The drive out to Port Renfrew was gorgeous! It took about 3 hours, but the reward at the end (and on the way through the forest) was worth it. We stopped in Sooke at the grocery store, picked up some munchies and “drinks”, got a recommendation to see Botanical Beach (and mind the tide) and headed out.

It’s two lanes all the way out, and would be a little dicey for bikes at least up to Sooke, after that the traffic thins out and a bike ride/camping trip might be fun! On our way out we stopped at China Beach and French Beach because there’s some excellent provincial camprounds. They were both well-maintained with flat sites, fire pit grills and very private. I didn’t see hook-ups, but mostly saw tent camping. With a short jaunt we were at the beach itself. At the end of the road (and left from the hotel) is Botanical Beach facing the Pacific Ocean. Wow!! It’s about a 1-1.5 km hike down to this beach, through the dense trees and plantlife along a well maintained trail loop.

When we arrived the pay parking station was only taking coins ($3 for all day), and of course, we only had a $5 bill. We finally found a nice man who  had some change and we were off. We found a beautiful spot on the beach against a large driftwood log and set up our picnic so we could watch the body boarders jump off the rocks into the growing surf. Reminded me of growing up in San Diego. We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful day, sun and temperature were perfect. Then we explored the phenomenal tide pools while the tide was out. Fascinating to see all the sea life waiting for their next feed.

A perfect day trip!