Pacific Marine Circle Route (5 days)

Gemma, Off Track Travel - (offtracktravel)
Itinerary created by
Gemma, Off Track Travel
What you’ll do

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is one of Vancouver Island's best road trips. It starts and finishes in Victoria, British Columbia's characterful capital city.

The scenic road winds through temperate rainforest as it follows the rugged coastline of the Juan de Fuca Strait.

Salty sea breezes, beach waterfalls, huge trees and ocean vistas abound, as well as potential whale sightings.

After arriving at the remote community of Port Renfrew, the journey turns inland and heads towards the expansive shores of Cowichan Lake and the bountiful Cowichan Valley. The finale is the spectacular Malahat Summit, high above the ocean.

This five day itinerary features all of the top places to see and things to do along the Pacific Marine Circle Route. The pace is on the slow side so if you'd prefer a shorter trip, check out the three day itinerary instead!

Welcome to day one of the Pacific Marine Circle Route! This itinerary assumes you have already spent some time exploring Victoria and will leave in the morning. Your first stop will be Sooke Potholes.

1

Victoria
Victoria
BC's charming capital city
Category
Sightseeing

41.2 km (25.6 mi)

46 min

2

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Unique park with rockpools, canyon, waterfalls
Category
Park

21.7 km (13.5 mi)

27 min

Looking for a challenging and varied hike? Head to East Sooke Regional Park next (but be warned, you'll miss the chance to have lunch at Shirley Delicious...)

Just want a short and scenic oceanside stroll? Whiffin Spit is the place to go!

3

Choose the option that fits you the best

East Sooke Regional Park
East Sooke Regional Park
Oceanside park with network of trails
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
1-2h
Whiffin Spit
Whiffin Spit
2.4km return trail along natural ocean breakwater
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
30-60m

37.7 km (23.4 mi)

42 min

4

Shirley Delicious
Shirley Delicious
Cute local spot with homemade treats, brunch and lunch
Category
Café
Est. Price
$

1.7 km (1.1 mi)

3 min

The short walk to Sheringham Point Lighthouse is a great way to finish the day. If you are wanting more, Sandcut Beach is just up the highway.

5

Sheringham Point Lighthouse
Sheringham Point Lighthouse
Easy stroll to red and white Juan de Fuca Strait lighthouse
Category
Sightseeing

9.4 km (5.8 mi)

10 min

6

This one is optional

Sandcut Beach
Sandcut Beach
Cobblestone beach with cliffs and waterfalls
Category
Waterfall

8.2 km (5.1 mi)

8 min

The Shirley area is the most ideal place to stay on the first night of this itinerary. There are plenty of Airbnbs and vacation rentals as well as some cabin resorts. Please note that some have two night minimums.

If you have trouble finding a place to stay, consider continuing onto Port Renfrew and then backtracking the next day OR head to Sooke (20 minutes drive east).

Local camping/glamping options are below.

7

Choose the option that fits you the best

Cloud 9 Glamping
Cloud 9 Glamping
Cosy cabins surrounded by nature
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Jordan River Regional Park Campground
Jordan River Regional Park Campground
Rustic oceanfront first come, first serve campground
Category
Campsite
Est. Price
$
French Beach Provincial Park Campground
French Beach Provincial Park Campground
Convenient campground with easy beach access
Category
Campsite
Est. Price
$