This route around the south end of Vancouver Island is not very well known, as it was only fully paved about a decade ago. Very few of the locals I know have actually driven this wonderful and remote day trip from Victoria. Though the pavement between Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew is relatively new and in good condition, it is a paved-over logging road with many spots of subsidence and one-lane bridges that by necessity keep the driver alert. Nonetheless traffic is sparse and the driving experience is sublime.

Doing the route counter-clockwise to end with scenic bits, it starts with a pretty mundane trip up Highway 1 to Duncan. A quick detour to the historic waterfront of Cowichan Bay could break things up with food, views and a great maritime museum. From Duncan you head west to Lake Cowichan, best known for tubing and a railroad museum. The greatest part of the drive starts here and heads west towards Port Renfrew.

Though exposed to a lot of clearcut land, there are plenty of beautiful things to see along the way, my favorite being Harris Canyon, though there are lovely streams and lakes. And a really big tree.

Coming out the other end you arrive in Port Renfrew, which is a great place to stop for lunch, enjoy the ocean, take one of several great beach hikes and walk the pier. Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is close by and an easy walk.

The remaining trip down the west coast of the island to Sooke and then Victoria is a well beaten path and much has been written about it elsewhere. Views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic mountains can be stunning. Total drive time is 4-5 hours, but I highly recommend making a day of it.

Here’s a clickable map of the route. Enjoy!