Navigating the Short-Term Rental Legislation in British Columbia 2024

blue and green shapes under white text with an image of Victoria's Inner Harbour

Short-term rentals, once a lucrative venture for property investors in British Columbia, are facing a significant regulatory shift with the recent implementation of the Short-Term Rental legislation. As the province grapples with a housing crisis exacerbated by the surge in short-term rentals, the government has rolled out a comprehensive set of measures to address the issue and prioritize long-term rental availability. While this has raised concerns among property owners and investors, understanding the intricacies of the new regulations can help navigate this transition effectively.

B.C.’s Housing Crisis: The Need for Regulation

With the proliferation of short-term rentals impacting the long-term housing market, the government’s move to regulate the industry aims to alleviate the strain on available housing options. As more than 16,000 entire homes are currently utilized for short-term rentals, finding affordable long-term rentals has become increasingly challenging for residents.

Embracing Change: Strategies for Investors

In light of the new regulations, investors and property owners can employ several strategies to adapt to the evolving landscape:

Embrace Regional Oversight: The introduction of a provincial registry and compliance unit underscores the need for adherence to new guidelines. Investors can prioritize understanding and complying with registration and licensing requirements.

Diversify Investment Portfolios: Exploring alternative investment avenues, such as long-term rentals in exempted areas or properties catering to agri-tourism, can mitigate the impact of the principal residence requirement.

Collaborate with Local Governments: Engaging in discussions with local governments regarding potential exemptions and understanding their stance on the principal residence requirement can provide valuable insights for navigating the changing rental landscape.

Balancing Perspectives: The Impact on Property Investors

While the regulations aim to address housing challenges, the new rules have sparked concerns among property investors. Amanda Van Der Lee, owner of How to Host Property Management & Design, emphasized the potential financial setbacks and job losses that could result from the stringent measures. Similarly, Jen Higham, an investor in Prince George, expressed concerns over the feasibility of transitioning properties into long-term rentals, highlighting potential market saturation and property devaluation as consequences.

Moving Forward: Finding Equilibrium

As the government endeavors to strike a balance between regulating short-term rentals and preserving housing affordability, the industry’s stakeholders must collaborate to ensure a sustainable housing market. Leveraging the available resources, engaging with local authorities, and exploring diverse investment opportunities can help investors navigate the changing regulatory landscape while contributing to the broader goal of housing sustainability in British Columbia.

The recent developments in British Columbia highlight the need for a nuanced approach to short-term rentals, one that acknowledges the concerns of property investors while addressing the urgent housing needs of residents. By adapting to the new regulations and proactively engaging with the evolving rental market, investors can continue to navigate the changing landscape and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the housing sector.

Resources:

The Official Website of the Government of BC – The New Rules

The Official Website of the Government of BC – Strata Short Term Rental ByLaws

Best Places to Live on Vancouver Island

inner harbour victoria bc at sunset - best places to live on vancouver island

There are lots of reasons to move to Vancouver Island, British Columbia – we have the mildest climate in Canada, breathtaking natural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, low crime rates, robust healthcare, quaint small towns, a thriving artistic community and incredible food and drink. But when you’re thinking about where to live on Vancouver Island, that can get tricky. No matter where you choose to live, each city and town has pros and cons so to help narrow it down, we’ve made a list of the very best places to live on Vancouver Island! And remember, you can always find a nearby EMR rental to stay in so you can experience what living in each area would be like–whether you want to try out the wild west coast of Sooke, immerse yourself in the city vibe of Victoria or Nanaimo, go full country in the Cowichan Valley, live in laid-back Sidney or be beachfront in Parksville, EMR has all this and so much more!

Greater Victoria

Greater Victoria on the southernmost coast of Vancouver Island is a large area that includes the neighbourhoods of Oak Bay, Sidney, Langford and Sooke on the far west coast. Greater Victoria as a whole is one of the best places on the Island to live but there are certain areas that really stand! 

Victoria

Victoria is the largest city on Vancouver Island and offers incredible shopping, dining and nightlife, art galleries and cultural centres and easy access to spectacular outdoor recreation–it’s no wonder that it is consistently at the top of the list! To live here, however, you’ll have to make sure you can afford it – the cost of living and rising real estate prices have created issues with current and potential residents so be sure to do your research and see if Victoria is a good fit! 

