REGION History

“In 1790 the Spanish navigator and explorer Lieutenant Francisco de Eliza rebuilt a Spanish fort at Nootka Sound and subsequently explored the area between Nootka Sound and present day Victoria, BC. Logging of the Jordan River watershed dates back to the 1880s. The railroad has been long abandoned and replaced by log hauling trucks. Until 1912 Jordan River was only accessible by sea. That year the Old Otter Point Road was extended to the River Jordan, connecting the town of Jordan River by land to Sooke and Victoria.”

WIKIPEDIA
Average Temp.


High

14

Low

4
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Average Temp. 4 5 6 8 10 12 14 14 13 9 6 4

High

57

Low

39
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Average Temp. 39 41 43 46 50 54 57 57 55 48 42 39

Places to Stay

This small community offers several campsites, a vacation home and a variety of inns and resorts. Many boast some of the best panoramic views of the strait and Olympic mountain ranges. Enjoy experiencing the many hiking trails amid the trees, Salmon fishing, scuba diving, and a diversity of wildlife all practically a step away.

Vacation Home Rentals
Vacation Home Rentals

Jordan River

Surfing

“Historically a logging camp, River Jordan has become a surfing town thanks to long wrapping rights known as The Point, Sewers, and Rock Piles[…]. Despite being somewhat inconsistent, these waves crank when it’s on, which is mid-winter, big W-NW swell and a NE wind. The Point at the river mouth can have very long rides (and some lefts back into the river), down the line speed walls and bowly barrel sections over the sand boulder mix.”

7ft
Swells
10km
Winds
6 spots
For Surfing,
Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
Mid
Winter
Best Surf

AS LOCAL AS LOCAL CAN BE

Most residents in Shirley and Jordan River are either self-employed (in the tourist industry, as artisans or with home based businesses, including contract and consulting work), retired, or commute daily to work in Sooke or Victoria. The largest employers in the community are Western Forest Products and the fifty year old Point-No-Point Resort. There are also four restaurants in the area and several B&B’s.

mystic Beach Vacation Home

Retreat Home

You can either choose to enjoy the panoramic ocean view from the master bedroom upstairs, or close the shutters to have your privacy from the main living space. The second bedroom upstairs hosts two twins that easily convert to a King bed if requested. Kids also really enjoy this room as there is a small climbing wall to add to the fun. On the ground floor is where the very private Queen bedroom with second bathroom adjacent to the studio/movie room is located. Enjoy the deep tubs in either of the bathrooms and the slate rain fall shower in the main bathroom.

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China Beach

Camping

China Beach day-use area is a spectacular spot for family outings and day trips. The China Beach campground is a separate facility, located in a forested area with open understory just east of the China Beach day-use area and Juan de Fuca East trailhead. The China Beach campground is adjacent to Highway 14, just east of the China Beach day-use, thirty-five kilometres west of Sooke and thirty-six kilometres east of Port Renfrew. Take a Closer Look ›

Jordan River – China Beach

Jordan River – Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach

Explore

The two kilometre trail to Mystic beach provides a good taste of what it would be like to hike the longer more rugged West coast trail. There are several spots on the beach that are very good photo opportunities. Look for the suspension bridges. There is a designated wilderness campsite here as well.
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Coastal Experiences

Make sure you experience these wild coast array of things to tempt and taunt the senses.

  1. Distinctively Canadian

    Indulge your senses by viewing the most impressive Canadian Art collections, sampling uniquely local flavours, and experiencing our diverse history.

  2. Stay with us

    Whether you want to stay in a cozy bed & breakfast, cottage or inn, or upgrade to one of the many extraordinary resorts or vacation homes – we have it all. It’s easy to spend a relaxing or invigorating vacation here.

  3. Attend a Festival

    Art, music, and culture. Our region is a hot bed of activity year round. With the Tall Trees Festival, Bluegrass Festival, Sooke Fine Arts Show, our many Art festivals, Canada Day, Festival of trees and the Pacific Rim Whale Festival we celebrate our Island culture and environment.

  1. Hike the WCT

    The West Coast Trail is a world renowned backpacking trail. Open from May 1st until September 30th, this gruelling 75 km (47 mi) trek is well worth the challenge for the breathtaking examples of the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

  2. Sea To Sky Hiking

    Discover the raw beauty and uncharted nature of the CRD. From seasoned backpackers to amateur day hikers you can traverse up to the tallest peaks and back down to the rocky shores of the Juan de Fuca by hiking historical trails.

  3. Going Coastal

    Our Coast has long been inspiration to all kinds of musicians, writers and painters. It is not hard to see why – take a walk through ancient forests with gnarled trees and green canopies, explore hidden creeks and spot eagles taking flight or bears ambling through the undergrowth.