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Explore Sooke with our favourite short hike along the Sooke Boardwalk, which only takes 1.75 km to complete but gives you the authentic feel of this area! You can find public parking on Highway 14 and start your journey by following the sidewalk toward Ed Macgregor Park.
Named after the first Mayor this park this small park packs a punch. You will find a lovely garden to stroll through, a small amphitheatre and stone pillars, relocated from the fiery ruins of the historic Belvedere Hotel.
Walkway through the forest. At the end of the park, you can move down the wheelchair-accessible wooden switchback walkway through a peaceful bit of forest featuring large spruce and alder trees opening up to the beautiful Sooke Harbour.
The Artisans Garden Along Murry Road is a must-stop to enjoy a coffee and a little shopping.
Parking: Choose from one of two small parking lots. The first is on Sooke Road, located just before Ed Macgregor Park the second is located at the end of Murray Road.
Bus: There is a bus stop along Sooke Road for bus numbers 61, 64 and 65. Visit BC Transit for more info.
Amenities: There are washrooms at Ed Macgregor Park but are often closed due to vandalism.
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As you hike down the trail opens up to a 180-degree view of the harbour, the sea life comes alive. Bald eagles, herons, seals and crabs are all commonly seen during the stroll as the boardwalk connects to the Rotary Pier.
You’ll be sure to run into someone crabbing off the pier as it’s a popular place for locals. There are benches to enjoy the fresh sea air and the incredible views.
Take one of the two sets of aluminum stairs down to floating docks on each side of the pier. The platforms lower and rise with the tide. On hot days you might see children jumping in to cool off. Stay out long enough; you will see local seals, eagles and other wildlife.
Looking to get off the beaten path? Along the shore is a short trail that connects the entrance points of Sooke Boardwalk and Rotary Pier. This trail is narrow and rooted but gives you access to the small pebble beaches.
As you head to the base of the pier, turn to the right to go up the stairs. Take your time as it’s pretty steep and the hill that follows can be challenging for some. Once at the top of the hill, there is a second parking lot with a sailor statue and informative historical plaques. Continue up a block and on your right is Artisan’s Garden, hidden in the large hedges it’s a great place to stop for a coffee, look at flowers or find a local Artisan keepsake.
Continue another block and you have made it to up Sooke (as the locals call it) where you’ll find shops and restaurant options!
"Great little gem in Sooke. Starts off as pretty regular park, but it leads to a beautiful boardwalk all the way down to the ocean. Was a great little suprise! I recommend going down to the boardwalk and checking it out. There were a bunch of people crabbing off the dock too!"
Now on the main street of Sooke. Cross Sooke road, and you will find a little strip mall with great artisan and antique stores. Now you are in the downtown area, you won’t need to go far to find some great bakeries, coffee shops, breweries and restaurants. Once your stomach is full, and the shopping is complete, it’s just a short walk down the main street back to the parking lot.
This Sooke Boardwalk Loop offers ocean views, small-town charm, and beautiful scenery and is just 45 minutes from Victoria. All great reasons thousands of people visit every year.
There’s more to the tiny seaside town than many might think. The magic lies in its natural beauty – stunning water views along with plenty of outdoor activities for both visitors and locals alike, including hiking trails through surrounding forests or kayaking on protected waters near shoreline beaches.
List of local shops you don’t want to miss in Sooke
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How long is Marine Boardwalk?
The boardwalk is about 400meters. The full hike is about 1.5 km
Where can I catch crabs in Sooke?
The Sooke Boardwalk and Rotary Pier are the most common places to Crab in Sooke without a boat
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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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