Pros:

Stunning city with everything you’d want from an urban centre (culture, dining etc.)

Easy access to beaches, hiking trails and outdoor recreation

Cons: 

Cost of living is very high

Langford

Langford (currently being rebranded as Westshore) is one of the fastest growing areas in Greater Victoria. With new neighbourhoods and commercial centres being built at a rapid pace, Langford offers residents more affordable housing options and a real sense of community making it by far, one of the best options for newcomers to Greater Victoria. The downside of living in Langford is the commute into Victoria. It can be slow-going and the transit system to link Langford to Victoria isn’t yet at pace with the growth of the southern Island.

Pros: 

Lots of quiet neighbourhoods to choose from 

Easy access to amenities (grocery stores, pharmacies etc.)

Easy access to outdoor recreation 

Cons:

Commute to Victoria is very congested

Lacks some of the cultural conveniences (dining, art, heritage buildings etc.)

Sidney

Sidney is one of the most charming places on Vancouver Island. This laid-back, west coast, walkable little town centre is a popular place for retirees to relocate because it has everything you could need from grocery stores to bookshops, boutiques, pharmacies, cafes all within a few blocks! Not only is it charming, but Sidney boasts some of the most stunning waterfront walkways and is a hub for artists and nautical enthusiasts. 

Pros:

Charming and walkable town centre

Lively retirement community

Gorgeous ocean views and fresh breezes year-round

Easy access to ferries via the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal 

Cons:

Can be challenging for younger families 

A long commute to Victoria 

Oak Bay

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Victorian neighbourhood, look no further than Oak Bay. Located to the east of Victoria, Oak Bay is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Greater Victoria and is where you can find stunning heritage homes, carefully designed new buildings and a charming village centre. With easy access to sandy beaches, lovely cafes and one of the best authentic British pubs in the city, it’s no wonder people from all over the world fall in love with Oak Bay.

Pros:

Charming village

Easy access to sandy beaches and Victoria’s city centre

Numerous public transit options and easy cycling routes throughout

Cons:

Cost of living is highest in this neighbourhood

Real estate is expensive, and rentals are hard to find

Sooke

If you’re looking for a true Canadian small town, you’ll want to explore the little town of Sooke on the far west coast of Greater Victoria. This stunning, remote town on the Pacific Ocean is a hub for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, whale watching and more! Sooke is also a relatively affordable place in comparison to Victoria proper. The downside to living in Sooke is that it is quite a small town and lacks some of the amenities that can be found in Victoria or Langford. Also, the commute to Victoria, approximately an hour each way, is a long one making Sooke a difficult place for people who have to commute every day. 

Pros:

Lots of natural beauty to enjoy and explore

Hub for outdoor activities

Small, friendly community

Cons:

Lacking some modern infrastructure & amenities

Long commute to Victoria 

Cowichan Valley 

The Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s agricultural area with swaths of farms, beautiful country roads, pristine freshwater lakes, rivers, beaches, hiking trails and stunning vineyards. In fact, the Cowichan Valley is Vancouver Island’s winemaking area and has its own, unique, marine Mediterranean microclimate. The Cowichan Valley encompasses the area from the Malahat north to Ladysmith and east to west from Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park to the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Duncan

Known as The City of Totems, Duncan is an important cultural centre for Coast Salish art and is the smallest city by area in Canada. While it might be a small city, Duncan offers residents a beautiful little city centre with lovely boutiques, breweries, cafes and restaurants. It is also a hotspot for forward-thinking farm-to-table cuisine, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, amenities and is known as a safe place to live. While sometimes you might need to go into Victoria for certain items or experiences, for the most part, Duncan offers everything you need for daily life.

Pros:

Cost of living is significantly lower than Victoria 

Friendly small-town atmosphere 

Many amenities & attractions 

Not too far from Victoria 

Plenty of outdoor recreation 

Cons:

Travelling to Victoria is a must for some activities and events

Heavy reliance on personal transportation (car or bike)

Lack of public transportation 

Cowichan Bay 

The little village of Cowichan Bay is a tiny gem on the water with a small houseboat community, general store, boutiques, cafes and seafood-centric restaurants. This area is perfect for peaceful country and oceanside living with lots of natural beauty and a slower pace of life to enjoy. However, as picturesque as this area is, there is almost no public transportation, and most amenities are in Duncan or Victoria so living in Cowichan Bay requires access to a car for daily life.

