Day Trips from East Sooke, BC

The coast mountains and rugged coastline offer scenic drives along curvy roads.

Comfort Cove, an oceanfront Sooke cottage for rent, is located in the midst of a scenic, natural playground. Although many guests spend their entire stay basking in the relaxing atmosphere of the cottage, there are many superb day trips to be discovered on southern Vancouver Island. Take an easy, fun drive along the curvy coastal roads, stroll along a rocky beach or meander under a thick rainforest canopy. Comfort Cove Cottage offers visitors an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.

GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM COMFORT COVE COTTAGE

• A drive from East Sooke to the Malahat takes you on winding, scenic roads through the dense forests covering the Sooke Hills, past Goldstream Provincial Park and then up along the spectacular Malahat Highway (Hwy #1). This scenic road has mountain top views of Finlayson Arm, the Gulf Islands and even Mount Baker on a clear day.

  To get there: From the cottage, head towards Victoria on Sooke Road (Highway #14). When the road expands to 4 lanes, turn left on Humpback Road and follow it through the Sooke Hills (this is a short cut to Highway #1). Travel slowly and obey all signs as you navigate through the thick forest. At the end, turn onto Sooke Lake Road and then north on the Trans Canada Highway.

• This cobble stone beach at Sombrio Beach is an easy 10 minute walk from the parking lot.

  Discover the wild Pacific shores of Vancouver Island. From the cottage, head north on Highway #14 to Port Renfrew (2 hours from the cottage).

  Along the way, stop at French Beach, Sombrio Beach or China beach and discover just a small portion of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. In Port Renfrew - the starting point for the better-known West Coast Trail - enjoy the expansive views of the coast mountains. Explore this small fishing village that has changed little over the past few decades.

  For those seeking a longer day trip, travel from west to east along the Pacific Marine Circle Route. From Comfort Cove Cottage, it takes about 6.5 hours to complete this coastal and inland tour of southern Vancouver Island.

• Spend an afternoon in the town of Sooke and discover life on the other side of the harbour. Go for a relaxing stroll on a seaside boardwalk and pier in Ed Macgregor Park (20 minutes from the cottage). Located in the heart of the town, this hidden gem has landscape gardens, a walking trail and waterfront views of the harbour and the Olympic Mountains. Public artwork created by local artisans is featured throughout the year.

  Enjoy an ocean-side stroll on the boardwalk & pier in Sooke, BC at Ed Macgregor Park

  Next, venture to Whiffin Spit Park and take a stroll along the long sandy finger jetting into the harbor. This natural spit is a perfect place to have a snack and to watch the many migratory birds. It can get windy so bring a sweater.

  To escape the afternoon heat in the summer, head to the Sooke Potholes Regional Park. These deep holes in the rocks are natural formations that are popular swimming holes along the Sooke River. Let the gentle current swirl around you as you finish a relaxing day in this warm, freshwater river.

Sunset at Possession Point at the end of East Sooke Road. The best place to view a majestic west coast sunset is a short 10 minute drive from the cottage. This isn't a true day trip but you can spend an evening enjoying the magnificent coastal views as the sun sets on the Pacific Ocean. Turn west (right) on East Sooke Road and follow it along the banks of the Sooke Basin. At the end of the road, you'll find yourself at the top of a cliff overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait. Walk around and view the Olympic Mountains of Washington State to the south and the forest covered shores of Vancouver Island to the north. The open water between the two land masses is the expansive Pacific Ocean. Bring a sweater as a cool ocean breeze usually picks up as the sun descends.

• Thetis Lake Regional Park is a peaceful treasure that offers ample places to explore. Located 20 minutes from the cottage, you'll find lakeshore trails below giant trees. This large park is located in suburban Victoria but the thick forest hides the urban sights and sounds. Bring your kayak or canoe and enjoy the solitude on Upper and Lower Thetis Lake.

  Just a short distance away, drive to Francis King Regional Park to view the largest trees in the Victoria area. Park at the Foresters Cabins, cross the street and walk a short distance into Heritage Grove. You won't be able to miss these giant Douglas Fir trees with 32' diameters!

  The largest Douglas Fir tree in the Victoria area measures 32' in diameter (Francis King Regional Park).

• Another day trip closer to town is along Ocean Boulevard at the Esquimalt Lagoon in neighbouring Colwood (30 minutes away). Spend the day at the beach amongst the driftwood, watch migrating birds play on the salt-water pools, and view the sealife and birds (please remember not to move - or remove - any sealife). Also explore the landscaped grounds at nearby historic Hatley Castle. Bring a sweater or windbreaker as the ocean breezes can be cool.

• If this is your first time to Vancouver Island, make sure you visit the Inner Harbour in the heart of the downtown Victoria (40 minutes away). Take a tour of the Legislative Assembly, the Undersea Garden and the Royal BC Museum. A trip on a water taxi offers visitors a good view of the city's waterfront. Also check out the Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay. This national historic site has over 55 acres of floral displays and, due to our mild climate, is open year round.

Ready to plan your vacation in Sooke? Contact us for availability and rates!