Top 10 Things to Do in Sooke, BC
Vancouver Island, Canada
Imagine this list as the ingredients to an active
mind, to spiritual cleansing, a good time Sooke-style. An illustration
of the character and personality of this community. This is not
a list of preference or a ranking system or did we take bribes.
The list is based on conversations, observations and listening.
The list is our experiences recorded in our minds transferred
to our pens. A "put on paper thing" with the goal of
getting you, the Visitor, pumped up and the wheels turning, heart
pounding so you will focus on the adventure at hand-it is travel
mode time! Please plan accordingly people because some activities
are seasonal, require guides or tour charter companies. Booking
early is recommended. Smiles on arrival is compulsory.
Refer to
Attractions Page for listings.
- Ocean, River and Lake Fishing: Pick your fancy. A
tug-a-war with a Salmon, Halibut, Cod or Rock Fish in the
grandiose Juan de Fuca Straight. Feeling a bit fresh try the
rivers for Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead, Rainbow and Brown Trout
in the treasured waters of the Sooke River. Float a boat and
hang a hook for Yellow Perch and Bass in the nearby lakes.
- Hiking and Walking: An area celebrated with hiking
and walking trails from a short 20 minute walk out to Whiffen
Spit breathing in ocean air and soaking up the mountain views
to the 55 km Galloping Goose Trail through canyons, forested
valleys, over rivers and around lakes. The area is laced with
many parks and trails to choose from. A hikers wet dream!
- Whale Watching: Catch a buzz in the inlets and secretive
bays of the Juan de Fuca Straight cruising alongside Killer
Whales and the odd Humpback Whale with one of the tour guides
in the area. Bark with the Sea Lions at the appreciation of
the coastline rainforest and feel as free as the soaring Bald
Eagles overhead.
- Windsurfing: From the radical, unpredictable rides
at Gordon's Beach to the generally calmer conditions at Jordon's
River you will be overcome by your emotions from the hypnotic
swells, explosive waves and seasonal currents offered up sailing
these coastal waters. An experience you'll be forced to remember.
- Sea and River Kayaking: At your own pace, absorb
the surrounding wilderness as you paddle in and out of the
many coastal bays and inlets. After the salt air excursions
and the swells of the Pacific Ocean, one can take on the currents
and natural obstacles of the many surrounding surging rivers.
- Sooke Potholes: A summer favorite for the local swimmers
and an awe inspiring massage for the visiting traveler. Pools
of water caught up in the carved out rocks of the rivers edge
surrounded by nature's wilderness work of art. Salmon fighting
the currents and quiet Todd Creek metamorphoses into a raging
Devils Falls during the winter.
- Backpacking: In the heart of the coastal rainforest
is some of the most spectacular backpacking in Canada. The
47 km Juan de Fuca Trail and the 79 km West Coast Trail are
world famous for their challenges and adventures along the
beach front, over surging channels and bridges manipulated
by the rugged coastal wilderness. Initially used by surviving
shipwrecked mariners.
- Scuba Diving: Top up the tanks with oxygen, grab
the fins and slip on a wet suit because an experience awaits
at the Race Rocks Underwater Marine Park between Becher and
Pedder Bay. Marine life will captivate your every thought
and the shipwrecked "Barnard Castle" will be the
topic of every story when you get home.
- Beach Worshipping: Finding sand between your toes,
tasting salt water on your lips or taking a beach stroll under
the stars is the easy part. Which beach is the hard part...China
Beach, Sandcut Beach, Sombrio Beach, Mystic Beach, Botanical
Beach or the beaches that make up part of the 3512 acre East
Sooke Regional Park. We feel the urge!
- Off Roading: Not far from Sooke located in the backwoods
of the rainforest are the gravel roads used for years by the
logging industry. Still trampled and rolled over by the logging
trucks for transporting lumber... but increasingly used by
backwoods enthusiasts to bump and grind their way deeper into
the challenges of the rugged, lush rainforest
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Sooke, B.C.
To Do in Sooke
Sooke
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