Pros:

Picturesque country living

Less populated beaches, trails etc. 

Quaint village 

Stunning natural beauty

Cons:

Relatively remote

Requires a car to do most things

Lack of nearby amenities

Chemainus

This little artisan village nestled on the edge of the west coast of Vancouver Island has a fascinating history. When the recession of the 1980’s hit, Chemainus began to quickly decline but a tenacious, young mayor revitalized the entire town with an ambitious mural project. What was a risky project was so successful that today, Chemainus has over 50 incredible murals! Additionally, the Chemainus Theater is a renowned playhouse where locals and visitors can go and see incredible live performances! Whether you love the theatre or not, Chemainus is a lovely little town that offers a low-key west coast lifestyle. 

Pros:

Local ferry terminal to Salt Spring Island

Easy commute to Vancouver Island’s second largest city, Nanaimo

Great lifestyle for families, couples and retirees

Lower cost of living than major cities on the Island 

Cons:

Heavy reliance on vehicles

Nanaimo is the closest large city and is 30 mins away

Fewer local career opportunities than major cities

Ladysmith

Perched on the edge of the ocean, just north of Chemainus on the 49th parallel, there is the little town of Ladysmith BC. Here, you can find incredible Edwardian-era heritage buildings, stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, incredible dining, boutique shopping and friendly people! If you are craving small-town living, Ladysmith might be the perfect fit! 

Pros:

Easy commute to Vancouver Island’s second largest city, Nanaimo

Great lifestyle for families, couples and retirees

Lower cost of living than major cities on the Island 

Cons:

Heavy reliance on vehicles

Nanaimo is the closest large city and is 30 mins away

Fewer local career opportunities than major cities 

Nanaimo

Known as The Harbour City, Nanaimo has an extensive stretch of harbour walkway that is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk and enjoy the view. Nanaimo is surrounded by rich, diverse ecosystems and offers spectacular land and seascapes, endless outdoor activities, a growing shopping district, great dining and thriving arts community. There’s no doubt that Nanaimo is a perfect mix of city and wilderness! While it might be less expensive than Victoria, as the second largest city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is still a relatively expensive city to relocate to unless you’re comparing it to cities with very high cost of living metrics like Victoria, Metro Vancouver or Toronto. 

Pros: 

Second largest city with everything you’d want from an urban centre (culture, dining etc.)

Easy access to beaches, hiking trails and outdoor recreation

Ferries to Gulf Islands and Metro Vancouver within short driving distance

Cons: 

Cost of living is high especially real estate

Parksville

Just a short drive north of Nanaimo is the little town of Parksville that offers resort-style living right on the water. With spectacular beaches, year-round golfing, endless outdoor activities and some of the best spas on the Island, Parksville is a great place to settle down. Parksville is also a great home base to explore more of the mid-Island! From here you can visit the little town of Qualicum Beach with white sand beaches and a little town centre, head to Coombs and wander through the market, or explore one of the many Provincial and Regional parks in the area! 

Pros:

Incredible beaches

Popular place for families and retirees

Close to a major city

Cons:

Town is very small and lacks some amenities 

Fewer local career opportunities than major cities 

Port Alberni

Nestled at the end of the Alberni Inlet just west of Parksville and Qualicum beach is the little town of Port Alberni. With a small but friendly population and lots of interesting cultural and natural attractions, Port Alberni has quickly become a popular place for small families and retirees to settle down away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. Life in Port Alberni moves a little more slowly and because of that, it is an ideal place for anyone looking for a laid-back, small town to relocate to. Like most small towns on Vancouver Island, there are fewer local career opportunities making Port Alberni a great place if remote work is possible. 

Pros:

Lots of interesting attractions

Close to Parksville and Qualicum beaches 

Surrounded by natural beauty – especially lakes

Cons:

Heavy reliance on vehicles

Nanaimo is the closest large city and is over an hour away

Fewer local career opportunities than major cities 

Comox Valley

On the north east coast of Central Vancouver Island is the Comox Valley which includes the little village of Cumberland, the city of Courtenay and town of Comox. With dazzling views of the Comox Glacier to the west and Salish Sea to the east, the Comox Valley is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers world-class, year-round recreation. While the Comox Valley may provide an idyllic recreational lifestyle, it can be difficult to find local career employment unless it is in one of the area’s main industries: healthcare, education, Mount Washington (seasonal) or Canadian Forces. 

