accessible from the main park road, plus dozens more in the backcountry. Don’t miss 141m-high Helmcken Falls. It’s the 4th-tallest waterfall in Canada.

The park is in ranch country, so if you want to live like a cowboy, there are tons of lodges nearby where you can go horseback riding or have a cook-out. Wells Gray is definitely one of the best under-the-radar weekend getaways from Vancouver.

Where to Stay in Wells Gray

Nakiska Ranch: This Western-style property has great cowboy vibes since it is located on a working ranch. Check Rates.

Across the Creek Cabins: These cute cabins are nestled in the forest inside the park. Book now

Revelstoke

Revelstoke is the ultimate Canadian small town: it has world-class mountain biking, incredible hiking, skiing, and paragliding from the highest launch in North America. I liked it so much I went two years in row. It also has one of my favourite things: hot springs! There are several hot springs a near town, including the gorgeous undeveloped Halfway River Hot Springs.

Revelstoke also has a surprisingly robust culinary scene for such a small town with a little farmers markets, great restaurants, micro-breweries, and not one but TWO distilleries! Check out my guides to things to do in Revelstoke, the best hikes in Revelstoke, and the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park to plan your trip. 

Where to Stay in Revelstoke

The Regent Hotel: We stayed at this somewhat upscale, family-run hotel on our first trip to Revelstoke. It was nice without being pretentious. Check Rates.

Boulder Mountain Resort: I spent two nights at these adorable cabins just outside of Revelstoke last summer. They even come with fleece robes! Check Rates.

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham, Washington is more than a place to do some cross-border shopping or buy cheap groceries. It’s actually a cute college town on the ocean with a historic district called Fairhaven. Bellingham is also a craft beer haven with 16 micro-breweries, many of which are gastro-pubs as too.

One of the best things to do is cruise along Chuckanut Drive, a twisty road along the coast through the forest with some great views. There are also lots of hiking and mountain bike trails, quiet country roads for road biking, and kayaking in sheltered bays of Puget Sound.

Where to Stay in Bellingham, Washington

Hotel Leo: The rooms at this downtown hotel have really cool modern decor. Check Rates.

Cabins: There are lots of cute rentals in Bellingham and on Chuckanut Drive. This waterfront cottage has beach access. Check Rates.

Whidbey Island and Deception Pass, Washington

Tucked into the north end of Puget Sound, the Deception Pass area is strikingly beautiful: tiny tree-covered islands, swirling currents, and sea cliffs. I love hiking in Deception Pass State Park or enjoying the view from the famous bridge.

Long and narrow Whidbey Island has lots of other pretty spots too including Ebey’s Landing, WWII era defences at Fort Ebey and Fort Casey, wineries, farmers markets, whale watching tours, and sleepy historic towns. 

Where to Stay in Whidbey Island and Deception Pass, Washington

Captain Whidbey Inn: This historic house is now an amazing B&B right on the water near Coupeville. Check Rates.

Cabins: There are tons of vacation rentals on Whidbey Island. Lots of them are right on the water too. This beach house has a great view. Check Rates.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a gorgeous city, sitting between the waters of Puget Sound and the snowy peak of Mount Rainier. Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the world’s first Starbucks, and the Museum of Pop Culture are all must-sees. Lots of visitors on a weekend getaway from Vancouver take in Seahawks football game too.

To get a bit more off-the-beaten-path, I recommend the Underground Tour, where you’ll learn a bit about the city while walking through historic underground tunnels.

This is also a great car-free getaway. It’s easy to take the bus from Vancouver to Seattle, and once you’re there, you can walk or take public transit.

Where to stay in Seattle

Ace Hotel: This hipster spot is in Belltown, a trendy neighbourhood close to downtown. Check Rates.

Vacation Rentals: Seattle can be a pricey city, but you can usually find good deals on rental apartments. This cool loft is right downtown. Check Rates.

