Spirit Loop Key Stops You Can't Miss

39 Must-See Attractions found along the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

The Pacific Marine Circle Route, AKA Spirit Loop, is a scenic drive that circles the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, lakes and mountain ranges.

Depending on your interests and preferences, several places are worth stopping. The following information provides some key stops to make the most of your journey.

How long is the Pacific Marine Circle Route?

This circuit around southern Vancouver Island passes through the coastal communities of Sooke and Port Renfrew, then cuts across to Lake Cowichan and back to Langford through the Malahat. The route is approximately 250 km, and there is much to see. Although it's possible to drive it in one day, it's best taken leisurely.

My suggestion is to stay in Sooke the first night and then somewhere in Port Renfrew the second to ensure you are able to see everything. Use this map to help you find a place that right for you.

Why the Name Change?

In late 2019, a few communities and key partners along the Pacific Marine Circle Route decided to band together to promote and highlight select areas. The rebranded Spirit Loop was essentially established to complement and enhance the existing Pacific Marine Circle Route marketing.

The strange thing about this rebranding is Lake Cowichan is hardly mentioned. This is despite the fact that you have to drive right through this beautiful little community to continue the loop.

Spirit Loop / Pacific Marine Circle Route Map

If you need a visual, use this handy map to help you plan your trip.

Spirit Loop Driving Conditions and Tips

While the main route is entirely paved, a few unique attractions require off-road driving on rough logging roads. If you drive the Spirit Loop with a rental car, you must keep to the main roads. Don't worry; there's still lots to see! The map above shows the main route, the attractions found along the main route, and the off-road attractions mentioned in this article.

Please note that cell coverage between Sooke and Lake Cowichan is either non-existent or extremely spotty. Much of the route is also narrow and windy. If you are prone to car sickness (like I am), make frequent stops along the way and perhaps take a Gravol before you go.

The most important tip I can give you is to ensure your vehicle is filled up with gas before leaving Sooke. There is only one gas station between Sooke and Lake Cowichan, and it has extremely limited hours of operation.

This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you happen to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

39 Must-See Spirit Loop Attractions

Spirit Loop Key Stops You Can't Miss Hatley Castle. Vancouver Island View

Langford

Langford is where you will start and end your circle route. There are two must-see stops near Langford you should check out.

Hatley Park – This National Historic Site is home to Hatley Castle, a gorgeous garden where peacocks roam free, and Royal Roads University.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse is a 19th-century artillery fortress where you can find Canada's oldest lighthouse on the west coast.

Thetis Lake is a popular regional park near Langford that offers over 40km of recreational trails loved by runners and dog walkers. During the summer, the lake and beach fill up with swimmers, paddlers, picnickers, and sun-tanners.

Sooke

Exploring all Sooke has to offer may require an overnight stay. However, if you are short on time, I recommend two key highlights (mentioned below). If you have more time to explore, read this full article about Sooke for even more ideas.

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park: This park features a series of natural swimming pools carved out of the bedrock by the Sooke River. It's a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.

Ed Macgregor Park: This is a quick stop with big rewards. This fully accessible oceanfront park offers woodland walking trails, a 500-meter-long boardwalk with access to a public pier, and beautiful walled gardens.

Try Route 14 for a delicious bite or the Stick in the Mud Coffee House for great coffee.

Shirley

Heading from Sooke, continue on Hwy 14 (W Coast Road) towards Shirley. This tiny area offers quite a few spectacular sights.

Shirley Delicious – If you are craving a scrumptious snack or a delicious hot beverage and have the patience to stand in line, stop here!

Sheringham Point Lighthouse – A short walk from the parking lot takes you to a beautiful lighthouse. If you have more time to spare, you can also walk the entire 3.4 km trail through the surrounding area. Public access to the lighthouse parking lot is off Hwy 14 on Sheringham Point Road. Watch for signs.

French Beach Provincial Park – This beautiful sand and pebble beach is a short 10-minute walk from the campground. During the spring and fall, migrating Gray whales use the area in front of French Beach as a feeding ground and can often be spotted from shore.

Sandcut Beach – This 3.5 km long cobbled beach offers spectacular views of the Olympic Peninsula and boasts a unique waterfall. The waterfall is best viewed during winter and spring. Walking to the beach takes only about 15 minutes, and there are several stairs along the way.

Jordan River

This tiny community is known for its world-class surfing and is a great place to catch some waves or watch surfers in action.

Make a pit stop to admire the view at Jordan River Ocean View Park.