Comox

With beautiful parks, lots of outdoor recreation, and a little downtown area filled with boutiques and restaurants just a short walk from the marina, Comox is a quaint seaside town perfect for anyone who wants to go out on the water whenever you want! 

Courtenay

As the Comox Valley’s largest urban centre, in Courtenay you’ll find a charming, small town with both urban amenities and character. You can find one-of-a-kind boutiques, great dining, gorgeous green spaces, a vibrant arts and cultural scene with local festivals and special events taking place year-round and so much more! 

Pros:

Idyllic outdoor recreation opportunities

Laid-back west coast lifestyle

Friendly communities

Thriving artistic community 

Cons:

Limited career opportunities

Housing costs are rising & market is saturated

Campbell River

If you’re an avid angler or an outdoor enthusiast, Campbell River is made for you! Known as one of the best sport fishing locations in the world and the gateway to the gorgeous, remote Discovery Islands, Campbell River is an adventurer’s paradise! While Campbell River is beautiful, it is remote and can be difficult if you’re hoping to find a balance between urban amenities and natural beauty. 

Pros:

Lots of pristine wilderness to explore

Gateway to Discovery Islands

Best sport fishing in Canada

Cons:

Lack of amenities

Long way to travel to get to major cities

Tofino 

Located on the far west coast of Vancouver Island on the Clayoquot Sound, Tofino and nearby Ucluelet offers visitors and residents the opportunity to live in and explore some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Tofino, where the forest meets the ocean, is where you can find world-class surfing at the famous Long Beach, embark on breathtaking adventures on land and sea, and immerse yourself in a friendly, vibrant artistic community. However, there has been a concerning housing shortage in both Tofino and Ucluelet and with rising housing prices the cost of living in these towns can be a barrier for relocating here. 

Pros:

Pristine wilderness to explore and enjoy

Friendly, thriving community

Best surfing on Vancouver Island

Cons:

Very remote and lacks some amenities 

Housing shortage & high cost of living

Relocations are easy with EMR! Book Today!

Our Travel Guide to Ladysmith BC!

hiking in the forest on a sunny day

When you’re planning a trip to British Columbia, Canada, you should consider Vancouver Island! When it comes time to plan your trip here, it’s likely that you’ll end up staying in one of the two major cities on the Island: Victoria or Naniamo. These cities are filled with heritage sites and offer incredible dining, shopping, entertainment and endless outdoor adventures – but there is so much more to Vancouver Island! All over this incredible Island you can find gorgeous little towns to explore who have their own unique histories and identities. Just south of Nanaimo, perched on the edge of the ocean and on the 49th parallel, there is the little town of Ladysmith BC where you can find incredible Edwardian-era heritage buildings, stunning natural beauty, incredible dining, boutique shopping and friendly people! So if you want to explore more of the Island during your visit to Nanaimo or the Cowichan Valley, a day trip to Ladysmith is a great idea! 

Ladysmith’s History

For over 5,000 years the Stz’uminus First Nations communities have lived and thrived on this land where the coastline offers abundant fishing and the dense forests, plentiful hunting to ensure the health and survival of the communities. The colonial history of Ladysmith, BC began in 1896 when James Dunsmuir of the Dunsmuir coal and mining family chose Oyster Harbour as the shipping port for his nearby mine. This decision required homes, shops, churches and hotels to be built in a short time to accommodate the miners, shipyard workers and their families who moved to the area. These buildings were brought to the area by rail from Naniamo and from there, Ladysmith expanded. In 1904, the town of Ladysmith, named after the siege of Ladysmith, South Africa during the Boer War, was officially founded. For the next 80 years, Ladysmith’s economy was driving almost solely on natural resources. Copper and coal mining as well as forestry were the chief sources of revenue for the area until the 1980s when the town began to diversify. Tourism, retail, service and other business sectors grew as more and more people began visiting Vancouver Island. Today, Ladysmith is a part of the Cowichan Valley Regional District and is focused on progressive projects and partnering with the Stz’uminus First Nation to create an inclusive and prosperous town. 

Dining in Ladysmith

While Ladysmith may not be well known as a Vancouver Island dining destination, this little town has been serving up some incredible food and drinks in the past few years! On First Avenue in downtown Ladysmith, you can find an incredible array of cuisines from Japanese, Chinese and Indian to delicious plant-based goodies, Canadian comfort food and baked treats! Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Ladysmith! 

