Adventure Paradise
Nestled near the middle of Vancouver Island's coastline lies one of British Columbia's most treasured area's. Botanical Beach is a year round spectacle of natural abundance.
Located on the outer edges of the coastal town of Port Renfrew, Botanical Beach is an area that provides no shortage of adventure...
Photo taken of a beautiful little island at Botany Bay on the north west part of Botanical Beach
While driving along the coastline to reach Port Renfrew, you cannot help but notice with each passing minute, the growing density of rainforest setting. The growth gets thicker, the runoff of waterfalls appear more frequently and the roadways become more engulfed in trees and plants.
For the entire 2 hour drive from Victoria, each beach along the Juan De Fuca Strait has its own special feel; each deserving their own respect and are all worth visiting.
Along the Juan De Fuca Strait is the most incredible stretch of land spanning around 100 kms that I have encountered in my lifetime.
Photo above is taken near sunset, roughly 20 minutes before reaching Port Renfrew. The view is of the Juan De Fuca Strait facing Washington State, USA in the background
At nearly the halfway point to Port Renfrew, you pass through an old abandoned town called Jordan River. Jordan River is a special place that is most popular for surfers. There is a small oceanside campground in the town that offers unbelievable views in such a spectacular setting. A small cafe remains at the edge of town & is a must to stop for a snack and beverage.
Taking a quick stroll on the beach is almost impossible to pass up. Jordan River is one of those places where you almost feel guilty driving away from it as it brings such a powerful feeling of comfort when surrounded in its awesomeness.
Photo above is taken at the shores in Jordan River, BC with Washington State, USA in the background
The drive is just about as fun as the destination to Port Renfrew. On the way you pass through gorgeous lookout points, half a dozen beaches and numerous one way bridges.
That's right, one way bridges!
Once you pass the halfway point to Botanical Beach, you will travel over numerous one way bridges. You need to drive cautiously in this area. For these bridges, you must yield to oncoming traffic if they entered the bridge from the other side before you did.
Both photos are of a bridge at the very edge of Port Renfrew, BC connecting to the roadway that travels across the interior island (another amazing route)
Port Renfrew Town & Hotel
Upon arriving to Port Renfrew, you take a short drive through a quaint little town and the road leads you to the famous Port Renfrew Hotel. The pub in the hotel is also a must stop.
The menu is filled with local fare (try the seafood chowder or Halibut). Another standout feature for me is that the pub is heated by a large fireplace. This gives the room that authentic rustic, in the wilderness aroma that I cannot get enough of.
If you visit in the summer, there is a large patio overlooking the bay as well.
HANDY TIP
The pub is the only place within an hour and a half with a wifi signal or any cellular service of any kind. It is a great place to stop to make calls, share photos, and update any digital maps you may need.
The Adventure (The Best Part)
Port Renfrew can and will scratch your itch for adventure. As popular as this area is, it also remains relatively untouched and "wild". Keep it that way by packing out what you pack in. The hike to the shoreline from the parking lot is a few kms with a slight incline that gives you a gradual climb for the walk back. The trails are well worn and can be conquered by kids as well.
For Botanical Beach, I usually choose between 2 options:
First Choice - "Tide Pools on Botanical Beach"
When the weather is sunny and calm, and the tide is out, you hike down to the left portion of Botanical to explore the tide pools. Each tide pool has its own ecosystem filled with reef, sea urchins, rockfish, crabs, mussels plus many more organisms that I cannot identify. Plus the chances that you will encounter a starfish is high.
Second Choice - "Botany Bay"
Located just north west of Botanical Beach itself, this area is best for the windier days, as well as the winter months. Here you can enjoy the show of large waves crashing into the rocks. It truly is a powerful experience.
With each visit to Botany Bay, my heart rate elevates with elation to the raw strength of nature. Sometimes, I sit there for hours in the same area staring & soaking up the sounds. You feel like a different person upon leaving than you did when you arrived.
In Closing
A day spent at Botanical Beach to my estimation will likely add a month to your life span. No I am not a doctor, nor am I a psychic, but upon the return of visiting an area like this, you feel as though your soul has been cleansed. It is the type of experience where one day makes you feel the same way you would after a week long vacation somewhere less exhilarating.
Port Renfrew roughly a 2 hour drive from the provincial capital city of Victoria. The beach is the final destination that the south west road can take you along the coastline before needing to make a drastic 3-4 hour detour to go around and travel farther up island. Plan For the trip accordingly...
- fuel up before leaving (gas station was just opened in Port Renfrew)
- as with most trails worth hiking, prepare to get a bit dirty and bring additional footwear
- pack snacks and fluids
- realize that you are far away from cellular signals so load your maps beforehand
FUN FACT:
- Port Renfrew, BC is home to the start/end (depends where you start) of the world famous "West Coast Trail" hike. The West Coast Trail is a 75 km backpacking hike that tests your ability to survive in beautiful, yet incredibly challenging landscapes. Roughly 15% of people that try to pursue this hike, need to be air lifted out due to injury or inability to garner the strength that it demands of you.
Photo above is of 2 black bears. 5 minutes before this photo I was within 40 feet of them with my 2 year old daughter in my arms. Thankfully I was able to turn away cautiously with them not interested in following
- Remember to always plan for bears. Black bears in this area are tame with humans, but your pet can be enticing for bears, cougars and wolves. Keep your pets close.
What are you waiting for? Call your travel agent and get to Vancouver Island already!!