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Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River or River Jordan is a small settlement in close vicinity of Victoria, west coast of Vancouver Island. Jordan River started as a logging camp in the late 19th century; however, it is now Vancouver Island's second hydroelectric power plant.
Lieutenant Francisco, a Spanish explorer, rebuilt a Spanish fort at Nootka Sound in 1790. Afterward, he explored the area between Nootka Sound and Victoria. Lieutenant Manuel Quimper, de Eliza's sub, named the said fort Rio Hermoso on June 14, 1790. It was the time when the Carta Reducida was made by Gonzalo López de Haro. Later that year, the name changed from Rio Hermoso to Rio Jordan as an attributed to Francisco de Eliza's chaplain, Alejandro Jordan. Later on, when British explorers came, they anglicized the name to Jordan River.
Jordan River is famous among surfers and has become a surfing destination due to the long wrapping rights known as The Point, Sewers, and Rock Piles. River Jordan is where your desire for adventures takes you.

Average Weather in Jordan River

The average temperature in Jordan River is between 19°C / 11°C ( 66°F / 53°F) and 8°C / 4°C (47°F / 38°F). There is more rainfall in the winter than in the summer. This climate is considered to be a warm-summer Mediterranean climate according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification.

The Best Time to Visit Jordan River

The best time to visit the Jordan River is June to October unless you want to go winter surfing. In that case, September to November would be the best time.

How to Get to Jordan River?

Jordan River Airport Transfers

You can take a flight to Victoria International Airport. Passengers are mostly from Seattle, Calgary, Edmonton, Prince George, and Vancouver. Then take a bus or rent a car to Jordan River.


Seaplane to Jordan River

You can use Harbour Air Seaplanes services, which fly from Vancouver to Nanaimo and Victoria, and take a taxi or bus or drive to Jordan River.


Ferry to Jordan River

You can take a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. From there, getting to Jordan River is possible by bus or taxi.

Top Attractions in Jordan River

Visiting Jordan River (Settlement)

Discovering Beauty and Entertainment in Jordan River

As Jordan River is a small community, you would think there isn't much natural beauty or entertainment. Jordan River will surprise you with many tourist attractions. One of the must-see sights in the area is Hidden Falls. Hidden Falls is as mysterious as its name. If you are looking for a place that is both challenging and gracefully beautiful, that's your spot. Other natural beauties are Mystic Beach and Mystic Falls. The waterfall is the crown jewel of Mystic Beach. This glorious waterfall is right in front of the ocean, gushing water from high above. If you want to see another breathtaking landmark, go and visit Sandcut Beach Waterfall, a reward given by Sandcut Beach. The picturesque waterfall cascades gracefully from the rock cliff over the pebble beach, creating a marvellous scene. China Beach, Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead, and Jordan River Regional Park are also on the list of must-see sights. Camping or having a picnic with that scenery could be an experience of a lifetime.


Gardens, Parks, and Natural Green Attractions in Jordan River

  • Priest Cabin Park
  • China Beach Park
  • Sandcut Beach Park
  • French Beach Provincial Park
  • Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead (Southeast / China Beach Terminus)
  • Jordan River Regional Park
Jordan River (Settlement) gardens

Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and Water-based Activities in Jordan River

  • Mystic beach
  • Bear Beach
  • China Beach
  • Sandcut Beach
  • French Beach Provincial Park
  • Gordon Beach
  • Muir Creek Beach

Museums and Art Galleries in Jordan River

  • Marshall-Inman Gallery, Art gallery
  • Jordan River Power Plant

Entertainment in Jordan River (Settlement)

Festivals and Events in Jordan River

  • Jordan River Festival (Revelstoke, BC)

Nightlife and Entertainment in Jordan River

  • Mile House Pub, Sooke Road
  • Spring Tavern, PO box
  • Clallam Bay Inn, Frontier Street
  • The Renfrew Pub, Parkinson Road
  • BBG Blakeslee’s Bar & Grill, S Forks Ave

Free Attractions in Jordan River

Most of the attractions in Jordan River are for free.

Services in Jordan River

Public Transportation in Jordan River

Public transportation in Jordan River includes buses and taxis.


Where to Stay in Jordan River

Jordan River has limited options for accommodation, and they are at least 5 minutes away from downtown.

4 Beaches Bed & Breakfast
Craidelonna Oceanedge Lodging
Point No Point Resort
Fossil Bay Resort


Shopping in Jordan River


Food and Beverage Services in Jordan River

Restaurant and Café in Jordan River

  • Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria and Market
  • Cold Shoulder Café
  • Shirley Delicious café
Jordan River (Settlement) Restaurants and Cafes

Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Pubs, and Bars in Jordan River

  • Sheringham Distillery
  • Bad Dog Brewing Company
  • Checkerhead Brewing Inc.
  • Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery winery

Health and Wellness in Jordan River

Sport and Wellness Centers, Spas, and Recreational Therapy in Jordan River

For health and wellness centres, you need to drive to Sooke. Well-Being Massage-Amy Sullivan-Turnbull RMT is 10 minutes away.

