Broom Hill is a moderate forest hike on the edge of Sooke with rocky viewpoints, a fun summit swing, and big views over Sooke Harbour and the Juan de Fuca Strait. The climb is short but steady, and the network of unmarked trails means it feels like a true local adventure rather than a groomed city park walk.
What to expect
- Trail type: Forest loop with rocky sections and short, steep climbs near the top.
- Time and distance: About 1.5–3 hours and roughly 4–7 km return depending on your route.
- Views: Two main viewpoints, one over Sooke Harbour and Whiffin Spit and one looking north to rolling hills and forest.
- Trail markings: Trails are mostly unmarked; bring a downloaded map or GPS app before you go.
- Good for: Local hikers, families with older kids, and confident dogs that are used to roots and rocks.
- Season: Hikeable most of the year; expect mud and slick rock in wetter months and warmer exposed rock at the summit in summer.
- Parking options: Access from Blanchard Road, Mountain Heights / Clarkson Place, or Poirier Lake on the backside of the hill.
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In just a few steps, you’ve teleported away from all civilization.
Well known to the locals, Broom Hill is a moderate hike with magnificent views once you get to the top. The northern back trails are quieter and have a gradual climb. The southern trails are more travelled and offer a quicker route to the top.
If you find yourself in Sooke looking for a hike close to town, Broom Hill has kilometres of forest trail that finish with a view over Sooke Harbour.
It’s always a good hike to check out. When walking Broom Hill trails, it’s easy to have a new experience each hike. Although the outcome is always the same (reaching the viewpoints), your route can differ every time.
The most common way up is the outer loop, enjoyed by hikers, dog walkers and mountain bikers. Unfortunately, the trails are not marked, so bring a map or use a GPS app.
Elevation Gain: 174m (570 ft)
Two Spectacular Viewpoints
The two viewpoints are only about 400m apart. Both are worth checking out as they are entirely different experiences.
Broom Hill Summit:
As you climb to the summit, the trees thin and the rock becomes more exposed. The view opens up across Otter Point Road and into the rolling forested hills to the north.
Sooke View & Swing:
This popular viewpoint looks southeast over Sooke Harbour, Whiffin Spit, and the Juan de Fuca Strait. There is a swing, big boulders to sit on, and plenty of space to enjoy a snack or lunch.
Parking and trailheads
- Blanchard Road: Street parking at the dead end with quick access to the main loop.
- Clarkson Place / Mountain Heights: A few roadside spots that connect to the southern trails.
- Poirier Lake: Public parking on the backside of Broom Hill with some signage pointing toward the summit; this route is roughly 6.9 km return.
Kids:
Great hike for older kids as they enjoy the rocky terrain of the last climb to the top with the reward of a swing at the top. There are easy scrambles to put a sense of adventure into the hike, and the danger level is relatively low. But, of course, caution is always needed during hiking.
Pets:
You may find small ponds for dogs to refresh, but they dry up later in the year, and if you are not on the right trail, they can easily be missed. So in the summer months, you may want to bring water for your furry companions. Be aware of wildlife, including black bears, cougars and wolves, have been seen in the area.
A Quick Bit of Broom Hill History
Broom Hill takes its name from Scotch broom, an invasive shrub that first arrived in the Sooke area in the 1850s. The story goes that Captain Walter Colquhoun Grant brought seeds back from Hawaii and planted them at the base of the hill, where broom quickly spread across the slope and surrounding coastline.
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