Scenic Marine Route
Scenic Marine Route
4.5
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Scenic running and hiking trail along the Pacific.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Gonzales
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604 within 5 kms
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175 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
734 reviews
Excellent
526
Very good
181
Average
25
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Elizabeth B
6 contributions
Jul 2022
Beautiful drive. Some very beautiful homes, especially in the Uplands area. There are deer everywhere and not at all afraid of humans. All drivers are very polite and pedestrian street crossing is very safe! We saw three separate Pianos outside in various areas. There are all-painted differently from the others and in working order.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
operalover939
Toronto, Canada2,938 contributions
Feb 2020
We began our drive at Dallas Road and Douglas Street, mile 0 of the Trans Canada Highway, and proceeded through Beacon Hill Park to Ross Bay. There we got out, walked through the cemetery parallel to Dallas Road, and returned on the promenade above the beach. In the bright sun it seemed warmer than it was, but we were astonished to see two young men strip to their swimming trunks and enter the water to swim. On February 19th! Even in summer the water in Ross Bay is cold! We also saw a few sun bathers on the beach. On we drove to the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point, where we walked for a bit, enjoying the sunshine. The Olympic mountains were very clear, and the Cascades were visible as well. From the viewpoint on King George Terrace we got as clear a view of Mt Baker as we have ever had: magnificent! We drove on along Beach Drive, with Shoal Bay on the right, and soon entered the grounds of the Victoria Golf Club. A good many golfers were taking advantage of the spring weather to play a round. Having some business on Oak Bay Avenue, we left Beach Drive at Windsor. It may be winter in most of Canada, but it is glorious spring in Victoria, and Marine Drive looked as great as ever.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gulfcoastbreezes
St. Petersburg, FL136 contributions
Feb 2020
We were driving from Victoria to Sidney and followed the Scenic Marine route. The day was cloudy and rainy with quite a breeze but that did not deter the local BC folks. They were out with their children and dogs walking on sidewalks, playing on the beaches and on playgrounds. Those BC folks are very hardy. The houses on the drive were beautiful. Had an unexpected surprise when a mother deer and two fawns crossed the road in front of us.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Usia2014
Calgary, Canada1,955 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Over the years of visiting Victoria, we always find time to take in this scenic route whether by biking or walking. This time we drove around and stopped at many of the look out points to admire the coastline and water views. There are beautiful houses along the way and some great places to stop and have a picnic overlooking the ocean.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McMarshal
Vancouver Island, Canada273 contributions
Oct 2020
First, if you do this route, be slow and careful. There are pedestrians crossing and cyclists sharing your narrow lane. Second, take the turnouts to park at various viewpoints and truly take in the views and breathe in the ocean air.
Getting from downtown to Ten Mile Point (just past Cadboro Bay) is about 16km (aka 10 miles!). It's a great bike ride (watch out for the obtuse motorists) or slow drive. Totally worth doing a few times over!
Getting from downtown to Ten Mile Point (just past Cadboro Bay) is about 16km (aka 10 miles!). It's a great bike ride (watch out for the obtuse motorists) or slow drive. Totally worth doing a few times over!
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RohitSin
Vancouver, Canada34 contributions
Aug 2020
we really enjoyed this drive, it's a great way to spend a few hours driving around. You can stop at any of the many beach sides and have a picnic or just sit around and enjoy the sites and sounds of the ocean. Loved it.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dutchgirl54
Maple Ridge, Canada63 contributions
Aug 2021
A must see when in Victoria, if you have a car. Beautiful views of Juan de Fuca Strait, the Olympic Peninsula and even Mt. Baker! Lots of great places to stop and walk down paths to overlooks or to the beach. Great photo opportunities. Traveled all the way around into Oak Bay which presented with lovely neighborhoods and beautiful homes!
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim J
Alberta, Canada115 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a driving tour from Victoria to Sooke, to Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan and back to Victoria. With stops in Sooke and lunch in Port Renfrew, and some sightseeing along the way, the drive will take a full 9am - 5:30pm day. The drive consists of a scenic coastal drive from Sooke trough Jordan River to Port Renfrew where a very good lunch can be had in the Port Renfrew Hotel on the harbour. The drive from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan is a winding road with many one way bridges through sparsely inhabited hilly backcountry. It is a great way to spend a day if you enjoy driving tours and exploring new places.
Written March 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bytowntraveler
Victoria, Canada376 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Having lived here in Victoria for 20 years, it still brings a smile to my face when I drive this route. When you're in Victoria, this is a "must do", regardless of whether you're in a car or a tour bus.
Along the way there are numerous lovely spots to pull over and drink it all in. Here are some highlights for me:
- a walk along the breakwater
- a stop at Clover Point to look across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Washington state
- lunch at the Marina restaurant
- a stop at Cattle Point
AND, do make sure that when you make this drive you do it in a counter-clockwise direction so that the ocean is on your right.
