Sooke

Day Trips

Begin with a freshly brewed coffee from a cozy local café as you wander past colorful murals and artisan shops. Feel the crisp Pacific Northwest air and greet friendly shop owners showcasing handmade crafts. Stop in at a bakery for warm pastries while soaking up the relaxed coastal vibe.

Join a guided heritage tour to learn about Sooke’s fishing and logging roots along the waterfront. Sample fresh seafood at a harbor-side eatery while watching boats drift in and out of the marina. Explore hidden alleys to discover galleries featuring First Nations art and contemporary works.

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant serving regionally sourced produce and seafood with a panoramic view of the sunset. Toast the day with a local craft beer or elegant Pacific Northwest wine. Finish the night with a leisurely stroll along the tide-lit shoreline under starlit skies.

Set off early to secure parking at East Sooke Park and enjoy the crisp morning air as you begin the Coast Trail. Marvel at lush temperate rainforest, sandstone cliffs, and panoramic ocean vistas. Pause for a snack-break at Matheson Bay to listen to the waves crashing below.

Continue along rugged sandstone headlands, keeping an eye out for eagles and seals hauled out on offshore rocks. Stop to explore hidden inlets and photograph the dramatic coastline bathed in soft afternoon light. Reach the breathtaking views at Becher Bay before retracing your steps or camping overnight.

Return to Sooke Village feeling invigorated, and freshen up at your accommodation. Savor a hearty meal of local fare, such as grilled salmon or wild mushroom risotto. Relax around a fire pit or gather in a cozy pub to share trail stories with fellow travelers.

Head out to Botanical Beach at low tide to uncover a living aquarium of starfish, sea anemones, and colorful mussels in the exposed tide pools. Read the interpretive signs to appreciate the unique geology of ancient sandstone formations. Capture close-up photos of barnacle-covered rocks and shrimp darting between crevices.

Hike the short trails along the rugged coastline to French Beach, where panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca unfold. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on a driftwood bench as orcas glide by in the distance. Afterward, relax on the sandy shore or try beachcombing for unique shells and sea glass.

Return toward Sooke and stop at a seaside lodge for dinner with oceanfront views. Indulge in fresh oysters or a seafood chowder accented with locally harvested kelp. If weather allows, catch the rich pink hues of sunset painting the horizon before heading back to your room.

Board a comfortable, eco-friendly vessel from the Sooke Harbour Marina for a guided whale watching tour. Cruise past salmon farms and tranquil islands as marine naturalists explain local ecology. Keep binoculars at the ready to spot gray whales, orcas, seals, and a chorus of seabirds.

Pause mid-tour to enjoy a light boxed lunch of artisan sandwiches and fresh fruit on deck. Engage with the crew to learn about conservation efforts and the migratory patterns of Pacific Northwest cetaceans. Watch dolphins play in the bow wake or humpbacks breach against a backdrop of coastal mountains.

Return to shore brimming with awe at the day’s marine encounters. Warm up with a clam-chowder tasting flight at a harbor pub specializing in West Coast seafood. End the night with a moonlit walk along Whiffin Spit, listening to sea lions calling offshore.

Drive inland to Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and stake out a picturesque spot near the moss-lined basalt pools. Change into swimwear and plunge into the refreshing, clear waters surrounded by fern-covered canyon walls. Float downstream on an inflatable tube for a playful start to the day.

Unpack a gourmet picnic of local cheeses, crusty bread, and seasonal fruit from a nearby deli. Lounge on sun-warmed rocks as you dine to the soothing soundtrack of rushing rapids. After lunch, explore short forest trails to hidden plunge pools shaded by old-growth Douglas firs.

Head back to Sooke Village to dry off and refresh at your lodging. Savor farm-fresh dishes at a bistro renowned for its vegetable-forward tasting menu. Cap off the evening with a craft cider tasting at a rustic ciderhouse, paired with locally sourced charcuterie.

Set out to Mackenzie Bight Marine Park at sunrise, one of the region’s prime wildlife observation sites. Scan driftwood-strewn beaches for herons, sea otters, and the occasional black bear scavenging along the shore. Bring a field guide to identify local wildflowers blanketing the dunes.

Enjoy a picnic under towering Douglas firs, listening to the gentle lapping of waves against the rocky beach. Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard around the sheltered inlet to get closer to foraging eagles and seals. Take breaks on secluded coves for birdwatching and nature sketching.

Return to town for dinner at a waterfront patio restaurant with unobstructed views of the bight. Feast on sustainably harvested seafood while candlelight dances across the water. Wind down with a guided nighttime beach walk to search for bioluminescent plankton along the tide line.

Launch your kayak near Whiffin Spit and glide across calm waters as the morning mist lifts from the basin. Paddle alongside distant islands and scan rocky outcroppings for lounging harbor seals. Enjoy the rhythmic stroke of paddling as kingfishers dart overhead.

Beach-land on a small islet for a packed lunch of smoked salmon wraps and crisp salad. Explore tide pools and driftwood campsites flanked by arbutus trees. Return by circling the southern shore to witness lighthouse views and tranquil inlets.

Dry off and explore local dining at a waterfront smokehouse known for its cedar-plank specialties. Share stories with fellow kayakers over locally distilled gin cocktails. Catch the glowing hues of sunset reflecting off the calm basin waters before bed.

Sleep in slightly and then meander to a farm stand for freshly baked pastries and locally grown fruit. Head back to your accommodation for a leisurely al fresco breakfast on the deck. Savor every bite while planning your brewery tour.

Join a behind-the-scenes tour of Sooke Harbour Brewing and learn about small-batch techniques that create distinct West Coast beers. Sample an array of IPAs, lagers, and seasonal specialties straight from stainless steel tanks. Pair each pint with gourmet pub fare like poutine topped with braised beef or artisan flatbreads.

Take your favorite beer to the brewery’s waterfront patio, where live acoustic music often fills the air. Meet friendly locals as you toast to a day of exploration and discovery. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden light over the marina.

Gather sandwiches and snacks for a beachside breakfast overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Arrive at French Beach Provincial Park and claim a spot on the driftwood-strewn sand. Listen to sea stacks standing sentinel as waves gently roll in.

Stroll along the shore searching for smooth pebbles and ephemeral tide pools filled with sea life. Keep an eye out for drifting logs that double as lounges for sunbathing and picnicking. Engage in casual beachcombing or simply relax with a good book.

Wait for the sky to ignite in a dramatic sunset, with hues of pink, orange, and purple dancing across the water. Toast the moment with a thermos of hot chocolate or a chilled local cider. As darkness falls, search for distant stars over the Pacific horizon before returning to Sooke.

Browse the Sooke Community Market for fresh produce, handmade jewelry, and artisanal soaps. Chat with farmers and craftspeople to learn about their practices and inspirations. Sample local honey, preserves, or fresh baked goods over a morning coffee.

Visit nearby galleries and studios along Sooke River Road to watch artists at work in painting, ceramics, and glassblowing. Participate in a drop-in workshop to craft your own clay pot or watercolor landscape. Gather inspiration for souvenirs that capture the soul of Sooke.

Conclude your stay with a special dinner at a fine-dining restaurant featuring live local music. Relish the flavors of the region in a tasting menu paired with organic BC wines. Reflect on your 10-day adventure as you sip a final nightcap under the soft glow of lanterns.