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| West Coast Hwy 14 |
Mystic Beach on the Juan de Fuca Hiking Trail near Jordan River, Southern Vancouver Island, BC |
The West Coast Road (Highway 14) runs along the thin strip of Vancouver Island's southwestern coastline between Sooke and Port Renfrew, including French Beach, China Beach, and Botanical Beach Provincial Parks, and the southern terminus of the West Coast Trail.
The exposed waters of Vancouver Island's southwestern coast quickly dispel any notion that an ocean is an ocean is an ocean.
The true personality of the Pacific is revealed as you traverse the slopes of San Juan Ridge as the Strait of Juan de Fuca makes its entrance from the open water of the Pacific. Conditions shift dramatically from the sheltered, rain-shadowed waterways of the Strait of Georgia with its gaggle of tranquil islands.
Here you face the open ocean, where nothing breaks the rolling swells or deflects the sting of winter storms. For those who listen for the voice of the West Coast, here it begins to speak up, way up. Many a dark chapter has been written about ships and crews that perished in the violent storms that rake the raw shoreline. This is the Pacific Davy Jones's Locker. Thrown up on the beach, survivors considered themselves blessed if they could reach the nearby West Coast Lifesaving Trail. As harsh today as then, less-endangered people willingly subject themselves to this legendary trail's test of endurance.
Such a reputation adds a wild spice to adventuring here. Do not treat this environment lightly. Each year some unfortunate soul ventures too close to the ocean and pays the ultimate price. Venture with care and you'll come away with wonderful memories of your time spent by the shoreline, where many creatures live in splendid harmony with the ocean's deep rhythms.
Location: The West Coast Road is runs along the southwest shores of Vancouver Island. Owing to the ruggedness of the region, access to this area is limited to the paved coastal Highway 14 and several unpaved backroads. Highway 14 begins in the Victoria suburb of Colwood. It links the village of Sooke on the west side of Sooke Basin with Port Renfrew on the south shore of Port San Juan (actually a wide bay), a distance of 45 miles (70 km). To the north, the Harris Creek Mainline and Hillcrest Mainline Logging Roads link Port Renfrew with Cowichan Lake, and from there with Highway 18 and the Cowichan Valley.
The following towns are located on or near Highway 14 (east to west):
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Langford
Situated between Colwood and the Malahat, and incorporating the head of Finlayson Arm and Mount Finlayson, Langford offers an accessible diversity of beautiful parks and lakes and limitless recreational activities.
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Colwood
Originally one of four large farms established by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1850's to supply the steadily increasing population of Fort Victoria, Colwood is now itself a thriving satellite city in the largely residential area of the Western Communities.
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Metchosin
A rural community of wide open spaces, pastoral countryside and bountiful farmland, Metchosin was first inhabited by Coast Salish peoples. Metchosin, or Smets-shosin as it is called in the Native Coast Salish language, was incorporated in 1984.
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Sooke
The pleasant harbourside village of Sooke provides a tranquil refuge from the bustle of city life. Sooke enjoys a relaxed, casual lifestyle in a rural setting that also affords many of the amenities of city life. For centuries, this area was a thriving Coast Salish settlement.
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Jordan River
The tiny logging community of Jordan River offers a terrific view of the open Pacific Ocean. Highway 14 makes its only approach to the ocean here before beginning to climb San Juan Ridge once more. Jordan River lies about 19 miles (30 km) south of Sombrio Beach.
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Port Renfrew
A small village at the end of Highway 14, Port Renfrew calls itself The Jewel of the West Coast, where you can experience the tranquility and beauty that has made the West Coast famous. Port Renfrew is best known as the trailhead for both the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the historic West Coast Trail.
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Harris Creek Spruce on Pacific Marine Circle Tour (Harris Creek Main, north of Port Renfrew) |
The Pacific Marine Circle Tour, which incorporates West Coast Highway 14 from Victoria to Port Renfrew, is an excellent way to explore the historic West Coast of southern Vancouver Island. The wilderness route traces the coastline from Victoria through Sooke and Port Renfrew, continuing on to Cowichan Lake and the Cowichan Valley, and looping back down the Trans-Canada Highway via Duncan and the Malahat to Victoria.
