The best things to do in Sooke

The best things to do in Sooke, BC

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A hidden gem on Vancouver Island, the coastal town of Sooke is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the rugged west coast. Discover the best things to do in Sooke in this guide, from outdoor adventures to places to eat and drink.

Located on the southwestern tip of Vancouver Island just 45 minutes from downtown Victoria lies the charming town of Sooke. Home to rugged coastlines, ancient rainforests and unspoiled beaches, Sooke is a place where you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature. With an abundance of marine wildlife and endless outdoor activities, ranging from hiking and cycling to kayaking and ziplining, Sooke is one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets. 

In this guide, I’m covering the very best things to do in Sooke, from outdoor adventures to places to eat and drink. You’ll also find a selection of accommodation recommendations and personal tips to help you plan your time in Sooke – whether you decide to stay for the day or a week.

BOOKING / If this article helps you travel, please consider booking your trip via the links on this page. This means I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep the blog running. Thank you in advance for your support – Steph

PLANNING A TRIP TO SOOKE: USEFUL INFORMATION

Before I jump into the best things to do in Sooke, here is some important information and practical tips to help you plan your trip:

How to get to Sooke

Sooke is located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island less than an hour’s drive from Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia.

HOW TO GET TO SOOKE FROM VICTORIA

If you’re coming from Vancouver, the quickest way to get to Sooke is via Victoria. BC Ferries run regular sailings from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Victoria’s Swartz Bay terminal which is a 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria. Alternatively, you can fly from Vancouver directly to Victoria International Airport with Air Canada or WestJet, or into Victoria’s Inner Harbour with Helijet or Harbour Air.

Once you get to Victoria, you can drive or take the bus along the scenic West Coast Highway 14 to Sooke. If you’re a keen cyclist, you can get to Sooke by bike along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. I would personally recommend driving as having a car in Sooke will allow you to explore more freely. If you are travelling without a car, there are a few ways to get to Sooke on public transit:

  • From Downtown Victoria: Take the #50 to Langford Exchange and transfer onto the #61 to Sooke.
  • If you’re coming via Swartz Bay (BC Ferries): Get on the #70 Downtown and transfer to the #50/61.
  • From Victoria International Airport: Jump on the #88 Sidney, transfer to the #70 or #72 Downtown, and then take the #50/61 to Sooke.

HOW TO GET TO SOOKE FROM NANAIMO

Depending on your travel plans, it may be easier for you to sail from Vancouver to Nanaimo instead. If you’re planning to visit Cowichan Valley and Sooke on the same trip then this is definitely the best option as Cowichan is on the way.

You can take the ferry from West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) on Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo, take Highway 1 all the way south to Goldstream and change onto Highway 14 to Sooke. It takes just under 2 hours to drive from Nanaimo to Sooke. 

Travel tip

If you’re planning to take the ferry to Victoria, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling on a long weekend. You don’t have to pay the full amount right away. You can opt to pay the small reservation fee which secures your spot and pay the rest on the day. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure, otherwise your reservation will be released.

How to get around

The town of Sooke is quite small so you can easily explore it on foot. You can also bring a bike or hire one in Sooke to get around the town. There are a couple of local buses (#61 Sooke or the #64 East Sooke) which serve the region; however, most of the best things to do in Sooke require a car. If you want to visit the regional parks and hiking trails, having a car will make things a lot easier.

CAR HIRE

There aren’t any car rental agencies in Sooke so if you don’t have your own vehicle, you’ll need to rent one in Victoria or whether you are travelling from.

I personally use Auto Europe for car rentals as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good.

The best time to visit

Like Victoria, Sooke has some of the mildest weather in western Canada. As a result, it’s a great place to visit all year round. In the spring and summer months, the weather is quite warm and there is little rainfall compared to other places in British Columbia. It’s an ideal time for hiking and cycling.  It’s also a great time to see migratory whales as they make their way through the Salish Sea and the North Pacific.

