A quick and easy way to experience Sooke in November, from spotting seals and salmon to finding giant trees and a flowing waterfall.
I had family passing through Sooke with only 4 hours to show them the sights. Obviously, there are endless things to see and do, so I decided to create a mini bucket list perfect for a late October, early November visit that will give them a quick but memorable Sooke experience.
Four things that really show off Sooke in November:
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Stop 1: Whiffin Spit, seals spotted
We debated starting at either the Sooke Boardwalk or Whiffin Spit, but the weather was calm and clear, so Whiffin Spit won. It’s an easy choice on a wind-free day. As soon as we parked, we could see little heads popping up far out in the channel. The walk is about 3 km round-trip and heads toward the lighthouse at the end.
High tide was rolling between Whiffin Spit and East Sooke and the seals were busy feeding. No photos to prove it, but they were everywhere. If you do the full walk, expect to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a simple trail and one of the easiest ways to reach the coastline without leaving town.
Stop 2: Lunch at Island Tarts Café
With the first item checked off, we grabbed a light lunch at Island Tarts Café inside the Prestige hotel. Their stuff is always fresh, and we grabbed some lounge chairs on the balcony overlooking the harbour. I had an amazing panini on their freshly baked bread, but of course forgot to take a photo as proof.
Stop 3: A giant tree at Sooke River Trail
To continue the checklist, we headed to the Sunriver Nature Trail. The trail brings you right down to the Sooke River, and in November, you’ll usually see fly fishers wading in the water and along the banks, with the occasional salmon jumping in the distance. That doesn’t count as spotting one for this bucket list, but it sets the tone.
The forest here always surprises me. Moss, ferns, everything feels so fresh. Old-growth trees are harder to find on Vancouver Island nowadays, but one of them is right here, tucked beside the river. It’s massive, so big it’s hard to understand the size until you stand next to it and realize three people with arms spread out don’t even reach halfway around.
Just behind it sits another tree that’s completely hollowed on the inside. You can step into it, which is neat and a little creepy at the same time.
Stop 4: Salmon spotting at Charters Creek
Next up was Charters Creek and the Juan de Fuca Salmon Restoration Society site. This is one of the most important November stops because the salmon are active and the work being done here is a big part of why.
The restoration team built a shallow side channel that slows the water and creates sheltered pockets where salmon can safely spawn. It’s a peaceful little trail, and if you move slowly, you can usually spot one or two salmon working their way along the creek. We spent about 20 minutes here, which was enough to take it in without rushing.
- Directions: Google Maps
- Trail Map: AllTrails
- More Info: Sunriver Nature Trail
Stop 5: Mary Vine Waterfall
With the clock ticking, we finished the day at Sooke Potholes and headed to Mary Vine Waterfall. You’ll find the trail at the far end of Parking Lot 2. Cross the Galloping Goose Trail and follow the path up along the creek bed—it’s just under a kilometre.
The last bit gets steep, and that’s when you know you’re close. There’s a small blue sign marking the turnoff, and in November you can usually hear the water long before you see it. The flow this time of year is strong and worth the short climb.
- Directions: Google Maps
- Trail Map: All Trails
- More Info: Mary Vine & Peden Lake
We didn’t have enough time to explore the rest of the potholes area, but the waterfall alone was the perfect way to wrap up the bucket list.
Final thoughts
November in Sooke can be unpredictable, but as long as you’re dressed for the weather, you can usually find a spot in the forest that’s sheltered and easy to explore.
This half-day plan worked perfectly for visiting family who had never been here before, and they left with a good snapshot of what Sooke feels like in the shoulder season before heading off to Victoria for the weekend.
If you’re planning something similar, here are a few helpful links to make things easier:
How to get here: flights into Victoria (YYJ)
Getting around: car rentals for the South Island
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