Day 1
Fly to Victoria - Sooke (approx. 60 km)
Take your flight to Victoria and pick up your rental car at the airport. Northwest of Victoria, along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, are the towns of Sooke and Port Renfrew. Connected by Highway 14, these two municipalities are highly regarded for their rugged coastlines, their mighty trees and their untouched natural beauty. Sooke is a popular destination for a seaside escape thanks to its local artisans, cafés and vast parks and trails. Make sure to stop by the East Sooke Regional Park, where you can go for a simple hike or a day-long expedition along its myriad trails. Ornithologists at heart will enjoy Whiffin Spit, a natural breakwater nestled between the Juan de Fuca Strait and Sooke Harbour. Inland, the crystalline waters of Sooke Potholes Regional Park are just asking you to come in for a swim.
Day 2
Sooke - Port Renfrew (approx. 72 km)
Port Renfew borders the west coast of the island. Known as the Canadian capital of mighty trees, the village is located in a region comprised of spectacular ancient forests and unspoiled nature. It is also home to some of the most spectacular beaches along the Juan de Fuca Maritime Trail. While the entire trail can be completed by experienced hikers, there are many shorter hikes that can serve as an entry point. French Beach, China Beach and Sombrio Beach are also easily accessible from the road. At the end of the trail, Juan de Fuca and the spectacular tidal pools of Botanical Beach offer a unique glimpse of underwater seascapes. Port Renfew is also a starting point of the West Coast trail, a world-renowned nature trail that goes through the Pacific Rim National Park. Make sure you visit Avatar Grove, a unique stretch of old-growth forest in Gordon River Valley. And be sure to keep an eye out for "Canada's Gnarliest Tree" - a cedar tree whose trunk is full of twisted knots.
Day 3
Port Renfrew - Malahat (approx. 125 km)
Enjoy a two-night stay in Malahat by visiting the Mahalat Skywalk (included), a spiral wooden ramp leading up to a 32-meter viewing deck for panoramas over sea inlets and mountains.
Explore the Cowichan Valley, whose name is derived from Quw’utsun’, an aboriginal word meaning ''The Warm Land''. Cowichan has for decades been the source of incredible, locally produced food and drink in its burgeoning farms, vineyards, cider mills and distilleries. And there's so much more than the incredible food and drinks! From concerts to festivals and outdoor activities like biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and so much more, the list of things to do in the region never lacks for ways to quench your thirst for exceptional cuisine and outdoor fun.
Day 4
Malahat
Today, embark on an enjoyable tour of the Cowichan Valley's vineyards and stop by Blue Grouse Winery. The Blue Grouse Estate consists of 65 yards tucked on a sunny slope of Vancouver Island. The warm and dry summers and mild and humid winters of the valley have made it the only ''cool'' Mediterranean maritime climate in Canada. The valley has sufficient growing degree days in the spring and summer and thus perfect conditions for Vitis vinifera grapes that bud late and ripen early. Enjoy a tour of the winery complemented with a tasting and a picnic on site (included).
Meal(s): Lunch and Tasting
Day 5
Malahat - Victoria (approx. 40 km)
Enjoy the gardens blooming year-round in Victoria thanks to the mildest climate in Canada. Closely linked to both land and sea, the city is a haven for all-season adventures in the great outdoors. Easily navigated on foot, Victoria is best explored at your own pace, for an experience as relaxing as it is educational and fascinating. Enjoy the diverse history, architecture and cultures of the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest. From indigenous history to British and Asian colonial traditions and its monuments, culture, cuisine, festivals and festive energy, Victoria mixes it all into one of the world’s preferred destination. Visit the splendid Butchart Gardens ($). One of Canada's national historical site, it is also one of the most sought-after attractions of Vancouver Island. You will find a cluster of several flower show gardens and more than 900 varieties of plants counted in the millions.
Day 6
Victoria
Free day to explore at your own pace.
Day 7
Fly Home
Return your rental car and board your flight home.