Fall is a lovely time to visit Sooke with the changing colours but there is more chance of rain. The winter months can be quite wet but the temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Winter in Sooke is also a great time for storm watching. Sooke has a lot of exposed areas where you can see the massive waves crashing against the rugged coastline.

Things to do in Sooke BC

WHERE TO STAY IN SOOKE, BC

PRESTIGE OCEANFRONT RESORT

For a truly indulgent stay, have a look at Prestige Oceanfront Resort. Located next to Sooke harbour and marina, this waterfront resort has breath-taking views of Sooke Basin, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. Book a signature West Coast spa treatment at the Coastal Tides Day Spa, before dining at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, the West Coast Grill. After dinner, cozy up outside by one of the brick fire pits and watch the sunset.

SOOKE POINT OCEAN COTTAGE RESORT

For those looking for somewhere more remote, SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort is a lovely place to disconnect. Perched on a cliff in East Sooke Regional Park, the cottages have spectacular ocean views. There are 4 cottage types with a variety of layouts, all of which are equipped with high-end amenities.

STERLING COVE

This cute B&B is located just off Highway 14 in between Sooke and East Sooke Regional Park. The rooms have balconies and patios with pretty garden or ocean views. There is also a shared hot tub where you can relax after a busy day exploring.

Prestige Oceanfront Resort - Where to stay in Sooke BC
Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke

The best THINGS TO DO IN SOOKE, BC

1. Go hiking in East Sooke Regional Park

Spanning more than 3,500 acres, East Sooke Regional Park is a beautiful and rugged park with old-growth valleys and coastal scenery. There are over 50 km of hiking trails in the Park, ranging from short and easy trails which are perfect for families, to more challenging East Sooke Coast Trail. This Oceanside trail leads you through the dense forest of fir and arbutus trees past stunning viewpoints such as Creyke Point, Squeaky Point, Beechey Head and Cabin Point. It’s a long 17-mile (27.5 km) loop and is considered to be quite challenging. The whole loop usually takes about 7 to 8 hours to complete.  

If you don’t fancy hiking 17 miles, you can just hike to Creyke Point (pictured below) instead. This 1-mile (1.8 km) loop is one of the park’s easier trails and takes about 25 minutes to complete. The trail leads you along the rocky coastline, through the old-growth forest of gorgeous mossy trees, before bringing you to the picturesque Creyke Point. If you have time, you can continue on to Squeaky Point or Beachy Head.

East Sooke Regional Park

2. Walk along the Whiffin Spit Trail

Whiffin Spit is a small natural peninsula which separates Sooke Basin and the wild waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait. The Whiffin Spit Trail is a short and scenic trail (1.7 miles/ 2.7 km) which leads to a small lighthouse at the end of the Spit. It is a relatively flat trail which makes it ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. There are also a number of benches along the way where you can sit and take in the scenery.

This trail is popular with locals, bird watchers and photographers. Keep an eye out for shorebirds, harbour seals, geese and herons. Sometimes, you may even be lucky enough to see orcas and eagles. There are a few little trails along the way which lead down to some rocky beaches and offer gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

There isn’t a lot of parking near the trailhead so you may have to park a little further away and walk back to the trail. If you have a bike, I’d recommend cycling there instead.

3. Explore Sooke Potholes

Located in Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, these natural pools are carved into Sooke River’s bedrock. After East Sooke Regional Park and Whiffin Spit, exploring these aqua-green pools is one of the most popular things to do in Sooke. In the summer months, you’ll find a lot of locals cooling off and swimming in the pools.

You can walk along the Riverside Trail which has beautiful views of the river and canyon. The out-and-back trail is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long but you can walk as far as you want. Along the way, you’ll find marked and unmarked beaches which lead to amazing swimming holes.

There are three parking lots but I found that the beaches and potholes are better further up the road so aim for parking lot 3 if you can. In the summer, Sooke Potholes is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike so parking fills up quickly.