Oyster Bay Cafe on the Ocean  – 611 Oyster Bay Dr, Ladysmith

Floating on a dock in Oyster Harbour, this sweet little cafe serves up delicious, fresh, light lunches to keep up your energy while you explore Ladysmith! 

Apetit Food for Thought – 534 1st Ave, Ladysmith

This casual diner is a local favourite! Serving up huge portions of all the comfort-food classics, and global inspired dishes, this little diner is definitely worth a visit! 

Zack’s Lounge – 530 1st Ave, Ladysmith

This eatery is the place in ladysmith to find mouthwatering handheld classics and incredible cocktails! Perfect for a mid-exploration appy or a cozy dinner in downtown Ladysmith! 

Wild Poppy Market  – 541 1st Ave, Ladysmith

For the most incredible fresh, gluten-free dishes you’ll want to head to Wild Poppy Market! You can choose to sit in the little café to enjoy your food or take one of their many grab-and-go options if you’re on the move! 

Shopping in Ladysmith

While you’re visiting Ladysmith, you won’t want to miss out on popping in to some of the incredible shops! You can find antiques, women’s fashion, gourmet kitchenware and so much more! Here are some not-to-miss boutiques we love!

Neck of the Woods General Store – 28 Roberts St, Ladysmith

If you’re looking for a local store that carries a wide selection of handmade local items, Neck of the Woods is the place to go! You can spend hours here browsing through the jewellery, pottery, glassware, home decor and more! 

Antiques Post Office Mall  – 340 Island Hwy, Ladysmith

Are you an avid antique hunter? Then you’ll want to make the trip to one of Vancouver Island’s largest antique malls! With three floors of treasures to hunt through, you can find everything from large furniture items, collectibles, clocks, art and so much more! 

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery  – 444 Parkhill Terrace, Ladysmith

Vancouver Island is known for its vibrant art scene and Ladysmith is no exception! This art gallery has an incredible collection of art by local artists so you can take your time to peruse the work and purchase something that catches your eye! 

Left Coast Fashions – 432 1st Ave, Ladysmith

With a great selection of unique, one-of-a-kind women’s fashions, jewellery and bath products, left coast fashions is where the locals find the best gifts and local, ethical fashion and accessories! 

Outdoor Recreation 

LIke most places on Vancouver Island, there are almost endless outdoor adventures to have from Ladysmith year-round! 

Kayaking & Paddleboarding 

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy the ocean while you’re visiting Ladysmith, check out Sea Legs Kayaking at beautiful Transfer Beach! This company rents kayaks and paddleboards, ideal for anyone who wants a calm way to paddle around Ladysmith Harbour and the shores around Burleith Arm. If you’re travelling to Vancouver Island with a boat or if you’re looking to rent one, there are municipal boat launches to get your vessel in the water.

Hiking

Estuary Trail

Distance: Approx. 400 m – Time: 10 min. – Rating: Easy

This short, refreshing walk near the waterfront offers gorgeous views of the water. At low tide, you can enjoy a stroll along the shore all the way to Transfer Beach Park and the Marine Walk. In the fall, you might even be able to spot some salmon entering Holland Creek. 

Heart Lake Loop

Distance: Approx. 6.4 km – Time: 2 hrs – Rating: Challenging

Even though there are some steep climbs on this trail, with stunning views of the town, Gulf Islands and Mount Baker at the summit, this hike is worth it! 

Holland Creek Trail

Distance: Approx. 5.8 km – Time: 3 hrs – Rating: Easy

If you’re looking for an easy hike with some spectacular sights along the way, this is it! This beautiful trail leads you around Holland Creek where you can see Crystal Falls and the Colliery dams, plus in the fall you’ll see the salmon spawning! This is an excellent trail for people with mobility issues as it’s mostly wheelchair accessible from the Methuen / 6th Avenue entrance west to the upper Collier dam. 

Marine Walk

Distance: Approx. 1 km – Time: 25 min. – Rating: Easy

As a part of the Trans Canada Trail, this regularly maintained trail starts at Transfer Beach and meanders through the trees to the waterfront.

