scenic marine route

Johnnyrains

We love going on road trips. Driving is the best. The views were gorgeous, the weather for us was great. It might have been less wonderful if the weather was bad. The roads are for the most part good. I think we could have stopped in Sooke little longer, and seen a couple more things. Port Renfrew is so tiny. We should have hiked to Botanical Beach. Once we left the west coast, the drive was an average drive through logging towns in the mountains. I don't need to do it again, but I glad we did. I would suggest going up the west coast, taking a bit more time, perhaps stopping in Port Renfrew for the night and coming back to Victoria. Then do another trip up the east coast to the wineries near Duncan and points north. Unless you've never driven through the mountains.How about that?

214pennys

This a must drive in Victoria . It winds along the Pacific ocean and one can see across the ocean where Seattle isThere are several scenic viewpoints where one can stop the vehicle and look at the scenery. Sometimes one can see the Orca or Grey whales on a good day.This is a real treat..

JohnP241

This is an amazing scenic drive. It is quite long and well worth the time. On the right side was the ocean and on the left beautiful old homes. Very high class area.

Bri957

The Scenic Marine Route is a coastal drive that takes you around the outskirts of Greater Victoria. The Olympic Peninsula mountain views are beautiful along Dallas Road and the Clover Point look out is a nice stop to watch the kite flying and brave wind surfers. Beach drive takes you past the Oak Bay Marina which has a beautiful Sunday brunch and is a fun stop to feed the seals. Following this road further takes you past the Willows Park area with a sandy beach and through Uplands where all the mansions are located and there is another beautiful look out at Cattle Point where you can often see the Sea lions if you are in the right season. I usually like to conclude my drive at the Mount Douglas Park lookout which has some nice hiking up to the highest peak in the city making it a great spot to view the sunset or get a good vantage point looking down at the city and over to the Gulf Islands. The route is also a great bicycle area for most skill levels and only has a couple of hilly parts.

melissah790

The scenic bike route that follows waterfront on Dallas Road and Beach Road is wonderful. I would recommend it for an out of town cyclists.

SunSeeker37

Beautiful seaside drive around Victoria from Dallas Road along the waterfront past Ross Bay Cemetary through Oak Bay and past the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, the Marina and the Royal Yacht Club into the Uplands and past the beautiful mansions. Can continue along through Cadboro Bay to Cordova Bay (with a stop at Mattick's Farm) and further points. Well worth the drive. We've done it three times on this trip alone and still can't get enough of how beautiful it is.

Mercer12

An absolutely lovely drive, and be sure to park at the pull outs to enjoy the view and take some photos!

bollucks

If you have the time this is a lovely way to get to the ferry terminal to Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. You pass through verdant forest and the picturesque village of Cordva Bay. Make sure to leave time to explore the shops at Matticks Farm.

PhillyWanderers

So much to see along this drive--from the beautiful homes to the gorgeous seaside parks, cliffs, and wildlife. We meandered all the way up along the coast and then crossed over to get to Butchart Gardens. Off the main path, and well worth the excursion!

Accela1

view of the Olympic range...nice way to meander around the city whether on foot or behind the wheel of a British sports car...

TravelOften1968

The Scenic Marine Route gives you a great overview of downtown and adjacent Victoria - it takes you all along the waterfront promenade and into the Uplands area of Victoria where you will find some of the most valuable homes in the area. A great drive by car but also there are the tour buses that will take you on this route. There is a historical aspect as the route passes the Ross Bay Cemetery where many famous early Victorians (and Canadians) are buried. But most of all it gives you scenic vistas of the ocean. Gives you a great sense of the beauty of Victoria and well worth a few hours trip.

Fishpond20

Most reviews here are referring to The Dallas Road "Marine Drive" which parallels the south coast of the cities of Victoria and Oak Bay. It is an urban drive with trails, parks, viewsites and incredible vistas of Juan de Fuca Strait. Some of the reviews describe the 450km drive called The Pacific Marine Circle Route that connect Victoria to a coast to coast journey on Vancouver Island offers panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca, Haro and Georgia straits as well as the Saanich Peninsula. Enjoy a quieter way of life while visiting spectacular provincial parks, pastoral landscapes and wineries. Part of this trip is a remote route with limited services. Some sections may be narrow and sharp, and driving times may vary depending on type of vehicle. Please exercise caution when driving. For information on current road conditions, please visit www.drivebc.ca. Both are incredible and worth the time & effort!!

runawaywinterbirds

Not all travellers travel this route. Beautiful vistas, and gorgeous homes. Enjoy...takes about 35 minutes. Just follows the coastline, away from the city traffic and noise.

Sunny222

Beautiful drive, area near Port Refrew a little hairy with a towed RV. Lots of switchbacks.. Excellent scenery overlooking ocean and Olympic Range in Washington State.

GailL442

Not to be missed. Next to Beacon Hill Park, this route is a true gem in Victoria. You must take this route when visiting.