Sooke Activities and Tourist Attractions
Find a little bit of something for everybody with these Sooke activities, Vancouver Island events, and Victoria tourist attractions. If you love the outdoors, then you'll be glad to know that there is an abundance of beautiful, natural wildlife for you to explore.
If you don't feel like exploring the outdoors, then stroll around
the village and visit the many gift shops full of local arts and
crafts. During the first week in August, Sooke hosts Fine Arts
- Vancouver Island's largest juried Arts Show. Hundreds of artworks
are displayed for the enjoyment of some 10,000 visitors during this
annual event where fine art can be admired and purchased.
Package deals with bed and breakfast establishments will allow
the whole family to combine fishing and the other activities available
in the Sooke Harbour region.
| Hiking Trails & Provincial Parks |
The Sooke Region is renowned for its natural splendor. Whether you are a Sunday stroller or a seasoned hiker, get close to nature by taking a hike on one of the many trails.
- East Sooke Regional Park
- Galloping Goose Trail
- Roche Cove Regional Park
- Matheson Lake Regional Park
- Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
- Whiffin Spit Park
- French Beach Provincial Park
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- Sandcut Beach
- China Beach Provincial Park
- Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
- Sombrio Beach
- Parkinson Creek
- Botanical Beach Provincial Park
- West Coast Trail
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Top of page
Some of the best salt water fishing in the world can be found just outside Sooke Harbour in the Pacific waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait. For 12 months of the year, one or more species of salmon feed during their growth cycle or are part of the large spawning runs which Mother Nature sends along the Southern coast of Vancouver Island from Port Renfrew, past Sooke, to the Fraser and other rivers and inlets where the salmon finish their life cycle.
Excellent bottom fishing is also available with catches of large halibut as well as ling cod and rock fish. Tasty Dungeness crab also abound in Sooke Harbour. An extra dividend while fishing could be sightings of eagle, seal, sea lion, dolphin, orca (killer whales) or water fowl.
Many charter fishers are available at reasonable rates to help you enjoy this sport. They will provide tackle, bait and, for additional charges, freezing, smoking and shipment of your catch. Top of page
Excellent fresh water fishing in Sooke and the surrounding area is also available to discerning fishers. With or without a professional guide, you can enjoy freshwater fly-fishing and drift fishing for salmon, cutthroat trout, steelhead, rainbow and brown trout on regional rivers, such as the Cowichan and Sooke Rivers.
If you prefer lake fishing, the area has much to offer on nearby lakes where you will find cutthroat, rainbowand brown trout, as well as yellow perch and bass. With a four-wheel-drive vehicle you can find a challenge driving the logging roads to fish trout and steelhead in the Sooke Hills near Port Renfrew.
If you desire back-country or float plane excursions to glacial lakes, professional guides can satisfy your wishes.
Fresh water licenses and organized guided excursions can be easily obtained in Sooke. Top of page
Whale watching has become an important tourist activity in the Sooke Harbour region. Three resident pods of orcas (killer whales) regularly hunt their prey in the vicinity of Sooke Harbour. Despite their name, these whales are quite at ease with humans, sometimes coming right along side the charter boat to "eyeball" the passengers.
On some occasions, migrating grey whales are also seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Whale watching expeditions by 12-passenger rigid-hull zodiac is an adventure, exploring the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its dramatic coastline, on the lookout for killer whales, porpoises, harbour seals and stellar and California sea lions.
Bird watchers are treated to sightings of bald eagles and many species of water birds during these trips. You will be toasty warm in your protective flotation suit provided by the tour operators. Top of page
Scuba diving is an ever growing popular activity along the coastline of Sooke. The crystal clear waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the abundance of all forms of underwater sea life in its natural state, creates its own demand for these activities by enthusiasts.
One of the best places to dive is the Race Rocks Underwater Marine Park where divers can see a wide variety of marine life or visit the shipwreck of the "Barnard Castle."
Arrangements for expert advice, rental equipment (if needed) and/or guidance can be readily obtained from your accommodation host or at the Visitor Information Centre at the Sooke Region Museum. Top of page
Ocean kayaking opens new water-line vistas and impressions of the Sooke coast, inlets and rivers. Experts and novices alike can be accommodated with the right equipment and instructions to guarantee you will get the most out of your adventure. Top of page
Some of the best surfing is found in the neighbouring Jordan River area. The Strait of Juan de Fuca is wide open to the breakers crashing in directly from the Pacific Ocean. Stormy weather and high tides can combine to cause immense waves to challenge and delight surfers. Top of page
One of the best high wind windsurfing locations on Vancouver Island is at Gordon's Beach, 11km (15 minutes) west of Sooke, just before Tugwell Creek.
Another terrific windsurfing site is at Jordan River (30 minutes) west of Sooke. Winds are generally lighter than at Gordon's Beach but if the surf is up you can experience true surf sailing with great pealing waves. Top of page
Boating and sailing opportunities abound in Sooke and its environs. Launching ramps for private boats are available at the local marinas. Sailing adventures in the Sooke Basin and out in the strait will satisfy all levels of seamanship, from novices taking lessons from local instructors to real "salts" who will enjoy the winds, currents and tides just outside the harbour in the open sea. Picnicking, wildlife and bird watching, gunkholing, rowing and exploration of Sooke Harbour in these unique vessels is a treat for all ages! Top of page
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