Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Sooke is a unique, oceanside village that is a perfect escape from the hustles of the city life. As home to scenic regional parks, astonishing coastal drives, and fascinating museums, Sooke attracts visitors both locally and from all over the world. It also helps that the village also features amazing Vrbo vacation rentals as well as Vrbo waterfront rentals to accommodate travelers. The village’s proximity to the wilderness of the southern Vancouver and idyllic beaches has increased its popularity as a base to indulge in outdoor activities such as off-roading, backcountry recreation, quad biking, mountain biking, and hiking. Here is a list of the best things to do in Sooke, Canada, that will let you make the most out of your trip to this popular tourist haven full of magnificent trails.
1. Have fun at Sooke Whale Watching along the West Coast
Winds are calming down tomorrow - Monday and we still have space on our 10 am departure for our 3 hour whale watching marine Adventure! www.SookeWhaleWatching.com Call (250) 642-2343 to book now!
Posted by Sooke Coastal Explorations on Sunday, 23 June 2019
Get aboard on an ocean wildlife tour along the West Coast with a whale watching eco-friendly company to experience the magic of visiting the gentle giants in their habitats. Species of Orca whales are sighted all through the year, while the season of humpback whales is from March to November with occasional sightings of seals, sea lions, Minke whales, Grey whales and white-sided dolphins. The safe vessel that you will travel on will include a personal floatation suit and all the safety outfits for your adventure.
Sooke Whale Watching
Address: 1581 Dufour Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0T6, Canada
Website: Sooke Whale Watching
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 70 - 90 USD
2. Hike through a section of the Juan de Fuca Trail

With panoramic views of the coastline, the Olympic Mountains and the Juan de Fuca Strait, this wilderness trail runs along the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island stretching from China beach. The trail offers opportunities to soak up the spectacular landscapes, wildlife and the roaring surf along the Pacific coastline. Although the complete hike takes three to four days, there are some easy day hikes from trailhead locations along the trail that are accessible by a vehicle.
Juan de Fuca Trail
Address: Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, British Columbia
Website: Juan de Fuca Trail
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Stroll across the beautiful stretch of Whiffen Spit Park
Stretching out from the main Sooke road into the mouth of the Sooke harbour, the Whiffen Spit Park is the perfect spot to unwind and spend a relaxing afternoon in the region. As part of Quimper Park, the park is frequented by dog walkers, nature lovers and bird watchers. The stretch for a stroll starts from the end of the parking lot and ends with a light and marine station with many benches and viewpoints along the trail.
Whiffen Spit Park
Address: CAPITAL, SUBD. C, BC V9Z 0T4, Canada
Website: Whiffen Spit Park
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Gorge onto some local cuisines at Sooke Harbour House
With a menu that changes daily, Sooke Harbour House serves some of the best local, organic and seasonal fare in the region. The upscale restaurant maintains a strong relationship with the foragers, farmers and fishers and prides on serving fresh quality food. The restaurant features a garden, and a sea view and presents the finest dishes prepared by a passionate team of chefs to deliver you the ultimate dining experience in Sooke.
Sooke Harbour House
Address: 1528 Whiffen Spit Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0T4, Canada
Website: Sooke Harbour House
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 10 - 30 USD
5. Quench your adrenaline rush at Adrena LINE Zipline Park
This family adventure park features zip line adventures, canopy rides, hiking opportunities, and speed boat rides that provide outdoor adventures for all ages. A visit to the adventure park also offers insight into the flora, the fauna and the history of the natural surroundings of Southern Vancouver. The trained guides of the park ensure that you enjoy a safe, comfortable and thrilling experience that will get your adrenaline flowing.
Adrena LINE Zipline Park
Address: 5128C Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0E2, Canada
Website: Adrena LINE Zipline Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 70 - 85 USD
6. Bike through the Galloping Goose Trail

