Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew is a community of about 144 people (2016) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

Understand
Port Renfrew is the home of the Pacheedaht First Nation, meaning "People of the Sea Foam", who have traditional village sites in and around the main town centre. The West Coast Trail, a world-famous hiking trail built in 1907 along the west coast of Vancouver Island to save shipwrecked sailors, is on the Jordan River adjacent to Port Renfrew. During the days of sail, 1830–1925, 137 major shipping tragedies occurred in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. International recognition was given to this stretch of water off Port Renfrew. It became known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Founded as Port San Juan, the settlers changed the name to honor Lord Renfrew who planned to settle crofters there. The name was changed due to mail being sent to the San Juan Islands instead of Port San Juan. Port Renfrew's bay is still called Port San Juan. Like many coastal Vancouver Island communities, Port Renfrew has a rich history in forestry and fishing.

By car
110 km from Victoria: take the Trans-Canada Highway/Island Highway/#1 north to Goldstream, turn west onto the Westshore Parkway, and follow that to Highway 14/Sooke Road/West Coast Road.

See




Do

 * Local natural attractions include:
 * The West Coast Trail within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
 * Juan de Fuca Trail and Botanical Beach within Juan de Fuca Provincial Park


 * Port Renfrew is considered one of the best locations for salmon and halibut fishing in North America.


 * There is also excellent sea and freshwater (San Juan and Jordan River) kayaking and birding.