Things to do in Sooke - Sooke Potholes

4. Explore Sooke by kayak or SUP

If you enjoy being out on the water, add kayaking to your list of things to do in Sooke. Hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and hit the water. It’s the best way to spot local marine life and explore the scenic shoreline. A number of places, such as West Coast Outdoor, offer half day and full day rentals, as well as kayaking and SUP tours. You can paddle around the calm water of the Sooke Basin where you’re likely to see seals and shorebirds. If you’re an experienced kayaking, you can venture out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and paddle along the coastline.

Travel tip

Some rental companies only allow you to kayak or paddle around Sooke Basin so check with them where you are allowed to go.

5. Go whale watching

Being perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, it’s no surprise that whale watching is one of the best things to do in Sooke. The southern tip of Vancouver Island is home to an abundance of marine wildlife, including resident orcas. These orcas feed exclusively on salmon which is why they tend to remain inland or in nearby coastal waters. There are about 30 small pods in the area.

But orcas aren’t the only whales you can see in the Pacific Northwest waters. If you’re on Vancouver Island early in the year, you may be lucky enough to spot grey whales. Over 20,000 grey whales swim past the west coast of Vancouver Island between February and April each year. The wildlife-rich waters near Sooke are also frequented by Humpback Whales, Harbour Porpoises, seals and sea lions.

Whale watching season typically runs from March to October but whales’ migration patterns fluctuate so it can vary year to year. The best way to see these incredible mammals is on a whale watching tour. There are a number of companies which offer tours from Sooke, including Sooke Whale Watching and Adventures by HIP.

Whale watching in Sooke BC near Race Rocks

6. Soar through the forest on a zip lining tour

There are so many fun and adventurous things to do in Sooke but a ziplining tour may be the most exhilarating. Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours offer the ultimate treetop ziplining experience. Soar through Sooke’s beautiful coastal temperate rainforest and get a unique perspective while learning all about the region’s wildlife and history. The tour will guide you through the forest canopy on eight different ziplines, ranging from 45 to 305 metres (150 – 1000 feet) in length. You can also combine your ziplining tour with a kayaking or whale watching tour and spend the whole day exploring Sooke’s rugged landscapes.

7. Hike Mount Quimper and see the region’s last remaining fire watchtower

Tucked in the midst of rainforests and mountains, Sooke has a number of incredible hikes. Mount Manuel Quimper is one of the most accessible mountains in Sooke Hills Regional Park. It is also home to one of the last remaining fire lookouts on the island. The 6-mile (10.3 km) round trip starts from the parking lot at the end of Harborview Road just off Highway 14.

The trail takes you up a former logging road and climbs steadily until you reach the Mount Quimper’s summit. Once you reach the top, you’ll see why this hike is one of the best things to do in Sooke. Being the site of a former watchtower, the views are extensive. On a clear day you can see the city of Victoria, East Sooke Regional Park, the Sooke Wilderness and the Olympic Peninsula in the US. Once you’re done marvelling at the views, check out the former fire lookout which was built by BC Forest Services in the 1950s. It’s one of the last remaining structures of its kind on the island.

8. Book a tour to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Located south of Sooke at the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Race Rocks is a special place. Named after its strong tidal currents, the area was established as an ecological reserve in 1980 to protect the nutrient-rich waters which support the marine ecosystem. The high levels of plankton attract an array of marine life, including California and Stellar sea lions, Elephant seals, otters, whales, as well as Cormorants and Bald Eagles.

Race Rocks is also home to the second oldest lighthouse in Western Canada. Built in 1860, the lighthouse has black and white stripes which is quite a unique and striking feature. 

You can only access Race Rocks Ecological Reserve by boat. Sooke Whale Watching offers eco-wildlife tours to Race Rocks. These tours are typically offered early or later in the season when whales are not in the area.

Race Rocks - Things to do in Sooke
Credit: Destination Greater Victoria and Valerie Shore

9. Hike or bike along the Galloping Goose Trail

The Galloping Goose Trail is a pretty multi-use trail that connects Victoria to Sooke, passing through Saanich, Langford and Colwood along the way. The former railway line is a beautiful place for walking, running and cycling. If you’re a keen cyclist, you could actually bike from Victoria to Sooke instead of driving!

