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The ultimate road trip, west coast style!
The best way to experience the West Coast’s west coast is at your own pace, with time to wander and take in the sights, sounds and scents of the route. This one to five day road loop takes you from rugged coastal trails, to beaches, tranquil lakes, rolling vineyards, restaurants and delightful places to stay. Drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route and sample everything Southern Vancouver Island has to offer.
Check out the videos below and plan your journey, not your destination.
Sidney to Victoria to Cowichan 81.5KM / 50.7MILES
Southern Vancouver Island offers more to do, see, eat and drink than one could possibly imagine. Find charming bookstores, local breweries, distilleries, delectable bakeries and spectacular views at every turn.
Plan your trip
Things To Do
Sample award-winning Island spirits, whale watch on the Salish Sea and change your altitude as you walk above the treeline.
Where To Eat
Sip coffee above the clouds, eat lunch in a vineyard and then dine under the stars.
Where To Stay
Rest your head in an orchard yurt, experience breathtaking views over an inlet, or cozy up in one of many B&B’s along this section of the route.
Cowichan to Port Renfrew 100.8KM / 62.2MILES
Walk among giants in Avatar Grove, climb to new heights on Maple Mountain and discover diverse ecosystems at low tide on this section of the route.
Plan your trip
Things To Do
Take a walking tour through the city of totems, hike to tidal pools only revealed during low tide and then discover Canada’s gnarliest tree, all before dinner.
Where To Eat
Refuel after a day of adventure overlooking Snuggery Cove while savouring fresh West Coast fare.
Where To Stay
Be lulled into a restful sleep by the Salish Sea in a seaside cottage.
Port Renfrew to Sooke70.9KM / 44.1MILES
The drive between Port Renfrew and Sooke offers rugged, unspoiled West Coast landscape at its best. Find pristine lakes, swimming holes, secret waterfalls and quiet beaches. Then suit up and catch some waves at one of the surf spots along the way.
Plan your trip
Things To Do
Hike to the beaches along the Juan de Fuca trail, rent kayaks to explore the coastline from a new perspective and explore geological rock formations filled with river water that make for a refreshing swimming spot.
Where To Eat
Nibble on delectable bites harvested from land and sea.
Where To Stay
Discover a quiet oasis in Sooke and take the opportunity to recharge and reconnect to nature.
Sooke to Victoria 39.9KM / 24.8MILES
Zipline through temperate rainforest, discover historic lighthouses and wander around Victoria’s bustling Inner Harbour along this section of the route.
Plan your trip
Things To Do
Zipline through tree-tops, learn about B.C.'s oldest lighthouse and tour a west coast castle.
Where To Eat
Try the time-honoured tradition of afternoon tea, explore the B.C. Ale Trail and discover Victoria’s flourishing culinary scene with a food tour.
Where To Stay
From a room overlooking the Inner Harbour to a luxury retreat in Oak Bay, find your accommodation options here.
Please note: Some sections of the Pacific Marine Circle Route are remote and with limited services, and in some locations the road may be narrow or have sharp bends. Driving times can vary depending on conditions and type of vehicle. Please exercise due care when driving. For information on current road conditions, please visit www.drivebc.ca.