Victoria 
It is easy to appreciate the natural beauty of Vancouver Island, no matter where on the island you visit. From the rainforests to the coastal mountains and beaches, to rushing rivers and waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife, Vancouver Island has it all.
Broom Hill/Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
One of the easiest ways to get the most out of all of this nature and scenery is a visit to Sooke. The smaller town west of Victoria sits on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Sooke Inlet. And while the town sits waterfront, the areas to the north can offer that additional scenery, like the lush forests and steep river valleys.
Sooke has all the amenities you need for a relaxing seaside vacation, including a bustling local dining and drink scene and several accommodations. All it takes is a short drive (5-10 minutes) from the town centre to find all that beauty for which the Island is so well known.
Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre
Explore the many stories around the Sooke region’s history with a stop at the Sooke Museum.
- The Sooke Region Museum showcases the area’s rich history through First Nations artifacts, pioneer relics, and displays on exploration, natural history, and early industries.
- Visitors can explore outdoor exhibits like the Polemaker’s Shack, a blacksmith shop, and historic machinery.
- New displays are added regularly, thanks to generous community donations that continue to enrich this vibrant, ever-evolving cultural hub.
The Best Hiking Trails around Sooke
Whether you’re near the water, or up the hills and in the trees, the scenery around Sooke and the Inlet is beautiful all year round. And at any given time of the year, there could be marine life or wildlife to view.
- Climb Sooke’s Broom Hill to get incredible views of the town, the Inlet, and the surrounding mountains. A hike up and back down ranges from 4.5-5.5km with a gradual climb for the first half of the trail. Access the trails from Otter Point Road or extend the hike and begin from William Simmons Memorial Park.
- The Whiffin Spit and trail extend out onto the Sooke Inlet by about 1.4km to create a 3km out-and-back trail with beautiful waterfront views.
- The Sunriver Nature Trail & Park provide short and easy hiking opportunities along the banks of the Sooke River.
- Follow the ocean instead with Sooke’s Ella Beach, a short and pebbly stretch along Sooke Bay.
Local Dining & Breweries
Sooke is home to a local dining scene which provides a great variety between finer dining and more casual options. Plus, the oceanside town is home to three local craft breweries. A few of these restaurants are right on the waterfront to offer exceptional views for your meal.
- Visit the Sooke Oceanside Brewery, Sooke Brewing Company, or Bad Dog Brewing to taste the local brews.
- Grab dinner in Sooke from The Lazy Gecko Mexican Eatery, Stickleback Oceanfront Cider & Taphouse, or Burger on Point.
- Mom’s Café is a must-visit in town for a hearty and fresh breakfast or brunch.
- Enjoy fine dining experiences from the several hotel restaurants around Sooke or the nearby coastal areas.
Sooke to Port Renfrew
Sandcut Beach/Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
The coastal drive between Sooke and Port Renfrew includes several places to stop and explore, sightsee, or watch for birds and wildlife. The distance involves about an hour’s drive, but the total time could take much longer!
- The small community of Shirley is about 25km outside of Sooke, with Shirley Delicious for all your road trip snacks, and coastal views from the Sheringham Lighthouse View Trail.
- The French Beach Provincial Park area offers waterfront camping opportunities, rainforest trails, and 1.6km of beautiful beach.
- Access the next beach along the drive, Sandcut, from the Jordan River Regional Park. During low tide, visitors can stroll the beach to find a waterfront waterfall.
- Start your adventure at Sombrio Beach with a gorgeous walk through the rainforest before reaching the waterfront, where you may see several surfers on the water or a variety of marine life.
- Lastly, the community of Port Renfrew offers more beautiful coastal scenery, places to stay, and places to eat.
All the Parks Surrounding Sooke
The many parks on the southern tip of Vancouver Island offer seemingly endless outdoor activities, whether there is snow on the ground, rain falling, or the sun is shining. Among the closest to the town of Sooke are:
- East Sooke Regional Park provides over 50km of hiking trails, scenic picnic areas, and scenic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Sooke Potholes Provincial Park has short riverside trails, epic views overlooking the potholes, and a unique bit of history. The Deer Trail Resort is an abandoned hotel structure which sits eerily on the sides of the steep riverbanks and cliffs. The property is blocked off, but easily visible from the main trails and road.
- North of Sooke is the Sea to Sea Regional Park with over 50km of hiking trails. Many of the park’s trails are also suited to cycling or equestrian use.
- Matheson Lake Regional Park is smaller than those above, but still provides scenic hiking and biking areas around the quiet lake.
Places to Stay in Sooke
There is a wide range of places to stay around Sooke, including a handful of waterfront accommodations located right in town. Those include the Prestige Oceanfront Resort, the Sooke Harbour House, and the Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina.
- The coastlines around Sooke are home to a number of smaller or private rentals like the Otter Point Beach House, 4 Beaches Bed & Breakfast, or Orca View Cottage.