Book a Cozy Cabin

Spend the weekend chilling out in nature at a cozy cabin. There are tons of adorable cabin rentals near Vancouver. Wake up deep in the forest, high in a treehouse, right beside the ocean, or in a luxury glamping tent.

I’ve stayed in a bunch of beautiful cabins – check them out on my list of the best cabins near Vancouver.

Go Camping

One of the cheapest ways to go on a weekend getaway from Vancouver is to go camping. There are lots of amazing camping spots fairly close to town. You can camp on a lake, by the ocean, or in the mountains. However, camping is popular so make a reservation in advance to make sure you get a spot. Below are some of my suggestions for the best campgrounds near Vancouver.

I’ve got a whole post with a big list of over 40 places to go camping near Vancouver. It includes options in the Sea to Sky, Fraser Valley, near Hope, in Washington State, and reachable via a short ferry on the Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island.

Final Thoughts

With over 20 weekend trips from Vancouver on this list, I’m sure you’ll find one to add to your list. What is your favourite weekend getaway from Vancouver? Tell me in the comments.

More posts you’ll like:

• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

The post 23 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

This road trip starts and ends in Victoria, one of BC’s biggest cities, but most of the route goes through remote wilderness. There are tons of places to stop and hike, check out waterfalls, visit enormous trees, or walk on the beach. 

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. If you’re looking for a weekend of outdoorsy adventure on Vancouver Island, you’ve got to drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route. (It even made my list of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver.)

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Driving Directions

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a loop road trip that starts and ends in Victoria on Southern Vancouver Island. (If you didn’t know, Vancouver Island is a large island on the west coast of British Columbia, and is one of Canada’s most beautiful islands.)

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
• Follow the Cowichan River and highway 18 east to Duncan
• Finish by taking highway 1 south back to Victoria.

The entire route is well signed so you won’t get lost. You can travel the loop in either direction, but I did a clockwise loop so I’m describing it that way here. I also made a custom, clickable Google map for you with all the stops highlighted!

Road Conditions and Driving Tips

The entire Pacific Marine Circle Route is paved. It used to have a gravel portion between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan but it was paved almost a decade ago. Besides parts of the section on highway 1 between Duncan and Victoria, it’s a two lane road with few opportunities for passing.

There are several sections that are very twisty and despite being paved, the road is a bit bumpy. There are also a handful of single lane bridges. Most of the route (besides the portion on highway 1) has very little traffic.

Some parts of the Pacific Marine Circle Route are quite remote and there are a few stretches where you’ll go quite a while without passing any services.

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. You will lose cell service between Sooke and Lake Cowichan. As I said, the road is well signed so as long as you stay on the main road, you will be fine.

However, if you plan to take any side trips off the main route you should bring paper maps or a GPS. (And believe me, I’ve got some side trips for you that are definitely worth it!)

I used the Vancouver Island Backroad Mapbook on my roadtrip of the Pacific Marine Circle Tour. It was really helpful, especially at some confusing logging road junctions.

You can definitely drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route in a single day. It takes about 5 hours to drive with no stops. But many of the stops will take you an hour or more, so it’s best to split the trip up over several days. Two days is great but three or four is better.

It’s easy to rent a car in Victoria or at the Victoria Airport. I use Discover Cars because it lets you compare prices from lots of different car rental companies to get the best deal.

Places to Stop on the Pacific Marine Circle Route

East Sooke Regional 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. Bring a copy of the trail map to help you find your way.

To get to East Sooke Park, turn left onto Gillespie Road. Follow the signs to the park via East Sooke Road and Beecher Bay Road. Click here for google maps driving directions.

Sooke Potholes

The Sooke potholes are a popular place for swimming in the river rock pools when the water levels are low in the summer. (In the winter they just look like rapids.)  You can also hike on the numerous trails to get great views of the river.

The ruins of an old lodge sit right next to the edge of the river canyon. There’s a fence around the ruins, and they are officially off-limits, but the area has become a favourite for local graffiti artists.

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. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

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.

