March 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Sooke, Hiking
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Recently I took a day trip up Island to join a small group of friends staying at a cabin in Port Renfrew, a small and remote town set amongst stunning west coast scenery. Beaches, crashing waves and thick, lush coastal rainforest surround this tiny community.
We decided to do a hike into Avatar Grove (apparently named for the movie to promote awareness of the area). The ground was moist and muddy -- bring your boots! -- and there were ropes for when the trail became too steep. We passed trickling streams, bizarre fungus and enormous, mossy trees, dwarfing us with their massive trunks. Inside the trees, the air was damp and silent.
On the drive home the sun came out, glittering on ocean waters. We stopped for a break at Jordan River to watch surfers bobbing the waves too.
Avatar Grove is not a well-marked trail but it's short and relatively easy to find the big trees. Make sure to dress for constantly changing (wet!) weather
March 11, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Sooke, Hiking
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The West Coast Trail is a 75 km trek through old growth forest and along the sea shore. Created a hundred years ago as a rescue route for shipwreck survivors, it now offers hikers a close connection with the biology and terrain of Canada's rugged west coast.
Most overnight hiking trips range from five to eight days with campsites dotted along the trail map. Cable cars, ladders, bridges and boardwalk make the trek a reasonably straight forward hike for the fit.
Highlights include hiking on sea shelf, old growth forests like the Carmanah and Walbran, meeting First Nations interpreters and ferry operators (Nitinat Narrows), wildlife, light houses and countless stunning views of the Pacific.
Begin in either Port Renfrew or Bamfield. I recommend starting in Port Renfrew and getting the more difficult sections out of the way first.
March 06, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Sooke, Hiking
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Last spring our family realized a dream of visiting and exploring Vancouver Island. One day we did some exploring on the southwestern part of the island. We stopped at beaches and bays along the way, did some hiking and took in some spectacular views of the ocean and coastal forest.
We were ready for some rest and relaxation, and stopped at an unassuming place called "Point No Point".
From the road it looks like a small resort built in the 50's with a curious little restaurant. We had a very interesting visit with the host, and of course, stayed for a delightful lunch. After hearing about our afternoon quest to continue exploring, the host kindly invited us to spend some time touring their private beaches--usually reserved for resort guests. What a thrill! We spent the entire afternoon exploring the beaches, trails, forest, and tidepools, collecting shells, and crossing cliff side bridges! When we returned, the host suggested we stay for a meal. We needed very little convincing!
The local seafood dishes were so outstanding, we consider that dinner to have been the best we have ever had! Everyone is treated so well at "Point No Point", including the resident cat, who greeted us as we were leaving. He apparently just showed up and now lives there. His coat is so shiny, dark and healthy, it looks like seal fur; an excellent compliment to the restaurant.
We can't wait to return to "Point No Point"!