TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Alex Garvey | Wilfrid Laurier University | Photo by Lucia & Earnest Light
Visit one of the most spectacular forests in the world. Some of the trees have 14-—to 15-foot-wide trunks and can be 1,000 years old!
This spectacular section of the old-growth rainforest is within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation and has recently been declared off-limits to logging. Avatar Grove is also home to “Canada’s Gnarliest Tree .”This mammoth cedar will be certain to impress!
Photos: Lucia & Earnest Light
Botanical Beach Provincial Park makes for a fantastic day trip any time of the year. As the name suggests, this is a popular spot to see tons of marine creatures and wildlife, including mussels, clams, sea anemones, corals, starfish, and many species of native plants.
The beachfront area is covered in tide pools and rocks carved out by the ocean’s tides, each filled with marine life. Guests can access the beach by a trail built by youth teams from the Pacheedaht First Nation. This trail overlooks the beautiful CB coasts and includes several lookouts and steep climbs.
Photos: Lucia & Earnest Light
The Sandbar Trail is a 1.6 km out-and-back trail near Port Renfrew, BC. This gorgeous walk takes you through logging roads and a forest rich in biodiversity and wildlife towards the San Juan River.
A combination of forces of nature, including rainfalls, erosion, storms, and tides, continue to shape the coastline and the San Juan River, bringing constant change to the environment. The sand bar is flooded at high tide, but at low tide, visitors can explore the rich vegetation, including salmon berry bushes, elderberries, nettle, ferns, and wildflowers.
Photo: Google Maps, Cole Williams
Situated directly on the waterfront in a spacious cottage-style building, the Renfrew Pub is complete with a full bar rail and billiards table.
This traditional-style pub serves pub classics like wings, poutine, and burgers and has many options that highlight fresh west coast fish.
With a huge terrace and unmatched views of the mountains and sea, this picturesque spot is a must-see if you’re in Port Renfrew.
Photo: Wild Renfrew
This is an excellent option for spending a day on the water. Guests can sail around the island’s scenic coasts, take in the stunning views, and catch local salmon and halibut. They offer full-day and half-day charters and cater to every skill level and age.
In addition to charters, Island outfitters also offer unique accommodations and rental cabins surrounded by nature.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/island.outfitters.fishing/
Coastal Kitchen Cafe is a casual local restaurant serving modern twists on classic West Coast dishes. Located inside the Wild Coast Wilderness Resort, this cafe has been open for 15 years and is a favourite among the local community.
They open daily at 5:00 to suit the early birds in Port Renfrew who wake up to fish, hike or start exploring nature. Their menu has the option for everyone, including fruit smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and hearty soups.
Photo: https://wildcoastwildernessresort.com/coastal-kitchen/
This restaurant has floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the stunning BC mountains and water. Bridgeman’s is well known among the community for its welcoming staff, delicious food, and quick service.
The location is right on the water by the marina, and guests can enjoy a meal on their outdoor picnic table patio in the warmer month. Their menu includes pub classics and an assortment of fresh seafood, including prawns, fish, salmon, and mussels.
Photo: http://www.pacificgatewaymarina.ca/bridgemansportrenfrew/
The Pacific Gateway Marina is relatively new to Port Renfrew and offers gorgeous views of BC’s water, mountains, and forests.
The Marina is a great place to launch your boat or to catch a charter to go fishing for the day. Equipped with wide docks and massive breakwater and fish cleaning stations, it is a great spot to observe this fishing community’s hard work and effort.
The marina also has a restaurant with great food and stunning views of the ships sailing in and out of the marina.
Photo: http://www.pacificgatewaymarina.ca/
Big Fish Lodge is a charming accommodation in Port Renfrew, British Columbia. They offer different styles of rooms to suit different traveller needs with bunk bed options or couple’s suites.
Each room features a coffee machine, microwave, and beach view. You can hear the relaxing sounds of waves crashing at night. Breakfast is included every morning and is prepared by the staff. The lodge has a large common area where visitors can socialize, play games, and enjoy their meals together in the kitchen. There is a patio which features stunning views of the beach during sunset.
Photo: Google Street View
This city park is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature in British Columbia. Located near the waterfront, the park is complete with a grass field and benches to rest on. Across the street is a beachfront area with sand and a beautiful view of the San Juan River.
Photo: Google Map, Halina Grzyb