Sooke

Make sure you stock up on gas and groceries in the little town of Sooke, BC (population 13,000). It’s the largest centre you’ll pass through until Lake Cowichan, about 130km further along the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

There are a few cafes, coffee shops and fast food options if you need to take a break. I like both The Stick in the Mud Coffee House and Serious Coffee.

Whiffin Spit

A sand spit over 1km long protects Sooke Harbour. Take a walk out along the spit to get great views of the calm Sooke basin on one side and the wilder Juan de Fuca straight on the other side. There’s a gravel trail out to the end of the spit and benches to sit on if you just want to take in the scenery.

To get to Whiffen Spit, turn left onto Whiffen Spit road about 2km after the round about in “downtown” Sooke. Follow the road to it’s end past the famous Sooke Harbour House hotel and restaurant. There’s a small parking lot and it can be very busy. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Shirley Delicious

About 20 minutes past Sooke you’ll see a little A-frame cabin on the left hand side. That’s Shirley Delicious. It’s an adorable cafe, bakery and coffee shop that you can’t miss. The owner is so friendly.

To get to Shirley Delicious turn left onto Sheringham Point road about 20 minutes past Sooke. It’s right after you pass the Shirley Community Hall. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

 Sandcut Beach

For years I had seen amazing photos of the waterfall at Sandcut Beach on Instagram, so I was really stoked to finally see it for myself.

The water pours over the lip of the sandstone cliff onto the beach. In drier weather you can walk behind the falls, but when I visited in springtime, the flow of the falls was way too heavy.

To get to Sandcut Beach look for a small signed parking lot on your left about 10 minutes past Shirley Delicious. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

From the parking lot it’s a 10 minute hike through the forest to the beach. The trail can be muddy. Once at the beach, turn left and walk along the gravelly beach for another 5 minutes to the falls.

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach is located at the southern end of the Juan de Fuca Trail, a 47km coastal backpack trip that I think of as the West Coast Trail’s younger cousin.

You don’t have to do the whole trail to visit Mystic Beach: you can hike 2 km down to the beach and admire the wild West Coast scenery.

The beach is a popular day hiking destination thanks to its photogenic waterfall. If you brought camping gear, you can camp overnight. (See my Juan de Fuca trail guide for more info.)

To get to Mystic Beach turn left into the China Beach day use parking lot in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. It’s about 7 minutes past Sandcut Beach. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

It’s a 2km hike to the beach. Along the way you’ll cross a suspension bridge high over Pete Wolf Creek.

READ NEXT: Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Sombrio Beach

Sombrio Beach is located around the mid-point of the Juan de Fuca Trail. It’s a popular place for walk-in camping on the beach as well as for surfing.

The beach stretches around a wide bay and there is lots to explore. One of the most interesting features of the beach is the waterfall hidden in a mossy canyon.

If you want to find the hidden waterfall, turn left and walk down the beach until you see an outhouse in the trees. A minute past the outhouse you’ll see a creek flowing out on to the beach. Follow the creek upstream to find the waterfall. (Be prepared to get your feet wet!)

The canyon is a sensitive place and is sacred to the Pacheedaht First Nation so please be respectful. There is already some graffiti in the canyon – please don’t add any more.

To get to Sombio Beach, drive 21km from the Mystic Beach parking lot. Look for a gravel road on your left. It may be signed for Sombio Beach but often the sign is missing. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

From here it’s a 2km drive on a rough gravel road down to the parking lot. Most regular cars can make it but it is very bumpy with lots of potholes so you might prefer to park at the top and walk down if you don’t have a 4wd.

From the parking lot it’s an easy 5 minute walk to the beach.

Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew is pretty unique. It’s a tiny town at the end of highway 14. Traditionally most people knew it as a great fishing spot or as one of the starting points for both the West Coast Trail and the Juan de Fuca Trail.

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.

There isn’t a real designated centre to the town – it’s kind of spread out. Be sure to head down to the dock next to the Port Renfrew Pub at the end of highway 14 to grab some photos.

