What to do in Sooke
East Sooke - Sooke - Jordan River
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Sooke offers endless excitement for all to enjoy.
The perfect combination of natural beauty, quaint small-town charm and plenty of exciting things to do.
Explore Sooke – a lesser known hidden gem situated on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Sooke offers something for everyone. It is the ideal destination if you are seeking adventure, relaxation or just a chance to get away from it all.
Sooke Travel Planner
Free Visitor Travel Planner - Sooke Edition
Shopping/Retail
Sooke is known for its shops showcasing its artisan scene that visitors can easily find while wandering around town. You’ll find galleries, coffee shops and gift stores showcasing the work of local artists full of unique and beautiful pieces.
Visitors can also find jewelry, antiques, and clothing stores. Explore Sooke stores for the amazing local and island culture and enjoy the talent of Sooke artisans.
Markets and Fairs – Throughout the summer you will find community celebrations almost every weekend. There are two markets that are a weekly staple in the community.
Sooke Night Market Thursday nights starting in June. And the Sooke Country Market Saturday afternoons starting in April.
Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Offering visitors a range of accommodation options for a comfortable and memorable stay. Visitors can choose from hotels, resorts and vacation rentals, each with unique characteristics and features.
Sooke hotels offer travellers comfortable and convenient accommodations within the town limits. Experience everything from stunning ocean views, on-site restaurant facilities, and modern amenities that cater to their guests’ every need.
Area vacation rentals offer travellers unique options providing privacy and a chance to experience Sooke like a local. For those looking to experience the area’s forest and nature up close, some rentals offer stunning rainforest views and even private trails for a true wilderness experience.
These accommodation options offer a choice of location and style, making it easy for visitors to find the perfect place to call home away from home in Sooke.
Restaurants | Cafe's | Breweries
Sooke offers a wide variety of dining options for visitors looking for a delicious meal, snack or drink. The town boasts an array of restaurants that offer cuisines like seafood, sushi, Indian, and pub fare.
For a casual meal or snack, visitors can head to one of the various food trucks that serve local, fresh and delicious options. The region is also known for its microbreweries offering unique blends of local beer.
Visitors with a sweet tooth can look for artisanal bakeries and cafes throughout the town, serving up delicious baked goods, coffee and tea. Whether it’s a quick bite or a long leisurely meal, visitors are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings in Sooke.
Sooke Experiences
A great place for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers as there is a wide range of activities to explore.
Whale watching tours are popular here, where the explorers at heart can take a boat ride to view whales and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Fishing is another favourite past-time, as the town’s proximity to the ocean offers great opportunities to catch a variety of fish and crab.
Those looking for more of a relaxed experience can head to one of Sooke’s spas for a bit of pampering and relaxation.
For a thrilling activity, adventure lovers can try out ziplining, which offers an adrenaline-pumping ride with fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Stretch your legs and take guided hiking or paddling tours of Sooke’s forests and coastlines and learn about the area’s rich history, culture and local wildlife.
With so many options, there is always something to do in Sooke!
Walking and Exploring Sooke
Sooke is a beautiful town to explore on foot as it offers plenty of scenic spots to take in. Whiffin Spit is a popular walking area with locals and offers spectacular views of the ocean, and almost always the chance to spot seals, sea lions, and other creatures.
The Boardwalk Loop offers a a scenic stroll starting downtown in Ed Macgregor Park, with a route that winds through scenic forest, coastline and along the spectacular wooden boardwalk, then back up towards town to complete the loop.
In addition to these well-known areas, there are numerous other trails like Broom Hill and paths like the Sunriver Nature Trail to explore throughout the town, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Sooke’s natural beauty.
Spa Day
Looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating escape, complete with a variety of spas and wellness centers? The tranquil oases allow visitors the chance to unwind with massages, facials, body treatments, and more.
Guests can choose from a range of services to accommodate their personal preferences and needs, with many spas incorporating locally sourced and organic ingredients into their treatments.
