Vacation rentals in Port Renfrew

The small British Columbia community of Port Renfrew sits beneath towering Douglas firs and western redcedars in the always-lush fog zone of Vancouver Island. There is no traditional town center to speak of here — basic amenities are covered by a convenience store, post office, and pub. Not surprisingly, outdoors enthusiasts come here to explore and soak up the solitude and tranquility. Serious hikers are particularly fond of the challenging Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and West Coast Trail, both of which end on the outskirts of town.

As soon as you drive up the Pacific Marine Road and pass Fairy Lake, where you’ll spot a whimsical-looking tiny fir tree growing on a log in the water, you’ll know that you’ve entered a realm of wild natural beauty. This is the Tall Tree Capital of Canada, and there are some ancient giants preserved in old-growth sections of the surrounding forests. Out on the ocean, you can surf world-class waves at any number of the pebble beaches near town.

Port Renfrew’s top attractions focus on its natural surroundings, so the long, warm summer days are ideal for outdoor exploration. The community’s location in Vancouver Island’s fog zone means that it’s rare for the region to experience heatwaves in the summer, creating comfortable conditions for more physically demanding activities, including hiking and mountain biking.

Seasonal rains begin in October and continue through April, with November and December experiencing the most precipitation. In February, Port Renfrew’s Song & Surf Music Festival hosts an intimate weekend-long celebration of live music. In the springtime, gray whales migrate up the coast from Mexico to Alaska. You can spot them from the shores of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or on chartered guide boats.

Botanical Beach Provincial Park

Just to the southeast of town, Botanical Beach Provincial Park sits on the Pacific Coast, which is the southern end of the 25-mile-long Juan de Fuca Trail. Erosion has carved pockets into the flat sandstone here, and the resulting tide pools are filled with marine creatures, including crabs, sea anemones, and, if you’re lucky, octopuses. Just be sure to go at low tide — otherwise, everything will be underwater.

Avatar Grove

At Avatar Grove, just 20 minutes’ drive from Port Renfrew, a stand of moss-covered Douglas firs and redcedars have become an attraction in their own right. Take the rugged walking path that winds up to the site of Canada’s Gnarliest Tree, an immense old-growth redcedar with a monstrous 10-foot burl in its lower trunk. Another star attraction at the 124-acre grove is Big Lonely Doug, a 230-foot Douglas fir. The second-tallest tree on Vancouver Island, it is named for its isolated location.

Sombrio Beach

Less than 30 minutes from town, Sombrio Beach is accessed by a 15-minute hike from the parking lot and offers an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean and windswept trees clinging to rocky outcrops. You’ll get a sense of why the western side of Vancouver Island is considered the wild side — look for the hidden waterfall in a moss-lined cave on the east side of the beach.