Destination Get to Know the Sooke Area!
Welcome to the best kept secret on Vancouver Island. Sooke is wild by nature and no matter where you look you're sure to see something absolutely breath-taking. Where the ocean meets the skyline, where the rainforest meets the shore, take a deep breath and take it all in. The wildlife viewing opportunities are priceless. In our region more than two hundred and twenty bird species are sighted every year. Orcas, otters, seals, bears, and many more wild animals call our coast home.
Hikers from all across Canada come to Vancouver Island for trails they know they can't find anywhere else. We have the world renowned West Coast Trail, a seventy kilometre trail built back in 1907 to rescue survivors of ship wrecks along the coast. If you're looking for something a little shorter, or less challenging, don't worry! Sooke has many outdoor adventure options for all skill levels and interests.
Wherever your adventures take you, be sure to share your pictures on social media using the hashtags #wildbynature and #PrestigeAdventures
*click on the headings below to learn more
HOW TO GET HERE
Sooke is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, you can get here by ferry, plane, or car. It is a 48 minute drive from Victoria International Airport to Sooke. Driving from the mainland? Check the road conditions at DriveBC, the ferry schedule can be accessed here.
THINGS TO DO
Come and celebrate our island culture and our environment. We're big on festivals, with the Tall Trees Festival, Bluegrass Festival, and our numerous Art festivals, there's always something to get excited about! Along with celebration, we understand the importance of appreciation. Get out in a kayak, or a canoe, and see Sooke as the locals do.
FISHING
With both salt water and fresh water options, Sooke is an anglers paradise. The Juan de Fuca Strait has some of the best salt water fishing you'll find. Not only is the Salmon plentiful, but there is excellent bottom fishing, and Sooke Harbour is home to many Dungeness crabs! Flyfishers rejoice, the fresh water fishing opportunities are excellent! Many lakes and rivers are easily accessible from town, if you have four-wheel-drive head up a logging road into the hills for some trout fishing, or check out some plane tours up to glacial lakes.
HIKING
Trek along the beach, lose yourself in the rainforest, reach new heights, or do all three in one hike! Step into the wilderness of the West Coast and feel like you've been transported to another world. Check out the Sooke Potholes, a unique geological formation of deep pools in the river rock. Visit Avatar Grove and witness the magestic giant old-growth red cedar and Douglas fir within the traditional territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation. Get fascinated with the marine flora and fauna at Botanical Beach Provincial Park.
WHALE WATCHING
Have a once in a life time experience and head out on the water for a whale watching tour. See Orcas, Humpback whales, and Pacific grey whales, in their natural habitat. We’re fortunate at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sooke to have a whale watching company located right next door! Adventures by HIP offers a variety of tours for all ages, and is only a short two-minutes walk from the resort.
ARTS & CULTURE
The Island attracts all sorts of artists, crafters, makers, and creators. There are many local galleries and studios sprinkled throughout Sooke. The Sooke Fine Arts Show is a showcase for local artists, it is Vancouver Islands longest running juried fine art show.
FOOD & DRINK
Obviously our favourite restaurant in town is West Coast Grill located at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sooke, but if you've already visited them and want to try out another great local eatery, Sooke has many charming and authentic options.
EVENTS
Find out what's happening in Sooke in one convenient place!
SHOPPING
As Sooke grows, so does it's local shopping scene. If you can't find what you need in Sooke, Victoria is only a 48 minute drive away.
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