THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Port Renfrew
Things to Do in Port Renfrew
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
- 4WD Toursfromper group (up to 6)AU$1,093
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$345
- Adventure Toursfromper adultAU$194
- Horse Carriage Ridesfromper group (up to 6)AU$316
- Food & Drinkfromper adultAU$115
- Food & Drinkfromper adultAU$92
- On the Waterfromper adultAU$230
- Horse Carriage Ridesfromper group (up to 6)AU$293
- fromper adultAU$151
- On the Waterfromper adultAU$235
Other Top Attractions around Port Renfrew
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- kleicSan Antonio, TX1,024 contributionsI've been climbing around tidepools for half a century and used to live in the Pacific Northwest so I feel pretty confident in saying these are some of the most remarkable tidepools you're going to find. The walk down to them is fabulous and fairly easy. Climbing around nearby Botany Beach (accessed by the same path from the parking lot) is fun too, particularly for the more nimble among us, but the real joy for me was the endless tidepools of Botanical Beach. They go on forever and are filled with chitons, urchins, anemone, crabs of all sizes ... you get the idea. Lots of great places to sit and take the world in. Definitely bring water and water shoes or hiking shoes or both.Written 4 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Morag VLadner, Canada152 contributionsSombrio Beach is one of the trailheads on the Juan de Fuca Trail. When we went the pebbled beach was dotted with colourful tents. We came here to find the hidden waterfall! After a short walk (1/2km) we noticed a small creek flowing to the ocean. This is where we started walking up the creek in search of the waterfall. After about 3 to 5 minutes we were at the base of the magical slot canyon falls. We had fun taking some beautiful photos. On a warmer day it would have been nice to go under to cool off! We wore hiking sandals and had a hiking pole as its quite slippery.Written 8 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ArcosdadComox Valley, Canada4,901 contributionsIf you have ever imagined what a temperate rain forest smells like, feels like, looks like, sounds like, this is THE place to go. Details:
Access
Via a series of logging roads from either Port Alberni or Lake Cowichan...we came in via PA. One way drive=2:45 hrs/104 km on logging roads of varying quality, some you could do 60 kmh and other stretches, 20 kmh. It is 1:05 to the trailhead from the friendly store at Nitinat Village. Local knowledge of the area seems very limited so grab a Back Roads Map book to guide you in via Rosander Main. There are tiny blue signs with white arrows showing the way. You don't need 4WD or AWD. You need decent clearance and good tires (plus spare) and the ability to dodge the thousands of potholes and sharp rocks. We saw a Nissan Juke tiny SUV at the trail head and the driver said: no problems. The risks include logging trucks, locals flying around the corners in their pickups and even dirt bikes. We came around one corner and found a van laying on its side on the road....mechanical failure it looked like. It's definitely an adventure but oh , what a payoff! Do not attempt this drive after dark.
Trails/park
Most of the park's valley bottom area is now inaccessible due to the lack of trail maintenance. You can go a bit further than the 3 sisters on a reasonable trail but some scrambling is needed to get around washouts and parts of boardwalk that are destroyed. These are slippery when wet and the mesh traction wire is rusted out or absent...good boots are essential as is situational awareness and a bit of fitness and agility. We are old guys and took it slow.
The first 700m stretch from the parking area was my favourite...you descend fairly steeply through a stand of giant cedar, hemlock and a few Doug Firs, including a massive snag that gives you a sense of how high these guys grow. You're looking though the stand, not up at it. The sunlight dapples through the lower hemlock branches and a fine shower of needles drifts down on the breeze. It's humid, like a jungle. It was only 20 degrees and we were all sweating profusely going downhill. Once you reach the valley floor you carry on along the river to see either the 3 Sisters, one of which has blown down, or the Stoltman Grove toward the south. The timber type switches to mostly Red Cedar and Western Hemlock with some massive Sitka spruce. Some of the trees are in excess of 7 feet in diameter....sorry for the cliche but it has to be seen to be believed.
Wildlife
The old growth temperate rain forest is quiet, few birds or mammals are present due to the habitat it presents. There were no salmon spawning (late august) and no bear sign in the valley though there was lots on the road in: eating berries in the cut blocks. There were few bugs, a few tiny mossies. Try to avoid using repellent so you can literally drink in the smells of the great forest.
Camping
There were a five vehicle access open camp spots at the parking lot and a few more walk in sites which looked great. We day tripped it but wish we had opted to camp to afford us more time. BC Parks has removed the water hand pump for some reason so bring your own.
