From eTripTips Wiki
Sooke is the southernmost town on Vancouver Island. Sooke is best done as a day-trip from Victoria but can also be a stopover on the way to Port Renfrew.
[edit] Get in
It is possible to take a bus to Sooke (Take the #61 bus from downtown Victoria. There are about 20 buses daily. The trip takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs $3.00) but you will be restricted to the small residential core of Sooke. It is also possible to bike (or walk!) to Sooke along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which is connected to Victoria and Langford and passes just east of Sooke. The best way to get to Sooke is to drive; take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) SW from Langford.
[edit] Get around
The best way to explore Sooke is on foot, but once you want to go see some of the sights beyond the four block town centre, you will need a car.
Lush rainforest in East Sooke Park
Check out a few of the intersting shops in the town's heart. Once you tire of this, jump in your car and head out to see some of the town's more natural sights:
- East Sooke Park is a huge regional park located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. With over 50km of hiking trails through forests and along rocky coasts, this is one of the most underappreciated hiking locations in Greater Victoria. To reach, drive east out of town along Highway 14 and turn right on Gillespie Road (about 7km past the Sooke River bridge). Follow Gillespie Road to East Sooke Road where you can turn right to access the Pike Road and Anderson Cove entrances, or turn left then right on Becher Bay Road to reach the Aylard Farm entrance.[1]
- You will pass Roche Cove Park on Gillespie Road on your way to East Sooke. There are a few trails here and if you don't have time to explore the expansive East Sooke Park, then this is a nice alternative.[2]
- The Sooke Potholes are a very popular location for a dip during the Summer for Victoria residents. Here the Sooke River plunges through a series of deep pits creating perfect cool pools to take a plunge on a hot day. Turn onto Sooke River Road on the east side of the Sooke River bridge (left if heading from Sooke, right if heading from Victoria) and follow the road to the park.[3]
- Whiffin Spit is a 1km long spit of sand that stretches out into the ocean, protecting Sooke Harbour. A pleasant walk to the tip of the spit past sandy beaches can be done here. To reach, follow Highway 14 west out of town, then turn left on Whiffen Spit Road.
- 17 Mile House Pub, 5126 Sooke Road. 250-642-5942. This pub-style restaurant is located (you guessed it!) 17 miles away from Victoria, along Highway 14. If heading from Sooke it will be on your left.
- Mom's Cafe, 2036 Shields Road. 250-642-3314. Mom's is the most popular restaurant in Sooke and the perfect place to fill yourself up after a hike at East Sooke. This 40+ year-old diner-style restaurant is located on the corner of Shields Road and Eustace road in downtown Sooke.
- Point No Point Resort, 1505 West Coast Road. 250-646-2020. Just head west out of Sooke for awhile to reach this charming location. Serves lunch and tea daily.
There are numerous B&Bs and campgrounds around Sooke, but here is a selection of some of the pricier and more interesting accomnodations:
- Point No Point Resort, 1505 West Coast Road. 250-646-2020. This beautiful resort is located on a rocky point, west of Sooke on Highway 14 (West Coast Road). There are a selection of cabins along that coast that are available. $130-$220.
- Sooke Harbour House Hotel, 1528 Whiffen Spit Road. 250-642-3421 or 1-800-889-9688. This is a luxury hotel and spa located on Whiffin Spit Beach. $175-$525.
- Sunny Shores Resort & Marina, 5621 Sooke Rd. 250-642-5731 or 1-888-805-3932. $175-$500.
[edit] Get out
Drive west along Highway 14 to explore the Juan de Fuca beaches and Port Renfrew, or head back to Victoria.
