Sooke Region Beaches and Parks

East Sooke Regional Park

Day trippers will enjoy the oeanside trails along the westcoast shoreline at East Sooke Regional Park. The park spans 1,435 hectares and features 50 kilometres of trails for you to explore, including a petroglyph and an abandoned copper mine. A perfect seaside picnic location.

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

The Sooke Potholes are freshwater pools eroded into the limestone path of the Sooke River, which downstream, feeds into the Sooke Basin. The polished rock pools of the Sooke Potholes provide a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. In autumn, spawning salmon swim upstream through the area.The Sooke Potholes can be found at the end of Sooke River Road, which is just off the main highway (#14) that leads from Victoria to Sooke.

Ed Macgregor Memorial Park

Originally named Sooke Harbour Park, this park was constructed along the waterfront in the heart of Sooke. Sooke's first Mayor, Ed Macgregor, was a wholehearted supporter of this park. Sadly, Mayor Ed passed away before the park was completed, but will live on in Sooke's history with the oceanfront park that bears his name. Features of the park include a walking trail, gardens, and public artworks created by local Sooke residents.

French Beach Provincial Park

French Beach Provincial Park spans 59 hectares along the spectacular Strait of Juan de Fuca. French Beach offers both day-use and camping facilities, including scenic trails, secluded campsites and waterfront picnic areas. There is a sani-station for RVs located across the road from the campground. The beach itself is mainly covered in smooth rocks, with sand close to the waterline.

Whiffin Spit Park

Whiffin Spit is a natural breakwater just minutes from the town core. Enjoy the fabulous views of the Sooke Hills, East Sooke and the Olympic Mountains in the distance, while walking the pathway to the end of the spit and back. Your walk to the end of the spit will take about 20 minutes, but chances are you will find yourself pausing to admire the scenery, watch the seabirds, and listen to the soothing sounds of the surf. Whiffin Spit is a dog-friendly park. Bring your camera!

China Beach Provincial Park

China Beach is a picturesque sandy beach, located 37 km from Sooke, along the highway toward Port Renfrew. Picnics, romantic beach strolls, and camping are all a perfect fit at China Beach. This beach provides an entry point to the well-known Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, which is a multi-day hike, ending at Botanical Beach, near Port Renfrew. Other entrance points to the Juan de Fuca Marine trail are at Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek and Botanical Beach.

West Coast Trail

The world famous West Coast Trail, situated in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, is a multi-day hiking trail, which is best suited to experienced hikers. Sections of the trail follow the historic lifesaving trail used to rescue mariners who became shipwrecked there from the 1900's on. Hikers from around the world challenge this trail each year. Please note that proper equipment, supplies, and reservations are required.

Race Rocks

In order to protect the magnificent ecosystem that is Race Rocks, people are permitted to view the lighthouse and wildlife from a boat. Visitors can enjoy the sights from a whale watching tour or a charter fishing boat. Race Rocks is a wonderful place to birdwatch, as species such as cormorants, eagles, falcons and gulls are plentiful. From late summer onward, Race Rocks is home to the noisy and playful California Sealions, who use this area as their migratory home.

Sombrio Beach

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