Beach

Transfer Beach is the best beach in Ladysmith! Located in the heart of town, it’s a great place to enjoy sunny days, beachcomb and storm watch during the fall and winter months! Here, you can find some great seaside walking trails, public beach volleyball, a spray park and playground for the kids, and it’s the perfect beach to launch a kayak or paddleboard.

Biking

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, Ladysmith has both on-road and off-road cycling trails that are perfect for you! There are on-road routes through town that connect to shopping and services with the least amount of hill climbing. If you’re an avid rider, you could take on the trip from south Cowichan Valley all the way to Ladysmith and back and Nanaimo to Ladysmith is a gorgeous ride as well! For mountain bikers, the hills and trails west of Ladysmith provide prime off-road trails that are challenging and fun! If you’re looking for something more easy-going without traffic, the Rotary Bicycle Route and the Trans Canada Trail offer cycling routes to the north and south of town.

Bird Watching

Birdwatchers will love a trip to Ladysmith! While there are an abundance of gulls, sea ducks, and shorebirds the most exciting thing about Ladysmith (to an ornithologist) is that Ladysmith Harbour is one of the few nesting sites for the vulnerable purple martins species! These little guys happily nest in boxes on the dock pilings at the community marina so you’re sure to catch sight of a few! 

Golfing

Imagine being on the golf course, year-round! When it comes to Ladysmith, that’s the norm! While it may not be a Niklaus designed 18 hole course, Ladysmith’s 9-hole course is a fun way to spend a day where you can practice your game and enjoy the spectacular ocean and mountain views. 

Book your Vancouver Island Rental Today!

Best Spas on Vancouver Island

woman relaxing in spa room with candles

There’s no doubt that British Columbia is one of the most peaceful places in Canada – which is why it is consistently one of the top destinations in the world! With ocean views of the beautiful Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean, dense forests, majestic mountains and charming towns and cities, Vancouver Island is a tranquil destination.

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The Pacific Marine Circle Route – a Perfect West Coast Adventure

overcast day on china beach canada

When you’re researching your trip to Vancouver Island, Canada you’ll likely find endless information about British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria and there’s always lots to read about Nanaimo, the second largest city on Vancouver Island. You’ll find a plethora of articles all about the incredible restaurants, attractions, heritage sites in these areas – we know, we wrote a lot of them! But if you’re looking for a real Canadian adventure, there’s one road trip that is relatively unknown to anyone but locals that offers breathtaking pacific northwest coast landscapes, hidden natural swimming spots, wild surfing, quaint towns to explore, heritage sites, wineries and more: The Pacific Marine Circle Route. This 255 km road trip loops around southern Vancouver Island and takes you to parts of this Island that you would never normally get to experience. So, buckle up because we’ve got an adventure in 5 parts that will make you never want to leave Vancouver Island. 

Victoria to Sooke

(40 km ~45 minutes)

Beginning in Victoria, you’ll want to head west on Highway 14. While this is technically a highway, Highway 14 is more of a country road than a major thoroughfare as it meanders through the city of Langford and the small town of Metchosin on the way to Sooke. Along this route, there are many stops you can make to stretch your legs. While you’re going through Langford, you can stop by Goldstream Provincial Park where you can find forested hiking trails, rushing rivers and gorgeous waterfalls. Pop into My-Chosen Cafe for a taste of country living and just outside of Sooke, be sure to visit Sheringham Distillery and try some truly unique pacific northwest coast flavoured spirits. When you get to Sooke, you’ll want to take a break and experience where the forest meets the ocean at East Sooke Park or take the short drive to see the incredible Sooke Potholes. You can take a seaside walk along Whiffin Spit, enjoy the spectacular ocean views and stop in at the nearby West Coast Grill for dinner.

Sooke to Port Renfrew

(71 km ~1.5 hours)

When you leave Sooke, you’ll be leaving a lot of familiar comforts behind and beginning your journey into the wild west coast. Many sections of this route are former logging roads that have been paved to make this trek easier and safer, but it is important to note that there is no cell service on this leg of the journey so use caution. Following this road that twists around enormous trees and past rushing waterfalls, between the open Pacific Ocean and dense west coast rainforest, you’ll find yourself in the most beautiful places in the world. On this part of your journey you’ll want to stop at the historical Sheringham Point Lighthouse, grab a bite at Shirley Delicious, one of the best rated cafés in Canada and stretch your legs at Jordan River, the southernmost beach of the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park where surfers from all over the island come to find incredible waves and battle the elements. As you continue your journey north into the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, be sure to stop at some of the beaches that dot this incredible park. You’ll find Sombrio, China, Mystic and Botanical beach along this route, each more beautiful than the next, perfect for stretching your legs and getting some fresh sea air. Perched at the top of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park you’ll find Port Renfrew. Here, the land juts out into the ocean, making it feel distinctly wild and where you’ll find incredible open ocean seascapes, old growth forests, hiking trails like the trailhead to the famous West Coast Trail and a quaint little town. It’s the perfect place to stop for supplies, have a delicious dinner or book a whale watching tour or go on a fishing expedition from Wild Renfrew Resort! 