Sport and Wellness Centers and Spas Jordan River (Settlement)

What you Can Expect to Do Near Jordan River

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Wear decent hiking boots for a moderate hiking trail near Sooke. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an enjoyable trail that leads you to Grass Lake and featuring Monument Mountain makes it possible to have amazing views from the top. Doing the Grass Lake Trail overnight and camping by the lake turns it into a memorable trip. Enjoy the trail in warmer seasons and get a dip into the lake.

Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper

Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper

It is time to put your heart into hiking and step into a moderate multi-use trail with some great views along the way and on top. Mount Manuel Quimper has a beautiful summit worth the climb, which gives you excellent vistas of Sooke Harbour and a chance to visit one of the last fire lookouts left on the island.

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Here is a highly recommended and well-marked trail for challenges enthusiasts. Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails offers you insane 360° views of the Sooke Basin, Victoria, and San Juan Islands.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the entire East Sooke Coastal Trail is an experience not to be missed! This beautiful trail is a mix of the fantastic coast and beautiful greenery. Hiking boots are required! The route takes you along bluffs and cliffs by the Pacific Ocean that worth it for the views. This well-marked trail can take full-day hiking in East Sooke Regional Park.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

The East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop is a well-marked trail with beautiful scenery. It is a combination of an easy access road and a more challenging coastal pass, which offers you incredible viewpoints. This excellent trail is along the Pacific Ocean and allows you to see marine life such as whales from a distance.

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

While exploring Sooke Area, if you happen o take a long calm walk on the Otter Point shoreline, you may see whales from the beach. Otter Point Park provided you with other activities, too, such as hiking, wildlife and birdwatching, and also a scenic nature to appreciate.

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

As one of the best tourist attractions of Sooke and Vancouver Island, West Coast comprises many outdoor excitements that cannot be denied. You are provided with different wildlife to watch and various food to eat, not to mention that you observe a rare nature that is outstanding. So, chances are high to see different whales and other marine creatures.

Cabin Point Whale Watching

Cabin Point Whale Watching

You would better plan a visit to Cabin Point Coastline between April-September. It is the best time for those preparing for Sooke Whale Watching in one of the famous coastlines for it in the Salish sea. You are given adequate opportunity to gaze upon these marvellous sea creatures.

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head and its loop are two of the hot spots for whale watching in Sooke. In addition to fantastic opportunities for whale watching, Beechey Head is a hiking and nature trip location that offers you excellent activities, such as birdwatching.

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay has a rich community offering settlings for whale watching lovers beside incredible wildlife; therefore, it would be an excellent point to start your Sooke Whale Watching. Plus, it has a cute beach. You cannot get over the beauty of it and its scenic views.

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Featuring wildflowers and fantastic sceneries, Creyke Point Trail is a suitable spot for whale watching, bird watching, and nature trips with splendid beaches and forests. So if you are having a great time in Sooke, remember to stop by Creyke Point to have more fun.

Sooke Whale Watching

Sooke Whale Watching

Among all the adventures in Sooke, which leave you speechless by the wat, whale watching opportunities are undeniable. The chances of observing the world's largest Mammals vary season by season, but it is best to come during May-October. Sooke will bring you the opportunity to experience a whale-watching trip to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. So, let your journey take you to the destined places.

Victoria Whale Watching

Victoria Whale Watching

Almost 70% of whale-watching adventures take place in the BC capital. So, while you are in Victoria, try to make the most out of your freedom from work and check our incredible whale watching tours provided for you there. A trip to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve may also be available for the admirers of nature.

Port Renfrew Whale Watching

Port Renfrew Whale Watching

Enjoy discovering the best spots for whale watching on Vancouver Island, starting from Port Renfrew, in which chances are high to gaze upon these majestic sea creatures. Adventure awaits in Port Renfrew, and you can capture the pictures of the whales and the memory of it aside. While fishing around Port Renfrew, whales during their movements and diving or spouting near there might be observable.

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

If you want to make every moment on Vancouver Island worthwhile, remember to plan for a kayaking adventure on the waters next to Pacheedaht Beach. The San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve is the habitat for a variety of wildlife worthy of visiting. In addition to paddling, visitors can enjoy themselves doing other outdoor activities in the region.

What you Can Expect to See Near Jordan River

Botanical Beach

Botanical Beach

If you are an adventure lover or a backpacker who enjoys hiking in the forest, make your way toward the Juan de Fuca trail and hike through the trails to get to Botanical Beach. It is a gift for nature lovers, a remote beach to hike, camp and watch the wildlife live in the tidal pools at the shoreline. In March and April, you have the chance to watch orcas or killer whales.

Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River is a small settlement famous among surfers. It has many tourist attractions like Hidden Falls, Mystic Beach and Mystic Falls, Sandcut Beach Waterfall and Sandcut Beach, China Beach, Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead, and Jordan River Regional Park. Enjoy storm watching, kayaking, and Camping or have a picnic in the area, which could be an experience of a lifetime.

Sooke

Sooke

Sooke is known as the Tall Tree Capital of Canada. The area's popularity is mainly based on tourists visiting the wilderness parks, hiking the West Coast Trail and the extremely popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Sooke is also famous for its beaches and is a destination for cycling and mountain biking. The arts community of Sooke is vibrant and hosts the annual Sooke Fine Arts Festival.

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to preserve intertidal and subtidal communities that became very rich due to strong tidal currents. It features marine mammals like whales, sea lions and seals, birds like ducks, cormorants, black oyster-catchers and bald eagles. Fish species, marine invertebrates, and animals like marine algae and seagrass are among other inhabitants.

San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve

San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve

Located north of Sooke, the San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve was established in 1996 to protect the lower alluvial forest communities on the San Juan River flood plain. The ecological reserve's first aim is to preserve forest communities and rare sensitive plant species like Mimulus dentatus and Tooth-leaved monkeyflower.

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach is placed between the Pacific Ocean and a forest. It gives you a mixture of land-based and water-based adventures. Marine animals, birds, Mystic Beach Waterfall, sunrise and sunset, are worthy of watching. Feel the beach by standing where the ocean kisses the shoreline and listen to the waves. Hiking on the beach and Juan De Fuca Marine Trail could be at the top of the list.

China Beach

China Beach

Being at China Beach could be a memorable experience. The beach is a mixture of sand, pebbles, and grit, with access to the Juan de Fuca Trail. China Beach is suitable for watching whales, seals, dolphins, and even storms. With perfect waves, you would have an unforgettable adventure surfing there. If you desire to get the most out of the beach, stay at China Beach Campground.

French Beach

French Beach

Time does not move on the beach, but your mood does with currents. French Beach is a rocky beach in French Beach Provincial Park, which has a wide swath of green lawn at the backside and the blue ocean in front. Relax and enjoy having a picnic with your family or take a dip in the water. You can have a view of Olympic Mountain if the weather is not foggy.

French Beach Provincial Park

French Beach Provincial Park

French Beach Provincial Park is the perfect combination of a pebble beach, a lush forest, and the blue ocean. Step into the French Beach Trail and choose your camp between tent and RV sites. Watch marine wildlife on the beach or birds flying over your head. With Juan de Fuca's Strait view, you may have chances to see migrating gray whales in spring and fall.

Jordan River Regional Park

Jordan River Regional Park

On the west coast of Vancouver Island, Jordan River Regional Park is a scenic place nestling among coastal hemlock, fir and cedar trees. The park features a long cobble shore and the Juan de Fuca Strait with a fantastic overlooking of the Olympic Peninsula. Locating on the ocean side made it a perfect choice for swimming, kayaking, and surfing.

Mystic Beach Waterfall

Mystic Beach Waterfall

Victoria has a lot to say when it comes to attractions, and among them is Mystic Beach Waterfall. This stunning waterfall is placed right in front of the sea, water cascading gorgeously from a high rock cliff on the sandy beach. If you want to make the most valuable use of your time and sunset is your favourite colour, stay long enough to watch the sunset by the waterfall.

Sandcut Beach Waterfall

Sandcut Beach Waterfall

Being on the beach with the ocean in front and trees and a waterfall backside is a perfect view. A cheery on top of Sandcut Beach is Sandcut Beach Waterfall. This picturesque beach waterfall cascades gracefully from the rock cliff over the pebble beach. Watching the sunset is spectacular by the fall; the orange sky and the last rays of sunshine reflexing in water drops are something worth seeing.

Juan De Fuca Provincial Park

Juan De Fuca Provincial Park

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is a spectacular seaside park with waterfalls, beaches with tide pools, and chances of watching marine species and land animals. Going into the several hiking trails along the Pacific coastline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca would be pleasant. Enjoy wilderness camping and do water activities such as fishing, kayaking & canoeing, surfing, and windsurfing.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls

It worth searching the hidden beauty, especially for what the mother of nature made. As mysterious as its name, Hidden Falls or Sombrio Beach Falls is hiding by a cave, which is why the waterfall was named Hidden Falls. The magical aura with pristine nature is mystic and thrilling, making your wilderness hiking experience memorable. The surrounding wildlife and birds deserve lots of attention.

Sandcut Beach

Sandcut Beach

Beaches fix everything, and the tides convey perfect vibes. Sandcut Beach embodies the visual aspects of the west coast beauty. A glorious attraction for those who enjoy walking through a coastal forest and a fantastic spot to spend a peaceful time relaxing. It is where the sound of the waves running over the pebbles would touch your soul. Sandcut Beach is delightful for children and an excellent spot for a romantic picnic.

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