Other
At about 19 km on the Rosander you will come to a row of large boulders on your left at the bottom of a slide area. Look to your right and see the most incredible ocean and Olympic Peninsula vista...amazing. At about 15 km on the Carmanah Main stop and look over the edge; there is a remarkable set of falls carved out of the sandstone on the Little Nitinat River, marked in your map book. Watch the surrounding forests carefully as you pass...there are massive trees scattered throughout. Look up on the mountainside where they are logging and see some of the huge trees still remaining. Stop at the Nitinat Bridge Pool Park and have a break/swim on a gravel bar (poorly marked). We looked for the trail to the huge Cheewat Cedar on the way up the Rosander but could not spot it. The road is "paved" from Franklin Camp to Flora Main but it's full of sharp potholes and humps...watch your step!
It's shameful how this astounding area has been neglected by BC Parks and I will be writing to them about it. Please go and visit and pass on your feelings so that they don't turn their backs on it...the more people see it, the more it will be loved! This is a must see if you have the right vehicle. If you can't reach the Carmanah and want the old growth experience, see my review of the Anglers trail in Port Alberni.Written 29 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bernadette KWoodburn, OR9 contributionsEverything we expected. Nature is amazing! A massive old growth tree. The base of the trunk is huge.
It was about 26 kms from Port Renfrew tourist information center. We passed Fairy Lake and Lizard Lake on the way. A beautiful driveWritten 6 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - john j4 contributionsMy family has gone fishing with Dan since my boys were young. This is our 5th year. I have been around the water most of my life and Dan is 100% safe, no worries. Best part is he gets us into the fish every year!! Lings, cot, salmon, Hali, he knows what's hot and where to go. Even if I had my own boat I'd get out with him for a day or 2. We let him know what we'll looking for, he lets us know what's biting and takes us to his spots! Always a winner. This year we out fished all the other boats on the moning bite, So Much Fun!! We've fished other BC coastal areas but he's the only we've gone with more that once. You can't got with him, so worth it!!Written 14 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mary Ann C5 contributionsA tour with TJ Watt of Big Tree Tours is an absolute MUST! It will change your view of the old growth forests and the need to save those few remaining fabulous ancient trees. AND it is a great way to spend a relaxing and yet invigorating day in the rain forest. TJ is knowledgeable, interesting, fun, and caring. Great guy, great tour. Don’t hesitate to book with him for an amazing day.Written 12 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Terri SmithPort Moody, Canada6 contributionsWe had the best time out on the water with Kevin. He was so knowledgeable, experienced and just a cool, salt of the earth local outdoorsman. I caught my first 30 pounder (chinook) too which was a major bonus and son caught a nice sized one one too plus others! We will definitely use McKenna fishing every time!Written 15 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Eric HRiverside, CA1 contributionMarcus is such an amazing Captain, guide and tour guide. He supplies everything you need for an awesome fishing/ marine life viewing experience. He always has top notch tackle available, his boat is a super smooth riding catamaran and clean. This is the only fishing trip that my wife insists on being invited on! We always have a great time, always catch lots of fish, as well as lots of whale and eagle sightings. I reccomend Marcus for a couples trip or a hard core guys trip. He is so knowledgeable about the areas that he fishes, the wildlife and a good sense of humor to go with it. You will not be disappointed, and you'll want a 2nd day on the water!Written 28 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adrian DNew York City, NY23 contributionsWe were very excited for our fishing for salmon with Trevor. We met early at around 5:15 in Soon and we're greeted by Trevor and his large, spacious, and comfy boat! We took a short ride out to the 'spot' where the salmon were. We were not getting a lot of good action except two small springs and a decent pink. Trevor was knowledgeable and very informative on fish and the equipment he used. We decided to go follow the seagulls feeding on herring and after doing a few loops we hooked up with a 20 pound spring salmon! We lost one but also later managed to hook a 10 pound and a 12 pound spring salmon. We were pumped and full of excitement after the catches. Trevor helped us get great photos of the fish. He was very knowledgeable and was able to get us where we needed to in order to catch fish. At the end of our adventure, Trevor even allowed us to feed the guts and other parts of our catch to the seals and that was very nice to watch!Written 16 July 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- guest01754Victoria, Canada1 contributionA fantastic tour, great information and knowledge of the area. Kyle kept us engaged the entire time.
And the environment was AMAZING, some spots I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Thank you, KyleWritten 17 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rob S2 contributionsThanks Des for giving us a great fishing experience. Lots of fish, lots of sights. Can't wait to do it again!!Written 19 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brandon suttlesPuyallup, WA1 contributionWe had a great time and caught our limit in a group of 6. Skyler and Charlie and Vincent were a great crew. The captain picked great spots and the fish were flying in the boat.Written 7 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Renfrew
- The top attractions to visit in Port Renfrew are:
- Botanical Beach Provincial Park
- Sombrio Beach
- Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park
- Big Tree Tours
- McKenna Sportfishing
- The best outdoor activities in Port Renfrew according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Port Renfrew on Tripadvisor