The entire trail is 35 miles (55 km) long but most visitors only explore small parts of the trail. You can find the official map on the Galloping Goose’s website.

The section from Roche Cove Regional Park to Sooke Potholes is incredibly picturesque and rural. It is 6 miles (11 km) one way so the best way to explore this stretch is on bike. Todd Creek Trestle is one of the many trestle bridges on the trail and is located near Sooke Potholes. Depending on the route you take, you may end up crossing it on your way to the potholes. If not, I highly recommend doing a little detour to visit it if you’re in that area. 

10. Go mountain biking

With its beautiful trails, Sooke is a popular destination for casual cyclists and hard-core mountain bikers. There are a number of white circle trails which are perfect for beginners, as well as black diamond trails which are the hardest and most challenging ones you can do. Shields Lake Loop is one of the most popular challenging bike rides in the area. The 16-mile (25 km) trail takes you to Shields Lake and passes a pretty waterfall along the way.  

You can rent mountain bikes from Fuca Cycles and West Coast Outdoor. If you end up staying at Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort, West Coast Outdoor actually offers mountain bike rentals from the resort. There is also a shuttle service to the popular trails. 

11. Discover the Sooke Marine Boardwalk Trail

This short trail is one of my favourite walks in Sooke. It starts in Ed MacGregor Park, a lovely landscaped park named after Sooke’s first mayor. The park itself is small but very picturesque with a small amphitheatre and stone pillars. At the end of the park, you’ll find an accessible wooden boardwalk which winds through the forest of spruce and alder trees. The boardwalk eventually leads to Sooke’s spectacular pier which has beautiful views of the Sooke Basin.

Walk along the pier and keep an eye out for harbour seals, bald eagles and herons. This is a popular spot for crabbing so you’ll probably see some locals crabbing off the pier. When you reach the end of the boardwalk, you can either go back the way you came, or continue along the trail which leads to the town of Sooke.

Sooke Boardwalk

12. Go camping at Spring Salmon Place Campground

If you are looking for somewhere nice to camp during your time in Sooke, have a look at Spring Salmon Place Campground. Located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park, the campground is open from May until September and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has 67 RV and tent sites and great facilities. There are toilets, picnic areas, individual fire rings, public garbage and recycling bins, and a drinking water station. There is a care taker on site and you can also buy firewood from the campground. This is a lovely place to camp if you want a wilderness camping experience but aren’t ready to camp in the backcountry.

13. Learn about Sooke’s history at Sooke Regional Museum

Step back in time at Sooke Regional Museum and learn about the area’s history. The museum has a number of exhibits which highlight the region’s fishing history and First Nations culture. Browse the numerous artifacts, historic photos, and scale models.

14. Try some Mead wine at Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery

Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery was founded in 2003 by entomologist Bob Liptrot. They are known for their unique mead wine made which is made from fermented honey. Join a tour to learn more about the meadery and learn more about the secret life of bees. There is also a tasting room where you can sample the mead wine and learn how honey is turned into the award-winning meads. 

15. Sample the local beers

Sooke is home to three microbreweries. If you’re a beer drinker, a mini brewery tour is one of the most fun things to do in Sooke.

  • Sooke Brewing Company: This award-winning craft brewing company is located in the heart of Sooke. It was founded by a group of locals who have lived in the local area for generations.
  • Sooke Oceanside Brewery: Located just off Highway 14, the brewery was founded by chef Ryan Orr who turned his passion for making beer in his garage into a wonderful brewery.
  • Bad Dog Brewing:  Founded by John and Rosie Lyle, this rural brewery is located north of Sooke. The brewery takes a playful approach to its beers with cartoon branding and dog-themed names. There is a small tasting room but if it’s sunny make the most of the nice picnic area.
Bad Dog Brewing Company in Sooke
Credit: Sooke Region Tourism Association and Daniel Baker

WHERE TO EAT in Sooke

West Coast Grill

For outstanding local cuisine, head to the West Coast Grill. Located in Prestige Oceanfront Resort, this farm-to-table restaurant serves a wide range of culinary creations made with locally sourced ingredients. They also make some of very inventive cocktails.

