Like many coastal Vancouver Island communities, Port Renfrew has a rich history of forestry and fishing.

The Pacheedaht First Nation, meaning "People of the Sea Foam", have traditional village sites in and around the main town centre.

Port Renfrew can be accessed from Victoria via British Columbia Highway 14 or from Lake Cowichan via Pacific Marine Road.

The climate is classic oceanic (Köppen: Cfb), because it is close to the Strait of Juan de Fuca towards the interior, the Mediterranean trend of rainfall patterns begins to be evidenced with high annual rainfall (proximity to the Csb), in terms of temperature is similar the Channel Islands.

The San Juan Valley to the east is home to numerous old growth forests and many of Canada's largest and oldest trees, including the Red Creek Fir and Big Lonely Doug.