Pacific Marine Circle Route

1 In Victoria, begin your journey in BC's capital city with a tour of the Legislative Buildings. Sheltered from the ocean, this seaside destination boasts a mild climate with lush, green vegetation inviting residents and visitors alike to explore its many beaches and parks. There are city bus tours or horse-drawn carriages readily available, as well as new and historic shopping districts featuring antiques, arts and crafts, art galleries, malls and markets. Treat yourself to High Tea at the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel built in 1908. Or visit the Royal BC Museum – the coastal rain forest and coastal shore exhibits, together with a replica of the HMS Discovery give a sense of the marine history of BC.

Head north via Hwy 1, and then travel west along Hwy 14 to the community of Sooke. Choose from many bed and breakfasts to tuck into for the night. En route, bird-watchers may also want to take the time to stop at East Sooke Regional Park for bird-watching The park also offers a network of hiking trails to explore.

2 At the nearby Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, explore the archaeological marvels imbedded in the sandstone bedrock from the last ice age. Hikes and walks abound for views of the jagged coastline and inspiring vistas of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains. Fishing enthusiasts have the opportunity for catch and release fishing along the Sooke River, an important spawning river for Coho and Chinook salmon. The park is ideal to watch the annual salmon spawning run. Visit the Sooke Regional Museum and plan to dine at the Sooke Harbour House – BC's most authentic restaurant using only BC-sourced ingredients.

3 Continue to Port Renfrew, home for both the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the historic West Coast Trail. Between Jordan River and Port Renfrew, signs will guide you to campgrounds and the entry points for day hikes along the 47 km (29 mi) Juan de Fuca Marine Trail – good for both day hikers and overnight trekkers alike. For those who prefer fishing, Port Renfrew is an ideal base to book a trip for salt or freshwater trips, year-round. From Port Renfrew follow a remote paved road to the quaint community of Lake Cowichan. 

4 Along Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island's second largest lake, campgrounds dot the shoreline. Take a dip in the water or choose to explore the lake by boat or canoe – and there is always fishing. There are several trails in the area for hikers including the one-hour loop covering both sides of Cowichan River in Cowichan River Provincial Park. Here you have a spectacular view of the canyons and gorges in BC's temperate rainforest from restored 66-Mile and Holt Creek railway trestles on the Trans-Canada Trail.

5 Travelling southeast you reach the city of Duncan where there is a self-guided walking tour of the magnificent Aboriginal carvings located in the community. Take a 'Totem Tour' and visit the traditional buildings at the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre where carvers practice their trade. Duncan is also home to the BC Forest Discovery Centre showcasing BC's logging and steam-related history through interactive computer games and live eco-systems displays.

Enjoy the fruits of the Cowichan at the many wineries. What better way to spend an afternoon than sampling the wines in tasting rooms and shops. Some also offer tours.

6 Head south on Hwy 1 into the South Cowichan communities of Cobble Hill – home of BC's first cidery – and the seaside community of Mill Bay. You may want to stop at Bamberton and Goldstream provincial parks before continuing south to Victoria.

7 An alternate route to the Malahat Drive is to board a BC Ferry at Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay. This 25-minute ride, dubbed 'Vancouver Island's most beautiful shortcut', lets you complete your holiday with a visit to the famous Butchart Gardens, located in Brentwood Bay, before heading south on Hwy 17 to Victoria.

Please note: This route itinerary is only a suggestion. You can begin your journey from any point along the route.