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Aylard Farm location is the most popular of the three parking lots that allow access to East Sooke Regional Park. As you drive down the narrow road, you might not be confident you are going the right way, but it opens up to a large parking lot and a cleared area with grassy fields and fruit trees. Within a relatively short walk, you can experience Creyke Point, the white sand beaches of Becher Bay, views into the first nations’ past, and the beautiful coastline overlooking Juan de Fuca Strait.
The beach is a pleasant stroll from the parking lot, passing through the fruit trees and across the field known as Aylard Farm. As you get closer, you will come upon a picnic area. You will see the white sand beyond the trees take the short path to paradise in Becher Bay.
Travel down the trail and find yourself at an endearing cove that invites you to sit back and relax in its breathtaking scenery. You will find a hidden pocket beach with white sand and a rope swing nestled between two rocky outcrops. Climb and explore, enjoy a swim in the cool and refreshing water, take off your shoes, and run along the shoreline barefoot with abandon! Afterward, pull out a packed lunch and enjoy while taking in all the coast offers.
Parking: In the off-season, the overflow parking is closed, parking is limited, and arrive early on weekends.
Amenities: Toilets are located at the parking lot and just before the beach, along with picnic tables and a shelter.
Accessibility: Flat dirt, easy trails from the parking lot to the beach, then a small hill to access the beach. The further you go along the East Sooke Coast Trail, the trail becomes difficult with rocky terrain.
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The petroglyphs are slowly fading away due to erosion caused by continual wind and saltwater exposure, yet they are still a sight to behold if you think about the history! The Petroglyphs date back hundreds or even thousands of years when the first nations peoples in Beacher Bay chiselled the ancient petroglyphs into the soft sandstone. Unfortunately, it won’t be long before the images have all but faded away.
Please do not get too close to the Petroglyphs as Heritage BC protects them, and it is illegal to touch them.
Two trails link to the Petroglyphs, creating a nice loop to take in East Sooke Park. To get to the Petroglyphs, take the trail in the trees to the right at the parking lot entrance. It edges the field along the forest, cutting across to the Petroglyphs. Or take the well-established path that continues through the open field toward the beach. Turn right and follow it along the coastline through the forest. As you approach your destination, you will see signage. While walking along the coastline, keep an eye out for wildlife, whales, seals, eagles, and otters.
Cell signal on the island is almost nonexistent outside major towns.
When hiking or visiting a new location using AllTrials and downloading the map before you drive up will give you confidence during your visit; the Aylard Farm AllTrails link.
"Another island Jewel. Something from a movie. Meadows, orchards, forests and beaches. The sandy beaches here are easily accessible and amazing. Spectacular vistas and some great walking or hiking for those who are keen."
There is one more stop before calling it a day. For an Instagram-worthy panoramic view, trek down the path to Creyke Point. The short trail weaves through the trees. You’ll see your first glimpse of an out-cropped rock to the right. As you continue, the trail will open up where you can vier right and head down a windy shore path to a small rock island. (great for photos)
Following the main route, you reach a rocky hill, which requires some climbing, but once you reach the top, Creyke Point offers stunning views of Becher Bay and the Juan de Fuca Strait.
To get back to the parking lot, take the trail along Becher Bay, watching for otters, seals and other wildlife. The path opens back up to the Aylard Farm field and wraps up a great day at East Sooke Park.
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If you are looking for more of a challenge, this area is a great starting point for all types of day hikes, including the rugged but gorgeous East Sooke Coast Trail. Once you pass the petroglyphs, the terrain becomes more challenging; expect lots of ups and downs over uneven rocks. But in return, you will get a well-marked beautiful rugged coastline with pirate coves, pebble beaches and an old trap shack at Cabin Point. You can find more information on the trail on our dedicated East Sooke hike page.
By Car:
A 45-minute drive from Downtown Victoria, East Sooke Regional Park should not be missed by anyone looking for a rugged BC coast with a perfect mix of pebble, sand and rock shoreline.
To get there, take Highway 14 towards Sooke, and turn South on Gillespie Road until you come to the three-way stop. Make sure to pull over and snap a photo next to the driftwood Sasquatch. Then head back southeast down East Sooke road before turning right onto Becher Bay Rd, which will open up into a reasonably sized parking lot in a meadow area. You will find washrooms and a well-maintained park.
Directions – Google Maps
Fun Fact –
Beacher Bay Road has an interesting story. Canada Post spells it Becher Bay Road. The original settlers here spelled it Beecher Bay Road, and the 1913 map at the Sooke Harbour House spells it Beecher Bay Road. The road actually has two signs – one with Becher and one with Beecher. Not too far down the road, the local First Nations Reserve land is still spelt Beecher Bay.
By Bus:
There isn’t a Bus stop at the parking lot, but the number 64 bus goes by Becher Bay Road. (25min 1.7k walk to the parking lot)
Visiting Sooke? Download our Travel Planner
East Sooke Coast Trails
Complete East Sooke Park Map [pdf]
Looking for more sand beaches? – Check Out Wittys Lagoon
Directions – Google Maps
ARE THE TRAILS STROLLER FRIENDLY?
Once you get along the shore line the trail gets pretty rugged. Jogging stroller might be okay to the Petroglyphs but not after that.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Yep, just pick up after them and keep them under control.
ARE THERE PUBLIC WASHROOMS?
Yes at the parking lot and beach entrance.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING?
Entrance to East Sooke Regional Park is Free including Aylard Farm.
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Pack Out:
We love Vancouver Island and want to keep the natural beauty. Please respect the places you visit and pack out what you pack in and leave the area better than when you arrived. We all know how much trash can spoil an experience and the environment, so please help us keep it clean!
Wildlife:
Vancouver Island is a land of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Please be aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions for personal and wildlife safety.
Black bears, cougars and even wolves are common on Vancouver Island for more on Wildlife Safety Click Here
Tide and Seasonal Safety:
Changing seasons and tides can have a drastic effect on most locations on Vancouver Island. Please be cautious as the information in this post may vary depending on the time of year and weather. Make sure to check for current weather and tide information before you make your journey!
When visiting the beach, it’s essential to pay attention and stay safe! Please be cautious walking on the shore during high tide. At this time, some areas may not be accessible. Click here for the tides in your area. Be aware of ocean currents before swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.
Land Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge the land we appreciate daily within the 50 First Nations that make up the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl–the first peoples of Vancouver Island .
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