The Jordan River local guidebook
Hiking/sightseeing
This category is a list of all the stunning world renown trails along the Juan De Fuca Straight and beyond.
Mystic beach is a world renown beach in Jordan River.
The trail is about 1.5 hours down and it is full of visible tree roots, rocks and creek beds. Including the suspension bridge you have to cross. Please use the trail with your own caution.
Mystic beach is a must see for everyone in the area!
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Mystic Beach
Mystic beach is a world renown beach in Jordan River.
The trail is about 1.5 hours down and it is full of visible tree roots, rocks and creek beds. Including the suspension bridge you have to cross. Please use the trail with your own caution.
Mystic beach is a must see for everyone in the area!
this is a quick 20-30 minute walk on an easily walkable trail to the beach. Please note there is spots on this trail with un-even stairs and roots visible. Please use with caution.
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Chin Beach
Juan de Fuca Marine Trailthis is a quick 20-30 minute walk on an easily walkable trail to the beach. Please note there is spots on this trail with un-even stairs and roots visible. Please use with caution.
Bear beach is a trail for the more adventurous. Harder to find and more "bushwhacking" is involved than the other more manicured trails; non-the less a must see.
We like to drive to the Bear Beach trailhead, hike the 15 KM to Mystic Beach and then just walk home - must have 2 vehicles to do this route (or a desire to walk for a very long time ). Round trip it takes a average paced hiker around 3-4 hours (with stops for food)
Bear Beach
Bear beach is a trail for the more adventurous. Harder to find and more "bushwhacking" is involved than the other more manicured trails; non-the less a must see.
We like to drive to the Bear Beach trailhead, hike the 15 KM to Mystic Beach and then just walk home - must have 2 vehicles to do this route (or a desire to walk for a very long time ). Round trip it takes a average paced hiker around 3-4 hours (with stops for food)
Sombrio is about 30-40 minutes past Jordan River when you're heading towards Port Renfrew. You will be able to watch surfers almost all year round, hike on the Juan De Fuca and if you're adventurous you will possibly find the hidden waterfall! **tip: keep walking to the left when you are looking at the ocean from east sombrio.
The turn to head down to the beach is not clearly marked. About 200m before you will see a small BCParks sign on the right side saying Sombrio Beach, keep your eye out on the LEFT for a cement barrier that has been spray painted as a wave.
The road to Sombrio is quite bumpy, most cars have no issues however please be sure to go very slow.
Always remember to leave no trace when visiting our beaches.
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Sombrio Beach
Sombrio is about 30-40 minutes past Jordan River when you're heading towards Port Renfrew. You will be able to watch surfers almost all year round, hike on the Juan De Fuca and if you're adventurous you will possibly find the hidden waterfall! **tip: keep walking to the left when you are looking at the ocean from east sombrio.
The turn to head down to the beach is not clearly marked. About 200m before you will see a small BCParks sign on the right side saying Sombrio Beach, keep your eye out on the LEFT for a cement barrier that has been spray painted as a wave.
The road to Sombrio is quite bumpy, most cars have no issues however please be sure to go very slow.
Always remember to leave no trace when visiting our beaches.
Sandcut beach is a stunning 15 minute walk to the beach through some amazing old growth trees (thank goodness they are protected on park land!).
To the left when you get to the beach you will find a waterfall coming off of sandcut creek. ** If you want to get adventurous you can climb up and wander around the potholes of the creek - Please use at your own risk as past the bridge is no longer park territory.
Keep your eye out on the ocean, once I had a pod of 15 Orcas swim right past me. it almost felt like I could reach out and touch them they were so close!
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Sandcut Beach
11033 West Coast RoadSandcut beach is a stunning 15 minute walk to the beach through some amazing old growth trees (thank goodness they are protected on park land!).
To the left when you get to the beach you will find a waterfall coming off of sandcut creek. ** If you want to get adventurous you can climb up and wander around the potholes of the creek - Please use at your own risk as past the bridge is no longer park territory.
Keep your eye out on the ocean, once I had a pod of 15 Orcas swim right past me. it almost felt like I could reach out and touch them they were so close!
Botanical beach is yet another world renown beach. You can also start (or finish) the Juan De Fuca trail here.
I highly recommend you make it here at low tide to look in the AMAZING tide pools. Or sunset for one of the best sunsets on the south island.
You can do the loop which is accessible to all ages or hike a little farther in to adventure some more. Please ensure you are fully prepared in case of emergency - including bear protectants like bear spray or an air horn
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Botanical Beach Provincial Park
Botanical beach is yet another world renown beach. You can also start (or finish) the Juan De Fuca trail here.