Port Renfrew makes a great basecamp for day trips in the area. On my trip we camped one night at the Pacheedaht campground and spend our second night in town at the fabulous waterfront Wild Renfrew cabins.

There is a small general store in town if you need supplies. The Port Renfew Pub is open year round and there are two other seasonal restaurants. There’s a seasonal gas station at the marina and a brand new gas station right at the entrance to town.

Botanical Beach and Botany Bay

If you are in the area, you can’t miss the tide pools at Botanical Beach. Located inside Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, the area is so ecologically diverse that marine biologists have been studying here for over 100 years.

Check the tide table before you go so you can time your visit for the lowest tides. Try to aim for a tide of 1.2m or less.

After exploring at Botanical Beach, take the loop trail heading west along the coast to Botany Bay. Along the way you’ll pass through beautiful coastal rainforest. There are several beach access trails at Botany Bay, plus a couple of great view points on the bluff above the beach.

The trail loops back to your starting point at the parking lot. The Botanical Beach/Botany Bay loop trail is 2.8km long and takes about an hour to hike… plus stops. (You’re going to want to make a LOT of stops.)

To get to the Botanical Beach and Botany Bay trailhead, turn left on to Cerantes Road where highway 14 dead-ends in front of the Port Renfrew Pub. Drive about 5 minutes on this road until it ends in the Botanical Beach parking lot of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Port Renfrew’s Big Trees

You can visit some of the world’s largest and oldest trees near Port Renfrew. Canada’s Gnarliest Cedar is in Avatar Grove, an easy 10km drive from town. Slightly further afield is Big Lonely Doug, the world’s second largest Douglas Fir.

Doug stands alone in a clearcut, so you can really get a sense of how tall he is. There are a few other record setting trees in the area as well including the Harris Creek Spruce, the Red Creek Fir and the San Juan Spruce.

You can visit all of the trees as a day trip from Port Renfrew or as part of your Pacific Marine Circle Tour road trip. A few of the trees require 4 wheel drive to visit, but most are on easily accessible (but bumpy) gravel roads.

I have a complete guide to visiting them all in my article How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island.

READ NEXT: How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees

Fairy Lake

Fairy Lake is just outside Port Renfrew. There’s a campsite there and a short nature trail, but the real star is the internet-famous bansai tree of Fairy Lake. This plucky little tree is growing out of a partially submerged log near the edge of the lake.

If you come in the spring like I did, the lake level will be high and the partially submerged log will be almost entirely underwater.

To see the tree drive past the entrance to the Fairy Lake Recreate Site Campground and pull over on to the gravel shoulder once the lake comes in to view. This is the best place to see the tree. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Lake Cowichan

The town of Lake Cowichan is pretty small, but compared to Port Renfrew, it’s a metropolis. This is a great place to stop for gas, groceries or something to eat. You may also want to stretch your legs with a walk along the lakeshore at the community park.

Cowichan Valley Trail

Just outside of Lake Cowichan you can access the Cowichan Valley Trail. This trail is actually part of the Trans-Canada Trail.

The Cowichan Valley Trail is built on an old rail bed. It has a crushed gravel surface that makes it great for easy walks or bike rides. The trail also crosses a few old wooden train trestles high above the valley.

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.

Cowichan River Footpath

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.

To get to the Cowichan River Footpath, turn right onto Mayo Road from highway 18 about 9km from Lake Cowichan. Follow Mayo Road downhill to the river and park near the bridge. The trail starts from either side of the bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Duncan and the Cowichan Valley

The town of Duncan and the Cowichan Valley are the agricultural heart of Southern Vancouver Island. There are tons of farms, wineries, and dairies. Try to time your visit so you can shop at the farmers market in Duncan on Saturdays or Cobble Hill on Sundays (summer only). Some of the farms and wineries also have on-site shops and tasting rooms.

Malahat Drive

In order to get back to Victoria you’ll have to climb up and over the Malahat Summit. Rising 300m above the waters of Saanich Inlet, Malahat Summit isn’t really that high up, but it still provides excellent views.

