Questions about your trip?
Traveling to the Sooke or Victoria area for the first time and looking for some advice? Im happy to offer some recommendations on places to stay, eat & have fun in the region! As a life long Islander, I know my way around pretty well. Listed below are some of my personal recommendations, but let me know if you have any other questions about the local area.
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Where to Stay??
If you really want to experience the region and see the sights of Southern Vancouver Island, I would recommend a minimum 3 night stay. The communities in this area offer a varied level of amenities and lifestyles, from the urban hustle & bustle of Downtown Victoria, to the rustic off-the-grid areas like Port Renfrew or Shirley, or well stocked farm stands and roosters calling at dawn in Metchosin or Saanichton.
If you want to be close to adventure, while still being able to hit a nice restaurant in the evening, I would recommend staying in Sooke! Only an hour from the Victoria area, Sooke is a relaxed oceanside community which is quickly becoming a must-visit area for those coming to Vancouver Island. With world-class beaches to explore, endless trails and parks, kayaking, surfing, sailing, whale watching, charter fishing, and guided hiking all available through locally run tour companies. There is only one 'real hotel' in Sooke, so even the small accommodations fill up during the high season. Listed below are a few personal recommendations for great places to stay in the Sooke area. Book early to avoid disappointment! -Owls Perch Treehouse - Probably the classiest treehouse you'll ever stay in! Check out their Facebook page for some photos, or book through Air BnB. -Four Beaches BnB - As the name suggests, they're close to the beaches! Partial ocean views from the property, and four different suites to rent. Check out their website for more info. -Foggy Mountain BnB - Close to French Beach, about 20 minutes from Sooke. This property is run by a welding artist, with a full working shop in the barn on site. Book their studio cottage or guest house through their website here. I've stayed in the studio suite and loved it! -Otter Point Studio Cottage - Bright and airy studio guesthouse 12kms from Sooke in a peaceful rural setting. Southern exposure with ocean and mountain views. Book through AirBnB. |
Other than hiking, what can I do?
It may seem like a small city centre, but Victoria and the surrounding communities have some incredible places for tourists (and locals) to explore and enjoy! The sky's the limit with things to do, between on water activities like kayaking, whale watching & surfing, rent a bike and ride the Galloping Goose Trail, city tours, museums, world class restaurants, sightseeing flights with Harbour Air, even Sky Diving can be arranged with one or two days notice from Capital City Sky Diving!
We have a wine region just north of the Malahat, and a Craft Beer industry that continues to expand and improve in all regions of the province. Focused tours through wineries and breweries are available from Tesla Tours, Canadian Craft Tours, West Coast Brewery Tours, and a hiking tour with The Natural Connection could also include some stops before & after at any other points of interest. If you need transportation between any of the local attractions, I highly recommend CurrentTaxi! With an easy to use app, a fleet of Teslas serving the Victoria area at the same rate as all other taxis, and yours truly as one of the drivers, they are the best choice in the taxi game. Equipment Rental West Coast Outdoor Adventure - Located on the harbour in Sooke, they rent Kayaks, Mountain Bikes, SUP boards, and a wicked Hobbie Kayak/Sailboat! They also offer guided kayak tours of the local area. Kelp Reef Adventures - Located at Fisherman's Wharf in Downtown Victoria, Kelp Reef offers guided kayaking tours of the Victoria Harbour and Gorge Waterway. Pedder Bay Marina- Located in Metchosin and operated by the Oak Bay Marine Group, Pedder Bay Marina has power boats and fishing gear for rent, or you can charter a guide for the day. Kayaks are available for rental as well to explore the confines of Pedder Bay. Sports Rent - As the name would suggest, they rent lots of sports gear... from Camping Gear to Surf Boards, and roof racks to store it all; why pack it when you can rent it? Located downtown Victoria. Coastal Cycle - Conveniently located close to the Galloping Goose Trail in Colwood, Coastal Cycle offers rental of Bicycles and Electric Bikes. |