Circle Routes Scenic Driving Guide

PACIFIC MARINE 1 Begin your journey in Victoria, BC's capital 3 Continue to Port Renfrew, home of both city, with a tour of the Legislative Buildings the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the or the Royal BC Museum. This seaside historic West Coast Trail. Between Jordan destination boasts a mild climate with lush, River and Port Renfrew, signs will guide green vegetation inviting residents and you to campgrounds and the entry points visitors alike to explore its many beaches for hikes along the 47-kilometre (29-mile) and parks. There are city bus tours or Juan de Fuca Marine Trail—enjoyed by day horse-drawn carriages readily available, hikers and overnight trekkers alike. For as well as shopping districts featuring those who prefer fishing, Port Renfrew is antiques, arts and crafts, art galleries, an ideal base to book a trip—the salmon malls and markets. and halibut fishing is some of the best on the coast. Treat yourself to afternoon tea— 4 Drive from Port Renfrew to the quaint a favourite Victoria tradition—at the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress, built in community of Lake Cowichan. Along 1908. Or visit the Maritime Museum of Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island's BC, where thousands of nautical artifacts, second-largest lake, campgrounds dot the photos and interactive displays relate BC's shoreline. Take a dip in the water, explore nautical history. Head north on Hwy 1, then the lake by boat or canoe, or cast out a travel west along Hwy 14 to Sooke. Choose fishing line. Cowichan River Provincial one of many bed and breakfasts to tuck Park provides ample hiking opportunities, into for the night. En route, make time to including spectacular views of the canyons stop at East Sooke Regional Park featuring and gorges in BC's temperate rainforest stunning ocean views and wildlife viewing from the restored 66-Mile and Holt Creek along its extensive trail network. railway trestles on the Trans-Canada Trail. 2 Nearby at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, explore the polished rock pools and potholes carved deep in the sandstone bedrock. These pools provide some of the best freshwater swimming in the region. Hikes and walks abound; fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catch-and-release salmon fishing along the Sooke River, or view the annual salmon spawning run each fall. Visit the Sooke Region Museum and plan to dine at Sooke Harbour House, an award-winning West Coast restaurant renowned for ambiance, stunning views and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. 6 Head south on Hwy 1 into the South Cowichan communities of Cobble Hill— home of BC's first estate cidery—and Mill Bay. Take a short but well worth it detour to the spectacular Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestles in the world. Admire the view as you walk or bike across this restored 187-metre (614-foot) structure standing 44 m (145 ft) above a river in scenic natural surroundings. You may want to stop at Bamberton and Goldstream provincial parks before continuing south to Victoria on Hwy 1. This scenic stretch of highway is also known as Malahat Drive. Alternatively, board a BC Ferries vessel 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 Butchart Gardens—a world-renowned, 55 hectare (22 acre) garden display located in Brentwood Bay—before heading south on Hwy 17 to Victoria. 5 Travel southeast to the city of Duncan, where there is a self-guided walking Totem Tour of the magnificent Aboriginal carvings located in the community. Visit the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre for a riverside salmon barbeque, enjoy a traditional song and dance performance or take part in a hands-on craft demonstration. Duncan is also home to the BC Forest Discovery Centre, which showcases BC's logging history through interactive exhibits and live ecosystem displays. Take a relaxing train ride on a historic locomotive, as it winds its way over a wooden trestle and around the museum grounds. Enjoy the fruits of the Cowichan Valley at many wineries. Spend an afternoon sampling various wines in tasting rooms and shops, or take a guided tour of the winemaking facilities and vineyards. Pacific Marine DBC-SP-72_CircleRts_Reprint2013.indd 15 15 13-06-13 10:38 AM

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