China Beach – The trail to China Beach is a short 15 – 20 minute walk downhill. The gravel trail is well maintained but can be strenuous at times (especially on the way back up). You will be hiking through a forest of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar all the way to the beautiful fine sand beach. Access is from the China Beach day-use area (not to be confused with China Beach campground – which will lead you to Second Beach).

Mystic Beach: From the same China Beach day-use area, you can also access Mystic Beach. The approximate 45-minute hike from the parking lot will lead you through a beautiful ancient forest on a well-maintained trail. About halfway down, you will come to a cool suspension bridge. The trail to Mystic Beach is long and sometimes strenuous, but I can assure you that it is totally worth it!

If you are one of our paying members, don't forget about this Hidden Gem at Jordan River!

Off-Road Adventure near Jordan River

Sombrio Beach offers visitors a unique shoreline with small pebbles and rock pools, a hidden waterfall, and a world-class surfing area. Although the trail to the beach is merely 250 meters long, the access road to the trailhead is a loose surface road that may not be suitable for all motor vehicles. It has steep grades, sharp curves and limited visibility. You can read more about Sombrio Beach and how to access the secret waterfall in our Juan de Fuca Park Gems article.

Port Renfrew

This small fishing village is the western terminus of the West Coast Trail and is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Port Renfrew is wild and rugged, and unfortunately, many of its greatest attractions (except Botanical Beach) require off-road travel.

Botanical Beach Provincial Park: This park features unique tide pools that are home to a variety of marine life, including starfish, anemones, and crabs. It's a great place for exploring and taking photos. It's best to explore this area when the tide is out. So make sure to watch the tide charts before venturing here.

The Renfrew Pub is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. It's located at Snuggery Cove on your way to Botanical Beach. We also enjoy Bridgeman's West Coast Eatery.

Fairy Lake Tree: Photographers flock to this famous little tree just outside of Port Renfrew. And despite always being called a Bonsai Tree, it's in fact a small Hemlock Tree.

Harris Creek Spruce: This is the only fully accessible old-growth giant tree along the way (the others are all accessed off-road).

Harris Creek Viewpoint: Harris Creek is stunning and more than worth the stop to view.

Off-Road Adventures near Port Renfrew

Finding Port Renfrew's Biggest Trees
Plane Crash Site (Hidden Gem for members only)

For our members: there is a special hidden suspension bridge between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan.

Lake Cowichan

Stopping here is a must if you drive from Lake Cowichan to Port Renfrew (or vice versa). Lake Cowichan offers a great spot for fishing, boating, and swimming, with plenty of campgrounds and hiking trails nearby. Here are a few recommended stops while in the area.

Gordon Bay Provincial Park offers a wonderful swimming area.

Cowichan River Tubing is a popular sport to do in the summer.

If you are hungry, I highly recommend Jake's at the Lake.

Cowichan River Provincial Park offers beautiful trails along this gem-coloured river.

South Cowichan Valley

Duncan

This small city is known for its totem poles and is a great place to learn about the local First Nations culture. It also has several art galleries, a totem pole walk, museums, and cultural centers worth visiting.

My absolute favourite place to visit in Duncan is the Raptor Centre. It's truly a top-notch destination. Make sure you time your visit to watch the flying demonstration. You'll thank me later!

If you have ample time, a stop at the BC Forest Discover Centre is also advised. This is where you'll learn about the history of forestry on Vancouver Island. There are several great attractions at this open-air museum, including a steam train and old buildings you can walk through.

Cowichan Bay

This charming seaside village is known for its artisan shops, seafood restaurants, and eco-tourism activities. It's a great place to stop for lunch or to take a scenic whale-watching tour.

Visit True Grain Bread, an old-world-inspired bakery, or explore Indigenous art at the Arthur Vickers Gallery. Just outside of Cowichan Bay, in Cobble Hill, head to the delicious Merridale Cidery for a cider sample and a great meal.

Spirit Loop Key Stops You Can't Miss: Malahat. Vancouver Island View

Malahat Area

The Malahat Drive takes you from Cobble Hill to Langford. There are a few key stops along the way.

A bit out of the way but well worth the extra mileage is the Kinsol Trestle. This free-standing trestle is one of the tallest in the world.

The Malahat Skywalk is a unique attraction offering amazing, fully accessible panoramic views.

Goldstream Provincial Park: A popular spot for hiking, with a salmon run in the fall and stunning waterfalls year-round.

In Summary – Spirit Loop Key Stops

Overall, the Pacific Marine Circle Route, AKA Spirit Loop, offers a variety of scenic and cultural attractions, and there are plenty of great places to stop along the way. These are just a few amazing places to stop along this epic drive. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this part of Vancouver Island!