Along the way there are numerous lovely spots to pull over and drink it all in. Here are some highlights for me:
- a walk along the breakwater
- a stop at Clover Point to look across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Washington state
- lunch at the Marina restaurant
- a stop at Cattle Point
AND, do make sure that when you make this drive you do it in a counter-clockwise direction so that the ocean is on your right.
Written May 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TerryDodds
Victoria, Canada38 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
When my family from Montana visited, we rented electric bikes from Pedago in Oak Bay because they wanted to really enjoy the trip along the water. Pedago gave us a great deal and quick lessons on how to ride an electric bike. Their rental fee was very reasonable and they were generous on when the bikes had to be returned. We started at the Oak Bay Marina and then followed the road all the way to the Johnson Street Bridge. The bikes enabled us to make frequent stops for photos and to view the scenery without worrying about parking. After the bridge we picked up one of the many wonderful Victoria bike trails along and over the harbor, to Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, across the Blenkinsop wetlands, the trail around the bottom of Mt. Doug (again back on the water view), through Cadboro Bay and the Uplands for more great water view. Finally, back to the marina and bike store and to the Penny Farthling pub on Oak Bay Avenue. This is the way to do the scenic marine route! All in 3 hours and not too tired!
Written January 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heading to Victoria on July 26-29 planning to drive the scenic route. We are staying in Island travel In. Not sure where to start driving going to scenic route. Kindly please guide me to the direction. Thank you
Written July 19, 2021
How long would it take to drive this route, not counting stops?
Written June 12, 2019
Victoria is on Vancouver Island and if you don't fly into the international airport 20 miles from town, your other options include Kenmore Air seaplane from downtown Seattle, Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles, WA, Washington State ferry from Anacortes, or B.C. Ferries from Mainland B.C. Canada. If you don't fly in, plan on a full day each way.
Written June 23, 2019
How longwould it take to travel this route from downtown Victoria to Butchart Garden with a few leisurely stops? We only have a rental car for the afternoon.
Written April 1, 2019
At least an hour with no stops. I would budget 90-100 minutes if I were doing it.
Written April 2, 2019
Heading to Victoria May 26th to 29th and staying at the Rialto. What are the tops suggestions on where to go to tour around by car or by foot? As well, evening suggestions such as any great restaurants and live entertainment in pubs?
Written May 5, 2018
Highly recommend the scenic Marine drive from Victoria to Oak Bay which will also show you the elegNt quiet side of Victoria.
Excellent restaurants are the 10 Acres Bistro or 10 Acres Kitchen for extremely fresh farm to table fare. The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf for the freshest fish in a casual setting and for a more elegant seafood meal, Pescatores Restaurant (which I believe has now been taken over by the 10 Acres chain).
For a lively bar and music, I recommend the Irish Time Pub, Garrick’s Head Pub and. and the Bard & Banker Pub. Have fun!
Written May 5, 2018
From victoria does the scenic marine route go north,south, east or west.
Written October 15, 2015
The route winds around the outside of the peninsula that has Downtown Victoria at its western end. Wonderful views across and along the Juan de Fuca Strait. Be sure to drive around the Cattle Point loop and out onto Clover Point. Stop at the Ogden Point breakwater for a walk out along the breakwater, and finish up with fish & chips at The Fish Shop at Fisherman's Wharf.
Written October 20, 2015
After a conference in Seattle, my daughter and I have one day to possibly take the ferry to Victoria. What should we plan to do in that limited amount of time? Are there bus tours we can access?
Written September 1, 2015
Get off the morning Coho ferry boat or clipper at the inner harbour and walk to the Empress Hotel for breakfast. Then go to the Royal Museum for a couple of hours. Then walk along the waterfront to Fisherman's Wharf. Have a halibut fish and chips. Then get in the green or yellow tugboat and go back to the Empress. Then walk up and down Government Street going to Munroe's books (of Harry Potter fame) and coffee at Murchies. Then walk to Market Square try a Liege waffle at Wanna Waffle and then walk a block to Chinatown. If you have time pick up a box of Rogers chocolate to take home. I like Emily Carr House on the end of Government Street if time allows. Spend the rest of the day at Butchard Gardens. Bring a camera. Enjoy.
Written September 2, 2015
I'm sorry, we never rented the bikes, so really cannot tell you
Written August 23, 2015
johnpJ0NB
Waterloo, Canada
where is there a description of the route and schedule
Written March 31, 2015
Depends if you want the Scenic Marine Route in Victoria that follows the waterfront of Victoria & Oak Bay. You start near Ogden Point and follow the water east. 1/2 to 1 hour
The Pacific Marine Circle Route takes you from Victoria (Take signs to Sooke, Jordan River, Port Renfrew, then to Lake Cowichan, Duncan and back to Victoria). This will take you 5-6 hours driving but leave some time for stops. You only see the ocean occasionally but there are many interesting side trips near the main road.
Written April 1, 2015
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