The Galloping Goose Trail is a 55-km (34 miles) rail trail forms a part of the Trans-Candian Trail and is popular for recreational activities such as running, cycling, skating and riding horses. Named after the passenger train that ran from Sooke to Victoria, the trail includes biking routes of easy, moderate and adventurous type difficulties. The trail runs through varied landscapes ranging from urban settings to forests, beaches and lakes.
Galloping Goose Trail
Address: Galloping Goose Trail, British Columbia
Website: Galloping Goose Trail
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Wander around the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Situated adjacent to the Sooke Potholes Regional Park, this park stretches along the Sooke river with unique formations of rocks that were formed millions of years ago. The Park comprises of plenty of trails and viewpoints and river areas that showcase the natural splendour of the region. Some of the trails in the park are steep and caution should be exercised before walking on the rocks near the river as they can be slippery.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Address: Sooke River Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0Y1, Canada
Website: Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Opening hours: 6.30am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Explore the heritage of the region at Sooke Region Museum
The Sooke Region Museum houses information on the region’s human and natural history and hosts thousands of visitors each year. The Museum features outdoor exhibits, a lighthouse, a gift shop and several tours. The museum includes archives of documents and photographs that explore the heritage of the region and also hosts the largest juried art show in Vancouver.
Sooke Region Museum
Address: 2070 Phillips Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0Y3, Canada
Website: Sooke Region Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
9. Sunbathe in the majestic Mystic Beach
Mystic Beach is the starting point to the Juan De Fuca trail and offers some of the best ocean scenery that the region has to offer. Mystic Beach features a small waterfall and is the best bet to soak up some rays and unwind in Southwestern coast of Vancouver. Note that the area is bear and cougar country and necessary precautions should be taken while visiting.
Mystic Beach
Address: Mystic Beach, British Columbia
Website: Mystic Beach
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Go rain forest hiking at the East Sooke Regional Park
With one of the best day hikes in Canada, the East Sooke Regional Park and wildernesses is a treat for those that enjoy hiking. The natural beauty of the park includes windswept rocky coast, hilltops, thick forests, jagged bluffs and sheltered coves. The Park is also a great spot to sight the annual hawk migration and is ideal for picnics with your families and friends.
East Sooke Regional Park
Address: 6807 East Sooke Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 1A7, Canada
Website: East Sooke Regional Park
Price: Free
11. Treat yourself at the Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery is the place to head to in Sooke if you are looking for self-guided tours and tasting mead, the oldest known alcoholic beverage. Mead is handcrafted here from their own wildflower honey that is harvested from carefully tended beehives. A visit to the Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery will let you understand the art of fermenting the honey wine, Mead, its fascinating history and the secret lives of bees and their hive’s inner workings.
Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery
Address: 8750 West Coast Road Sooke, BC V9Z 1H2
Website: Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 2 - 10 USD
12. Shop for gourmet goodies at the Sooke Country Market
Sooke Country Market houses the region’s local producers and growers sell their locally grown vegetables, fruits, jams, crafts, and jewellery. The market is open between May and October and is open all Saturdays between 10 am and 2 pm. The market also features performances of local artists that are approved by the market board.
Sooke Country Market
Address: Sooke, BC V9Z 0H2, Canada
Website: Sooke Country Market
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 2pm
Price: Free entry
13. Relish a game of golf at the John Phillips Memorial Golf Course
With scenic open ocean views and a nine-hole course, a game of golf at this course is well worth the drive from Sooke. Named after a games keeper, the John Philips Memorial Golf Course also features a bar and grill spot to share to the post-game fun with your friends. The golf course offers close access to other attractions such as the East Sooke Park, China beach, and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.
John Phillips Memorial Golf Course
Address: 2197 Otter Point Road PO Box 369 , Sooke, British Columbia
Website: John Phillips Memorial Golf Course
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 17.50 - 30 USD
14. Go scuba diving at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
Established in 1978 as a marine science project, the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is designated to protect the natural features, wildlife, and the ecosystems of the Strait of Juan de Fuca region. The region is home to diverse colourful marine life owing to the high tidal current area and has great visibility for scuba diving. The reserve is also an ideal spot to ideal a number of migratory birds, cormorants, gulls, and pigeon guillemots.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
Address: 3945 Quadra St, Victoria, BC V8X 1J5
Website: Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
15. Go for off-road adventures in Bear Creek and Diversion reservoirs
The passes in the reservoirs of Bear Creek and diversion are well suited for going off-road adventures with your motorbikes, ATVs, and well equipped 4 x 4s. You can also choose to camp near the reservoir in a designated spot that can be used for parking or as a midway point. The drivers are advised against two-wheeler rides due to landslides and washouts that occur in the area.
Bear Creek and Diversion reservoirs
Address: 6971 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1, Canada
Price: 10 - 75 USD
16. Treat your eyes to a beautiful sunset at Possession Point
Located next to the Ironmine Bay, Possession Point is not only a great dive spot but is also perfectly elevated to offer magnificent views of the sunset. With an up and coming residential area, the spot is where the locals flock to catch breathtaking views of the Vancouver sun setting. The Possession Point can be reached from the Whiffin Spit Park, which is a four-minute walk away, and the Deerlepe Park, which is a five-minute walk away.
Possession Point
Address: Sooke, BC V9Z 0T6, British Columbia, Canada
Price: Free
17. Embark on a salmon fishing tour (from USD 305.0)

This tour lets you experience world-class sport fishing in Sooke with top of the line fishing equipment. The small group tour comprises a maximum of four participants and runs for five hours, with personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. You will get to visit salmon fishing grounds off Vancouver Island and get to bring back fresh-catch of the day that is ready to be cooked.
5-Hour Salmon Fishing Trip
Experience Sooke
From hiking in regional parks to soaking up stunning views of the sunsets at idyllic beaches, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Sooke, Canada. Take your pick from the above list and explore the wilderness, culture and history of this quaint harbour town.
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