New Beginnings at Port Renfrew

Approaching Port San Juan

Departing Sooke Harbour we were greeted with 5-foot ocean swells at 14 second intervals, a gentle undulating ride for our six-plus hour cruise to Port San Juan.  Port San Juan is home to the village of Port Renfrew and the Pacific Gateway Marina, offering transient guest moorage.  The Port Renfrew Community Dock welcomes small boats during the cruising season, starting in mid-May.  After arriving at Pacific Gateway Marina, a couple from a neighboring boat greeted us with an enthusiastic hello, carrying their copy of the 2018 Waggoner Cruising Guide.  They wanted to thank the Waggoner Team for their efforts in producing an annual publication for boaters, and said they find the guide to be very helpful.  It’s so nice to hear positive feedback from readers; it makes the time commitment and hard work all worthwhile.  We were also greeted by Glenn and Vicki, the marina managers, who filled us in on the latest events. 

Docks under repair at Pacific Gateway Marina

The Pacific Gateway Marina has substantially been rebuilt after a severe storm in January 2018 destroyed two-thirds of the breakwater and damaged the docks.  Thirty-foot waves dumped logs and two-foot boulders onto the shore! 

Gas and Diesel are available at the Fuel Dock

Thanks to the Mill Bay Group, who own the Marina property, new docks have been installed and others are being repaired; the breakwater has been rebuilt, higher and stronger. 

New Docks at Pacific Gateway Marina in Port Renfrew

The marina now sports a beautiful lodge-style structure, with a cozy wood stove, that will soon house a Bridgemans restaurant slated to open May 15, 2018. 

The New Bridgemans at Pacific Gateway Marina

Beer and wine, along with specialty dishes, will be served at Bridgemans; garage-style doors open to a patio bar, where guests can enjoy the warm summer breeze and marina activity.  These new facilities make for a wonderful destination with recreational activities nearby.  Boaters planning to visit later this year will find 30 amp power on the inner docks; 50 amp power is planned for 2019 on the side-tie docks, where boats up to 80 feet can moor.  Water is currently available, but access is limited until the 100-foot hoses for each dock can be installed.  Washrooms and showers will be temporarily housed in a trailer until other facilities can be constructed.  Although Port San Juan is situated in a remote area, thousands of tourists, hikers, and kayak enthusiasts visit each summer, staying in hotel facilities, dining at the town pub, and booking fishing charters.  Pleasure boaters, too, are discovering Port Renfrew.  Reservations at the marina are highly recommended.     

A New Breakwater surrounds the Marina