There are a few viewpoints but you can only access them in you are driving north. If you are southbound, you’ll have to continue past them to the next U-turn location.

I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but the Malahat Skywalk is also a great place for incredible views. It’s a huge circular elevated walkway that rises out of the forest. You can walk back down or take a ride on their slide.

Save time by buying tickets in advance.

Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Goldstream Provincial Park

At the end of the Malahat, just before reaching Victoria, lies Goldstream Provincial Park. This popular park has tons of hiking trails and a campground.

If you want a mountain hike, head up the steep trail to Mount Finlayson. If you’re after waterfalls, visit BC’s very own Niagara Falls on a short 1.3km hike.

The park is also a great place to go bird watching – it’s even on the BC Bird Trail. On a recent visit I strolled on the streamside path and spotted eagles, American dippers, and common mergansers.

To get to Goldstream Provincial Park turn left onto Finlayson Arm Road just as the highway finishes it’s descent to sea level fro the Malahat. There is a flashing traffic light at this intersection and a provincial parks sign. The parking lot is just off the highway. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Langford

Before heading back to Victoria, stop in the city of Langford. Located on the outskirts of Victoria, it’s the fastest growing community in BC. That means that for a suburban centre, it has incredible food.

Don’t miss a show-stopper meal at House of Boateng. I had an incredible six course long table dinner at their nearby event space, but you can book in to their award-winning restaurant as well.

If you’re looking for something more casual, Rhino Coffee has great doughnuts, sandwiches, and of course coffee. And don’t miss the incredible handmade ice cream at Parachute Ice Cream.

Where to Stay

There are lots of accommodation options on the Pacific Marine Circle Route, from cute cabins, to waterfront campsites to posh inns. 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.

If your trip is a bit longer, you could consider booking accommodation in Sooke, Lake Cowichan, the Cowichan Valley, or Langford as well.

On one of my trips we actually spent two nights in Port Renfrew as you can take lots of great day trips from there. (You can’t miss Avatar Grove and Big Lonely Doug!)

In Port Renfrew I recommend the cabins at Wild Renfrew. They are right on the pier in Port Renfrew near the pub. The cabins have covered patios overlooking the ocean and gas powered fire pits. It was great to sit on the patio, listening to the rain on the roof after a long day of exploring.

Want more ideas for cozy cabins in the area? Check out my list of the best cabin rentals in BC.

For a splurge, stay at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Langford at the beginning or end of your Pacific Marine Circle Route road trip. It has a beautiful mountain top location and a great on-site restaurant. It also makes a good base for foodie stops in Langford or trips to Goldstream Provincial Park.

If you’re rather camp, there are lots of options along the route. I love the Pacheedaht campground just outside Port Renfrew. It’s right on the beach and the sunsets are spectacular!

Here’s a list of all the campgrounds you’ll pass on the Pacific Marine Circle Route:

• Sooke Potholes Regional Park
• Sooke River Campground
• French Beach Provincial Park
• Jordan River Regional Park
• Juan de Fuca Provincial Park China Beach Campground
• Juan de Fuca Provincial Park Sombrio Beach Campground (walk-in only)
• Pacheedaht Campground: Phone 250-647-0090
• Fairy Lake Recreation Site
• Lizard Lake Recreation Site
• Lakeview Park Campsite
• Cowichan River Provincial Park
• Bamberton Provincial Park
• Goldstream Provincial Park

I’ve driven the Pacific Marine Circle Route a few times, and I just keep going back. In particular I love Port Renfrew. It’s a tiny logging town that is transitioning to eco-tourism while (mostly) retaining its gritty roots. And to me that’s so quintessentially BC. You have to go visit!  Have you already been? Let me know in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• How to Visit Avatar Grove, Big Lonely Doug and Other Big Trees on Vancouver Island
• Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Hiking the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island
• Four Outdoor Adventures on Galiano Island
• Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide
• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• Kayaking in the Johnstone Strait: Everything You Need to Know
• Things to do on North Vancouver Island

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