I highly recommend you make it here at low tide to look in the AMAZING tide pools. Or sunset for one of the best sunsets on the south island.
You can do the loop which is accessible to all ages or hike a little farther in to adventure some more. Please ensure you are fully prepared in case of emergency - including bear protectants like bear spray or an air horn
French beach is a easily accessible beach with a playground for kids, a large grassy area for picnics and a flat walking path along the beach line. This will be your best option for strollers or wheelchairs!
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French Beach
French beach is a easily accessible beach with a playground for kids, a large grassy area for picnics and a flat walking path along the beach line. This will be your best option for strollers or wheelchairs!
This stunning hike is a bit more unknown than the rest. It’s a good climb up but accessible for all ages - be sure to wear proper footwear, during the winter months swallow creek runs through the trail but it is small and easily passable.
When you get to the top you will have a stunning view of French beach, Along with priest cabin which is abandoned.
Priest Cabin Park
Juan De Fuca DriveThis stunning hike is a bit more unknown than the rest. It’s a good climb up but accessible for all ages - be sure to wear proper footwear, during the winter months swallow creek runs through the trail but it is small and easily passable.
When you get to the top you will have a stunning view of French beach, Along with priest cabin which is abandoned.
Sightseeing
Our beautiful beach at Jordan River is a long rocky strip of beach that is a must for those morning walks. No hiking necessary, you will be able to find multiple foot trails (some are over some large boulders) to the beach just off the road.
Don't forget to check the tide tables online to ensure you make it for low tide. Please respect all marine life and do not disturb the tide pools, even the oil from your skin could kill the marine life.
Reminder to please leave any animals you see on the beach, including dead crab bodies. They are a very important part of the ocean.
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Jordan River
Our beautiful beach at Jordan River is a long rocky strip of beach that is a must for those morning walks. No hiking necessary, you will be able to find multiple foot trails (some are over some large boulders) to the beach just off the road.
Don't forget to check the tide tables online to ensure you make it for low tide. Please respect all marine life and do not disturb the tide pools, even the oil from your skin could kill the marine life.
Reminder to please leave any animals you see on the beach, including dead crab bodies. They are a very important part of the ocean.
Muir creek is a short wander down a flat grassy pathway to the ocean.
In the winter months on big swell days you can surf a smaller surf break here!
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Muir Creek Beach
Juan de Fuca HighwayMuir creek is a short wander down a flat grassy pathway to the ocean.
In the winter months on big swell days you can surf a smaller surf break here!
A short walk down a couple flights of stairs and you’re at this spectacular little cove in Shirley. Enjoy it best at low to mid tide!
Fishboat Bay Park
1407 Fishboat Bay RdA short walk down a couple flights of stairs and you’re at this spectacular little cove in Shirley. Enjoy it best at low to mid tide!
A hidden local favourite!
Enjoy this hidden cove just beside French beach. The water is calm and clear. Grab your paddle board and you can see sheringham lighthouse! You can paddle to it but be careful of tides and currents!
Flea Beach
Seaside DriveA hidden local favourite!
Enjoy this hidden cove just beside French beach. The water is calm and clear. Grab your paddle board and you can see sheringham lighthouse! You can paddle to it but be careful of tides and currents!
Food scene
Cold Shoulder is Jordan Rivers only store front.
Stop in here for a coffee and tasty snack for the beach - don't forget to always put your garbage in the garbage can that cold shoulder supplies.
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Cold Shoulder Cafe
11950 W Coast RdCold Shoulder is Jordan Rivers only store front.
Stop in here for a coffee and tasty snack for the beach - don't forget to always put your garbage in the garbage can that cold shoulder supplies.
When on your way to Jordan River you will be passing through the small community of Shirley.
Here you will find Shirley Delicious, and when they say Delicious they mean it.
Amazing drinks, delicious food available for a sit down meal or take away, tasty treats and some of the best vibes you'll ever be around.
A must to visit when travelling to Jordan River
** I recommend their breakfast sandwich, I get smoked tofu instead of bacon but it is the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had. By Far. I like to pair it with a "dirty chai" with Oat milk!
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Shirley Delicious
2794 Sheringham Point RdWhen on your way to Jordan River you will be passing through the small community of Shirley.
Here you will find Shirley Delicious, and when they say Delicious they mean it.
Amazing drinks, delicious food available for a sit down meal or take away, tasty treats and some of the best vibes you'll ever be around.