Port Renfrew to Duncan

(91km ~1.5 hours)

Heading back out onto the road from Port Renfrew, your route is going to start heading east to the Cowichan Valley where you will stop in the lovely little city of Duncan. As you leave Port Renfrew, you can make a quick detour to visit Avatar Grove – a magical grove of old growth Western Red Cedar and Douglas Firs and home to Canada’s Gnarliest Tree known to locals as “Big Lonely Doug” (note: this detour is best made with a four wheel drive vehicle.) As you’re leaving Port Renfrew, you can also visit Fairy Lake where you can see the mysterious “bonsai” – a tiny Douglas Fir growing out of a submerged log in the lake. The twisting road will eventually take you to Lake Cowichan, a large, fresh water lake and popular swimming spot for locals! Take a dip in the lake or take the time to experience tubing down the Cowichan River before heading back out on the road towards Duncan, home of the Cowichan Tribes First Nation and known for the incredible totems throughout the city centre. 

Duncan to Sidney

(45km ~1.25 hours)

Once you’re finished exploring the beautiful heritage city of Duncan, it’s time to head south toward your next stop: Cowichan Bay. The people of this tiny little maritime village on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island really know how to slow down and appreciate life. With a bustling houseboat community on the water, an artisanal bakery, ocean-side dining, handmade ice cream and gift shops filled with handmade, local items, Cowichan Bay is a great place to take a break. From here, you’ll head south on Highway 1 towards Mill Bay passing through Vancouver Island’s wine country, home to incredible wineries. On this leg of the journey, there is also the Kinsol Trestle on the Cowichan Valley Trail that you can stop to see. As one of the largest free-standing wooden trestles in the world, views from here are remarkable! From there, you can go straight to the Mill Bay BC ferry terminal and wait for the ferry to take you across the Saanich Inlet to Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula, just south of Sidney. While the crossing doesn’t take long, the ferry itself is small and can only accommodate a certain number of vehicles each crossing so when you’re planning this leg of your journey, check the website to ensure there are no delays! When you’re landed in Brentwood Bay, head north to Sidney to explore this pedestrian friendly town centre, the lively marina and incredible restaurants! 

Sidney to Victoria | Duncan to Victoria

(27km ~25 minutes) | (61km ~50 minutes)

If you’ve made it to Sidney from Duncan on the ferry, you’ll want to head down the Peninsula to the capital city of Victoria where your journey began! On your journey south, you’ll find many incredible sites where you can stop! In Sidney you can visit the Shaw Center for the Salish Sea, the local aquarium and educational centre, head to Butchart Gardens and explore the incredible blooms, wander through the orchard at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse and stop into one of the many breweries in Saanich to try some local beer! 

If you’re heading to Victoria from Duncan and have decided to save a trip to the Peninsula for another day, you’ll want to head south on the Malahat, the swooping, cliffside section of Highway 1 that connects the Cowichan Valley to Greater Victoria. As you travel south from Duncan, you can stop in at one of the many incredible wineries in the Cowichan Valley to taste the wine or to stop for a wonderful lunch. You’ll have to take the short hike to see the Kinsol Trestle on the Cowichan Valley Trail and if you’re ready to relax after such a long journey, be sure to book a treatment or two at the spa at the Villa Eyrie! As you approach Victoria, this is a great opportunity to stop by Goldstream Provincial Park if you weren’t able to on your way out of town or take a small detour to visit Hatley Castle and tour the incredible home and grounds of one of Victoria’s founding families in Colwood. If you’re ready to kick back after your journey, we get it! Grab an appointment at Willow Stream Spa and take yourself and your travel companion out for an incredible dinner downtown Victoria and pat yourselves on the back for completing the Pacific Marine Circle Route! 

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