With serene surroundings and skilled therapists, visitors can relax and rejuvenate in a peaceful environment, leaving them feeling refreshed and restored.
Sooke is the perfect place for a spa day or a weekend retreat to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Day Trips & Hikes From Sooke
Sooke, located in the heart of the West Coast rainforest, provides visitors with a unique chance to explore the rainforest’s lush forests and rugged coastal trails. Visitors can take a day trip and immerse themselves in the natural scenery of this area, with hikes through the west coast rainforest or walks along the rocky coastline.
The trails wind through thick, verdant forest groves with magnificent Douglas Firs and western red cedars that make for a serene, peaceful hike. Visitors can discover gorgeous winter waterfalls, gentle summer streams, and other natural wonders.
Find a beach, hike through rocky tidal pools, witness the powerful waves, and spot local marine life like sea lions, otters or even orcas.
These day trips provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure to visitors who want to experience the beauty of the rugged west coast and its surroundings; whether a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, Sooke and the area has plenty of trails and day trips to offer for visitors looking for a day out in nature.
Sooke Local Services
Are you a newcomer in Sooke or in search of local information? Look no further as we have compiled a comprehensive list of useful links.
District of Sooke – A growing community located along the Sooke Basin, the district of Sooke covers 56 km2 and has a population of over 15,000 as of 2021.
Transportation – Sooke is located on four bus routes:
- 63 – Sooke / Otterpoint
- 61 – Sooke / Langford / Victoria.
- 64 – Sooke / East Sooke / Beecher / Langford.
- 65 – Sooke / Victoria via Westhills
- Taxi – Orange Taxi
Health and Community Services –
- Sooke Food Bank Society
- Sooke Family Resource Society
- Sooke Hospice
- Meals on Wheels
- Sooke Options for Community Living Association
- Transition Sooke
Garbage – Sooke Disposal 250-642-3646
Water – CRD Water Services
Hydro – BC Hydro
Natural Gas – Fortis BC
Sooke Weather Forecast
Historical Weather
Sooke Travel Planner
Free Visitor Travel Planner - Sooke Edition
Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of the year to visit Sooke?
You will find something new to discover in Sooke and scratch your travel itch at any time of year. The most common and pleasant time to travel is between May and September when there is little rain and the temperatures are more comfortable.
Summer – Dry, pleasant weather that doesn’t get too hot and stays at comfortable temperatures. Not a great time for waterfalls but perfect for everything else. Popular time for tourism (can be busy)
Fall – The rain starts, a great time for wildlife spotting as the Salmon start to spawn they become easy pray for bears and eagles
Winter – Although cool and wet – Sooke is still the warmest place in Canada during the winter months. Dress for it and you can have a wonderful vacation chasing waterfalls and hiking. Water related tourism business are usually Closed.
Spring – April to June is a great time to visit, the flowers start blooming by the end of March the waterfalls are still flowing. Whales and birds are migrating back at this time and the Island isn’t very busy with visitors.
What is there to do in Sooke?
The core area of Sooke has wonderful shops, restaurants and breweries. There are fantastic walks in Sooke that will take you along the Sooke Harbour or up into the rainforest.
You’ll find wonderful artisan galleries, coffee shops, day spas and micro breweries spread throughout the District of Sooke, ready for your day of exploring.
What is Sooke known for?
It’s close proximity to Victoria and the amazing access to the outdoors including the Sooke Potholes and the Juan de Fuca Strait. Sooke is a popular seaside getaway surrounded by rainforests and fascinating wildlife.
Where is Sooke Located?
On the most southern tip of Vancouver Island, Sooke is located 40 minutes west of Victoria.
Is East Sooke Part of Sooke?
The district of Sooke includes sections of East Sooke but that doesn’t mean it is easy to get to. Although it’s just across the Sooke Basin it can take 25 minutes to get from Sooke core to the furthest point in East Sooke.
Most of East Sooke is the East Sooke Regional Park under the CRD administration.
What is the population of Sooke?
Sooke is growing fast and as of the 2021 Census the District of Sooke has a population of 15,000.
