Discover the beauty
Escape to Sooke, where nature and adventure meet. Rugged coastline beaches, lush hiking trails, and tranquil harbours await.
Whether it's paddling through the inner harbour, spotting whales, biking scenic paths, or savouring a quiet coffee, this West Coast gem has it all—including ultimate relaxation at the spa.
Explore the magic of Sooke today. Plan your visit >
Sooke's Highlights
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POPULATION: 15,086 (2021)
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AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:
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August - High 19°C Low 12°C
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January - Hight 8°C Low 4°C
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AVERAGE RAINFALL:
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August - 20mm
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January - 171mm
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SIZE: 56km²
READY, SET, GO
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HIGHLIGHTS
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Sooke Boardwalk
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Whiffin Spit
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Sooke Potholes
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Galloping Goose Trail
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Sooke Museum
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EXPLORE Sooke BC
Sooke BC is one of the oldest towns on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. It sits on the safe shores of the Sooke Basin. Sooke was once a busy logging town and later became a fishing community.
Today, it is a popular spot for travellers with a surprising number of things to do in Sooke. People come here for outdoor adventures, stunning coastal views, and a laid-back West Coast lifestyle. Just a 45-minute drive from Victoria, it offers the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Juan de Fuca region.
Sooke has some of the most beautiful and varied beaches on Vancouver Island. Each beach offers a unique experience that shows the wild beauty of the West Coast. Mystic Beach, with its cascading waterfall and sea caves, is a must-visit for adventure seekers and photographers alike. China Beach, just nearby, offers a more relaxed vibe with soft sand and stunning ocean views.
If you want to explore tidal pools and marine life, visit Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew. It has unique rock formations full of sea creatures. The Sooke Potholes are not a beach, but they have clear rock pools. These pools are great for swimming in freshwater.
Closer to town, Whiffin Spit has a beautiful coastal walk. You can enjoy wide views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. It is a great place to watch storms or see seals and otters.
Sooke’s beaches are a paradise for outdoor lovers. You can find rugged cliffs, sandy shores, and hidden coves. These spots offer tranquility, adventure, and natural beauty.
Outdoor Paradise
Sooke Vancouver Island is a paradise for enthusiasts of the great outdoors. It provides a variety of adventures for nature admirers, adrenaline junkies, and those seeking tranquility in a picturesque setting.
You can kayak on the calm waters of the Sooke Basin. You can also try deep-sea fishing. Or you can find hidden waterfalls in the green rainforest. The area truly caters to all interests, including Whiffin Spit, Jordan River, Sooke Regional Park, and the Sooke Potholes.
Iconic Natural Attractions
One of the most loved local spots is Wiffin Spit. A beautiful walking trail enters the ocean.
This hiking trail offers stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains. This tranquil spot is perfect for birdwatching, picnicking, or simply taking in the fresh sea air.
To explore more, the Juan de Fuca Trail offers tough coastal hikes for the seasoned hiker. It goes through old-growth forests and leads to beautiful beaches like Mystic Beach and Sombrio Beach. Here, adventurers can find sea caves and waterfalls that flow onto the sand.
Water Adventures and Wildlife Encounters
Coastal waters are full of life. This makes it a great place for kayaking, paddleboarding, and whale watching. Visitors can take guided boat tours to see orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises in their natural homes.
For fishing lovers, you've found is a top spot for salmon and halibut fishing. Charters are available to help you catch fish. With a focus on safety, comfort, and fun, you can enjoy the stunning beauty of Vancouver Island’s coastline and Sooke's shores. Watch whales, porpoises, sea lions, otters, seals, eagles and more.
Feel the power and thrill of hooking a Chinook! Test your skills handling Cohos and Sockeyes. Reel in Pinks until your arms are tired!
Arts, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Sooke is not just beautiful; it also has a lively arts community. Local galleries display the work of skilled West Coast artists.
The town has a great food scene. Waterfront restaurants and cozy cafés offer local seafood, fresh produce, and craft drinks. Or grab something to go and enjoy the many picnic areas.
Famous for its farm-to-table dining experience.Visitors can enjoy great food at popular places like Sooke Harbour House. Explore below for a full selection of places to eat!
Your Base for Exploration
Sooke has a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a friendly community. Many places to stay in Sooke, BC, make it the perfect location to relax and enjoy nature.
Many camping accommodations in Sooke BC offer enjoyable experiences. For example:
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Sooke River Campground
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China Beach Camping
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French Beach Provincial Park
You can find many other sites by exploring our featured places to stay below.
Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a longer adventure, this charming coastal town is the perfect place to start. A great base for exploring the beautiful sights of Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast exists.
Start your journey in Sooke and discover why Sooke BC attractions captivate visitors year after year.

Get to Know Sooke...
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FUN fact
The Sooke River provided First Nations people with a rich abundance of resources, thanks to the Sooke River and Sooke Basin.
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FUN fact
Sooke is home to Vancouver Islands' longest-running fine arts show.
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FUN fact
You can bike from Sooke Potholes to downtown Victoria Galloping Goose trail a scenic 55 km ride over bridges and past lakes.
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FUN fact
On the water hotspot from paddling, whale-watching to fishing and on shore crabbing.
"Breathtaking panoramic ocean and mountain views with fishing, surfing, kayaking, hiking, biking, whale watching and more. The Sooke – Port Renfrew region, on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island BC, has it all. Dozens of adventure operators and outfitters offer activities that can be affordably packaged with accommodation that offers the vacationing visitor options for every taste and budget."
- HELLOBC.COM
A long and colourful History
Sooke, British Columbia, boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years, deeply rooted in the traditions of the area's Indigenous peoples, particularly the T'Sou-ke Nation. The first European contact came in 1790 with the Spanish, leaving a legacy of Spanish names along the West Coast. By the 1840s, European settlers began to arrive, drawn by opportunities in agriculture and logging. Today, Sooke blends its historical heritage with modern development, celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant, welcoming community.
Stay In Sooke
Sooke offers a wide range of accommodations, from cozy vacation rentals to luxurious hotels. Choose a waterfront stay with easy access to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, or retreat to the hills for a private escape with sweeping views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Olympic Mountains. It’s the perfect way to turn a day trip into a relaxing weekend getaway!
Places to Eat
Sooke boasts a diverse array of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From cozy spots serving classic pub fare to vibrant eateries offering international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in fresh, local flavors that highlight the region’s bounty, or savor a perfectly brewed cup of coffee crafted from locally roasted beans. Whatever your craving, Sooke’s culinary scene has you covered!
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