What you'll do
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park on a four-day adventure along Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast—our favorite spot on the island!
Known for its dramatic coastal waterfalls, unique black sand beaches, and world-class surfing, this remote area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore tide pools teeming with marine life, wander along the park’s easily accessible beaches, and soak in the raw, untouched beauty of the Pacific coast.
Whether you're seeking adventure or serenity, Juan de Fuca offers an unforgettable coastal escape.
Day 1
Disclaimer: Our Vancouver Island travel guide offers packed, detailed itineraries designed to help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful and diverse region. Vancouver Island is vast, with countless sights to see and experiences to enjoy, so there is plenty of ground to cover. While our itineraries provide a full and exciting schedule, we encourage you to tailor your trip to fit your preferences.
Please keep in mind that driving distances between destinations can vary significantly. We recommend doing some research to understand the travel times between locations and planning your route accordingly. Our itineraries are meant to inspire your journey, allowing you the flexibility to make your trip as short, long, busy, or relaxed as you like.
Happy exploring!
Juan de Fuca is a large, yet chilled back area of the island.
Take it easy on your first day. Settle into your accommodations and explore some of the ancient trees that make this area famous.
Tomorrow you will be off to visit some amazing beaches!
Upper Avatar Grove
Hike
Nature hike to Canada's Gnarliest Tree
Upper Avatar Grove is a must-visit spot for nature lovers looking to marvel at Canada's Gnarliest Tree and massive, ancient trees!
The hike, though not too challenging, offers a 500m round trip adventure with a 70-meter elevation gain. As you make your way up the stairs and over slippery roots, you'll be rewarded with a view of the massive Red Cedar boasting a rare 10-foot diameter burl.
This is a protected area where you can stand next to Vancouver Island's famous old growth trees!
AllTrails hike linked here.
Big Lonely Doug
Sightseeing
Massive iconic old growth tree
Big Lonely Doug is a massive Coast Douglas-fir tree chilling in the Gordon River Valley on Vancouver Island, Canada. It has become a symbol of nature conservation in Canada.
This is the 2nd largest Douglas-fir in Canada and is measured to be 66 metres (216 feet) in height and 3.8 metres (12.4 feet) in diameter.
The forest that surrounds Big Lonely Doug was clearcut in 2012 and the dramatic juxtaposition between old growth and second growth forest has become a symbol to protect endangered old-growth forests across British Columbia. It was saved from the lumberjack's axe by a dude named Dennis Cronin who wrapped it in green ribbon with "Leave Tree" written all over it.
You can learn more about the efforts being done by the Ancient Forest Alliance to protect old growth forests and ensure a sustainable second-growth forest industry.
This hike is rated as easy. Length 0.2 km, Elevation 20m, Route Type Out-and-Back.
The Renfrew Pub
restaurant
Cozy waterfront pub with stunning views
The Renfrew Pub is a cozy waterfront pub in Port Renfrew, loved by locals and visitors!
Its cathedral ceilings, stunning views of the bay and bluff, 10-tap draught system, pool table, and flat screen TVs, make it the perfect place to kick back after a day of adventuring.
Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages
hotel
Luxury waterfront cabins in nature
At Wild Renfrew's Seaside Cottages, you can escape to private waterfront cabins that offer a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness.
Nestled in plush log cabins at the edge of the world, you'll enjoy creature comforts while still embracing the wild side.
Accommodation options include ocean view studios with hot tubs, beachfront cottages with fire pits, and forest view studios with outdoor showers and jetted tubs.