Botanical Beach has extensive upland habitat, but is best known for its abundance of intertidal life. A
visitor can find hundreds of species of plants and animals. The organisms that live here must be able
to handle a wide range of conditions. When the tide is out there are large changes in temperature,
predators, food sources and salinity.

This abundance of life was what drew Dr. Josephine Tildon to choose Botanical Beach as the location for
the University of Minnesota's marine station in 1900. For seven years students and researchers came
from all over the world to study here. To get to the station, a steamship would come from Victoria to
Port Renfrew. From there it was on foot on a very muddy and narrow trail to the station. A better road
in to the station was promised,however it did not materialize and the difficult access was considered a
reason for the station's closure in 1907. There are few remains of the station left today. Universities
still use Botanical Beach for field trips,and research,under park use permits. The area became a Class
A provincial park in 1989.

To see more of our 'Signs: Past and Present' click HERE

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