British Columbia offers visitors a wealth of scenic circle driving routes perfect for exploring its vast terrain and taking in the spectacular scenery for which the province is known for and its capital city Victoria, B.C. now has a scenic drive of its very own… the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

The self-guided 255 km (158 mi.) driving route offers visitors the chance to explore southwestern Vancouver Island including its beautiful beaches, old-growth rainforests, tidal pools, marine wildlife watching, wineries, historical trails and other sites of interest along the way including the newly developed Tall Tree Trail and Avatar Grove.

Avatar Grove borrows its name from the motion picture, Avatar, as the area is reminiscent of James Cameron’s fictitious forest pictured in the film. Located on the West coast of Vancouver Island near Port Renfrew, B.C., Avatar Grove is known as the “Big Trees Capital of Canada.” The area is home to the world’s largest Douglas Fir and Canada’s largest spurce as well as Canada’s gnarliest tree.

Starting in Victoria, the Pacific Marine Circle Route passes through the communities of Sooke, Jordan River, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan and Duncan before returning to B.C.‘s capital. The route makes for a great day trip, but for those with a little more time to explore it makes an even better two to four day getaway. Seaside cabins, bed & breakfasts and RV and camping sites can be found along the way.

For more information visit:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/Circle_Routes/pacific_marine.htm
http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/biggest-trees-map.php
http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/directions-avatar-grove.php

Located on Vancouver Island, just west of Seattle and Vancouver, Victoria is a destination that is full of life. As the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria offers a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. And, as an island destination, Victoria boasts the mildest climate in Canada. This, combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean, mountains and old-growth rainforests makes for a favourable lifestyle and a desirable destination to both live and visit.