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Tides of Seagirt Fishing Charters, Sooke |
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Enjoy year round half, full and multi-day salmon fishing charters on the Juan de Fuca Strait in our 24 foot Beachcraft. All tackle, safety and foul weather gear provided. Inquire about our fishing and oceanfront vacation rental suite packages. |
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Tides of Seagirt Oceanfront Suite, Sooke |
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Luxurious waterfront suite just steps from a walk-on pebble beach. Full amenities, TV's, 2 fireplaces, full kitchen and laundry facility, BBQ on covered oceanfront patio, king/twin bed with 2 person air-jetted tub. Suited for 2 - 4 persons. Rates $149-189/nt. Ask about our long term lodging rates. Onsite salmon & sightseeing charters. |
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Westburn Seaside Cottages, Sooke |
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Westburn Seaside Cottages are located on Billings Spit in beautiful Sooke Harbour, only 35 minutes from Victoria. Take pleasure in the natural beauty of Vancouver Island while you relax on our peaceful beachfront acreage. Our two self-contained, cedar-shake cottages are available year round, and come complete with everything you need to make your stay with us a dream vacation come true. |
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Wisteria Honeymoon Cottage, Sooke |
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Nestled beside Veitch Creek in the Sooke Hills is Wisteria Cottage, an absolutely romantic Arts & Crafts style cottage with carved four poster queen bed, river rock gas fireplace, and two person Victorian soaker tub. Walk with llamas on our five acres of woodland trails. Honeymoon and special event packages available. |
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Amazing Vacation Homes, Sooke |
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Amazing Vacation Homes provides a high-caliber service in property and holiday management of vacation homes and cottages in Victoria, Sooke and southwest Vancouver Island, including waterfront properties with incredible ocean and mountain views. We have homes available for wedding venues and honeymoons as well as corporate retreats and even filming locations. |
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EMR Vacation Rentals, Vancouver |
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EMR is a fully licensed Travel Agency offering fully furnished vacation homes, condos, suites, and estates in Victoria, Vancouver, Tofino, Whistler, the Okanagan, and on Vancouver Island. We have a large inventory of unique properties to select from. This includes properties that feature oceanfront, beach front, breathtaking views, private hot tubs, luxurious settings and more. Toll Free: 0-800-520-0932 UK. |
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Hartmann House, Sooke |
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Hartmann House is one of the finest accommodations on
Vancouver Island. This artisans cottage is surrounded by an acre of
exquisite gardens overlooking Sooke Harbour. Luxurious and well appointed rooms with private baths, gourmet breakfasts and romance packages. |
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Lilac House Country Bed & Breakfast, Sooke |
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Romantic Lilac House B&B sits high on a rock bluff in the Sooke Hills, furnished with antiques, quilts, and featherbeds. Enjoy delectable breakfasts, hike with llamas on our five acres of woodland trails, or soak in a hot tub. Close to Matheson Lake, Sooke Potholes and spectacular beaches. Llama pack trips available. |
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Markham House Bed & Breakfast, Sooke |
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Markham House is a country estate Bed and Breakfast Inn located on the edge of Sooke, only minutes away from trails, parks, and beaches, and only half an hour from Victoria. Enjoy cozy rooms in the heritage style main house or the private Honeysuckle Cottage with its own hot tub. The estate features acres of gardens and forest, and even a trout pond. |
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Millstream Llama Farm, Victoria |
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A unique country lifestyle six miles from Victoria. Visit our six-acre Llama farm on the banks of historic Millstream Creek for a farm tour. We are now specializing in breeding miniature llamas - the first farm in Canada to do so. |
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Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina, Metchosin |
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Get away to a wilderness playground and take your pick of adventures at your doorstep. Located in picturesque Metchosin, just 40 minutes from Victoria, Pedder Bay is an RV, camping and boater's paradise. |
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Port Renfrew Hotel & Restaurant, Port Renfrew |
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Located on the waterfront in Port San Juan, facing the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Port Renfrew Hotel and the newly-appointed, luxurious, waterside cabins are complimented by a fine dining restaurant and cosy intimate bar. Perfectly situated at the beginning of the famous West Coast Trail, with 75 kms of incredible, adventurous hiking and trekking. |
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Port Renfrew Whale Watching, Port Renfrew |
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Take a 3-hour trip on the waters off Port San Juan at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is an experience you will not easily forget and a must for those with a love of the sea. Port Renfrew, located in Port San Juan, acts as a gateway to the Pacific. Fishing Charters for Halibut and Fall Northern Coho. |
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Richview House B&B, Sooke |
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Luxurious oceanfront B&B overlooking the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Three private suites with hot tubs, steam room, wood burning fireplaces and handcrafted furniture. A spectacular 180' panoramic view of ocean, mountains and sky! River Otters, Mink, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals and Orca Whales become part of the majestic view and experience. |
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Sooke Harbour House, Sooke |
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A world class inn and restaurant, Sooke Harbour House is the ideal destination for romantic getaways and honeymoons. Our restaurant is always open for dinner to serve both in-house guests and the public. Pamper yourself or a loved one with one of our spa services offered in the privacy of your guestroom. Salmon and fresh water fishing charters, world class golf courses, hiking, whale watching, exploring beautiful beaches and cross country skiing are just some of the recreational opportunities in our area. |
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Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina, Sooke |
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Cresting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean lies a truly west coast resort.
Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina welcomes guests with its luxury accommodations and
exhilarating outdoor activities. Here you can indulge in year round sport
fishing, world-class golf, kayaking, whale watching, winery tours, hiking and
eco-tours. |
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