A must to visit when travelling to Jordan River
** I recommend their breakfast sandwich, I get smoked tofu instead of bacon but it is the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had. By Far. I like to pair it with a "dirty chai" with Oat milk!
Stoked is only open in the summer months. Please be sure to check their website for their business hours.
You will find some dang delicious wood fired pizza and some amazing desserts. All made by scratch and they source as many local ingredients as they can!
I recommend pre-ordering your pizza to ensure you will get one! Then take it to French Beach or just enjoy it on their outdoor patio.
A must to be enjoyed while in JR.
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Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria and Market
2908 Tieulie PlStoked is only open in the summer months. Please be sure to check their website for their business hours.
You will find some dang delicious wood fired pizza and some amazing desserts. All made by scratch and they source as many local ingredients as they can!
I recommend pre-ordering your pizza to ensure you will get one! Then take it to French Beach or just enjoy it on their outdoor patio.
A must to be enjoyed while in JR.
The Renfrew pub may look like a basic old pub from the outside. Rest assured their food is to die for and service is outstanding.
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The Renfrew Pub
17310 Parkinson RdThe Renfrew pub may look like a basic old pub from the outside. Rest assured their food is to die for and service is outstanding.
Bridgemans West Coast Eatery
17110 Parkinson RdRoute 14 is in Sooke, a great spot for the whole family to enjoy a meal before your drive to Jordan River!
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Route 14 Sooke
6686 Sooke RdRoute 14 is in Sooke, a great spot for the whole family to enjoy a meal before your drive to Jordan River!
Local top quality food with a top quality view. Please call for reservations!
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WILD MOUNTAIN Food & Drink
1831 Maple Avenue SouthLocal top quality food with a top quality view. Please call for reservations!
Point no point not only offers beautiful accommodations but also an amazing restaurant! Order for take out - wine and beer is also available for purchase here
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Point No Point Resort
10829 W Coast RdPoint no point not only offers beautiful accommodations but also an amazing restaurant! Order for take out - wine and beer is also available for purchase here
Coastal Kitchen Cafe
17245 Parkinson RdCity/town information
Sooke is the closest town to Jordan river. It will be your only stop for basic amenities such as groceries, gas and any stores..
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Sooke
Sooke is the closest town to Jordan river. It will be your only stop for basic amenities such as groceries, gas and any stores..
Shopping
Sarah Grace Boutique is a clothing truck - yes I said truck! - in Port Renfrew.
Bringing Fashion to the Forests. She is helping locals and visitors understand that the forests don't always have to be about Blundstones and flannels - although they come in handy too.
Check her out on Instagram for all her store updates.
I highly recommend stopping in at her boutique to ensure you bring a bit of Renfrew and JR back with you!
Sarah Grace Boutique
17293 Parkinson RdSarah Grace Boutique is a clothing truck - yes I said truck! - in Port Renfrew.
Bringing Fashion to the Forests. She is helping locals and visitors understand that the forests don't always have to be about Blundstones and flannels - although they come in handy too.
Check her out on Instagram for all her store updates.
I highly recommend stopping in at her boutique to ensure you bring a bit of Renfrew and JR back with you!
Sookes only surf shop!!
Forget your gloves, leash or wetsuit!? Stop in at seek & surf for all your surfing needs - they have boards too!!
Seek & Surf
5871 Sooke RdSookes only surf shop!!
Forget your gloves, leash or wetsuit!? Stop in at seek & surf for all your surfing needs - they have boards too!!
Looking to grab a key chain, mug or locally made west coast decor? Stop in at the gift shop on the pier! Just past the renfrew pub
Wild Renfrew Whale Watching
17293 Parkinson RdLooking to grab a key chain, mug or locally made west coast decor? Stop in at the gift shop on the pier! Just past the renfrew pub
Rentals
Looking for a kayak or paddle board rental? Need a wetsuit?
We’ve shared our favourite local businesses to help you out.
Rush Adventures
5449 Sooke RdWilson Diving
1790 Island HwyStop in at Wilson’s diving for wetsuit rentals!
West Coast Outdoor Adventure
6971 W Coast RdNeighbourhoods
Port renfrew is home to some of our last old growth trees.
Take a beautiful (and bumpy) drive down west coast road to access port renfrew and all of its beauty.
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Port Renfrew
6638 Deering RdPort renfrew is home to some of our last old growth trees.
Take a beautiful (and bumpy) drive down west coast road to access port renfrew and all of its beauty.