What is true, is that Sooke is a far distance from Victoria. If you're thinking of coming to visit for the day, it's just far enough that it honestly makes more sense to stay a few days. If you've found something that has drawn you to the area, I can guarantee you'll find three reasons to come back again some day. The attractions of Sooke aren't plastered on the walls of BC Ferries and YVR for every traveler to see, they're hidden in plain sight here in this friendly west-coast community.
Access to nature is available throughout the urban areas of Sooke, with world renowned trail systems within an hours drive. Trails offering a diverse level of challenge & ecosystems to enjoy, there's something for every hiker to enjoy regardless of their fitness level. Please send me an email with any questions about hiking the trails around Sooke; Knowledge is always free!
If you prefer to hit the trails on 2-wheels, we've got that covered out here too! Great mountain biking can be found on Broom Hill, Mt Burle & Mount Quimper, or a more casual cruise along the Galloping Goose Trail to the Sooke Potholes. The campground there has "Bike-in" sites because it is right beside The Goose! How's that for a bike vacation?
There are two great farmers markets that run from Springish to Fallish, and both have local artists, food trucks & musicians to enjoy the local culture and flavour of our community. One on Thursday evenings and the other on Saturdays.
Nightlife? Let me tell you!.... nah, not much. Bands play at The Legion, and the Community Theatre, a couple annual dances and summer festivals, but the local bars and restaurants are lively, and folks are happy to spark up a conversation with anyone friendly enough to do the same. Which is probably the best way to find out whats going on in town. We're a little old school like that, we talk to each other.
For a town of about 16,000 people, we've got a fair amount of locally crafted adult-beverages to choose from, with all the locations open for tastings and purchase. Full count as of publishing - 3 breweries, 1 distillery, & 1 meadery. The distillery's gin was recently awarded the title of Best Contemporary Gin in the World, the meadery is BC's first commercial Mead operation, and all three breweries have medaled at Canadian Brewers Awards.
You can take to the waves in plenty of ways! Rent a S.U.P or Kayak, head out whale watching or on a guided fishing adventure; all four of those activities run out of the same marina here in Sooke! Enjoy a casual picnic at Ella Beach, or on the Sooke River if you prefer to enjoy the water from a safe distance.
In the early Fall, Salmon return to the Sooke River in great numbers! This is truly a wonder of nature, and a sight to behold if you have never seen it before. Spawning grounds on the Sooke River and Charters Creek are easily accessible, but be cautious of black bears & rising water levels on rainy days.
In the Winter, the weather usually aint that bad... between wicked west coast storms toppling 500 year old trees, and the odd 2 or 3 day power outage I mentioned earlier, some days Im hiking in a t-shirt in January! Last April it was 18 degrees for 4 days! We rarely get more that 6 days of snow a year, but if there's 2 or more days of it in a row, you can expect the entire area to shut down for another 48 hours. Best part about the winter though, is that you can still do all the stuff I just mentioned! Just gotta wear a rainshell and a toque.