Sooke Harbour House

Although Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina is currently closed for renovations, it would be remiss not to include their award-winning restaurant on this list. This fine-dining restaurant offers a seasonal menu made with produce from its own garden. The menu changes daily so you can expect only the freshest local ingredients.

Wild Mountain

Founded by a chef and a wine manager, Wild Mountain overlooks Sooke Harbour with a focus on ‘Slow Food’. The Restaurant works with the local community of farmers, fishers, winemakers, brewers and bakers to create a menu that reflects the current harvest and season.

OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR SOOKE

Known for its rugged and natural beauty, the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island is a beautiful place to explore. There are a number of small communities and scenic stops along this stretch of coastline which are only a short drive from Sooke.

Jordan River

Located along the Juan de Fuca Strait, just 18 miles (30 km) from Sooke, lies the small settlement of Jordan River. Originally founded as a logging camp, Jordan River is now home to the island’s second largest hydro-electric plant. With little cell service, this really is a place where you can disconnect and recharge. Many people come here for winter surfing and the Juan de Fuca Trail, a 29 mile (47 km) wilderness hiking trail through Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. It stretches from China Beach to Botanical Beach, just outside of Port Renfrew. There are also a number of day hikes through the ancient rainforests which lead to breath-taking beaches with waterfalls, including Sandcut Beach and Mystic Beach.  

Port Renfrew

From Jordan River, continue along the West Coast Road (Highway 14) for 25 miles (41 km) and you’ll reach Port Renfrew. Also called ‘Wild Renfrew’, this fishing village is best known as the starting point for the famous West Coast Trail. This iconic 47 mile (75 km) backcountry trail runs from Port Renfrew to Bamfield and passes through some of British Columbia’s most beautiful scenery. There are also some stunning beaches, such as Botanical Beach which has amazing tide pools, and Sombrio Beach, home to the hidden waterfall.

Pacific Marine Circle Route

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is an incredible way to explore Vancouver Island’s beautiful southwest coast. The route traces the coastline from Victoria into Sooke and Port Renfrew before heading east to Lake Cowichan and the gorgeous Cowichan Valley. Home to rolling hills, stunning orchards and expansive farmlands, Cowichan produces incredible artisanal food and drink and should definitely be on your Vancouver Island bucket list. The route continues south and ends in Victoria.

Cowichan Valley BC
Cowichan Valley is a beautiful place to explore on Vancouver Island

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for a quiet coastal escape with plenty of outdoor activities, Sooke is the perfect destination. There are so many amazing things to do in Sooke and it’s a great place to unplug and reconnect with nature. A lot of people visit Sooke on a getaway to Victoria or a longer Vancouver Island road trip. I hope this travel guide helps you plan your own trip to this ocean-side town.

Where to explore next?

Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. If you’re planning a trip to the island this year, I have a complete guide to the best places to visit. Here’s a quick summary:

  • Tofino: Known as the surf capital of Canada, Tofino has some of the best beaches in BC! Visit in summer for incredible sunsets or winter for storm watching. Read the full guide >
  • Telegraph Cove: This picturesque village is one of the last boardwalk settlements on Vancouver Island and the gateway to one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Its close proximity to the Broughton Archipelago and the Johnstone Strait has made Telegraph Cove one of the best places for whale watching in British Columbia. Read the full guide >
  • Victoria: Located on the southern end of Vancouver Island, Victoria is arguably one of the prettiest cities in Canada. While Victoria is best known for its gorgeous gardens and historic architecture, it’s also a very vibrant and lively city which combines culture, history and outdoor adventures. Read the full guide >
  • Cowichan Valley: Home to rolling hills, stunning orchards and expansive farmlands, Cowichan produces incredible artisanal food and drink. Read the full guide >
  • Campbell River: Despite its growth over the years, Campbell River has retained its small town-by-the-sea vibe. The area is also home to some of Vancouver Island’s best outdoor adventures such as Elk Falls and Strathcona Provincial Park. Read the full guide >

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration in British Columbia, have a look at these guides:

Love from Steph

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