Our Favourite Restaurants, Hikes, and Attractions - Sooke, BC
We have been in love with Sooke since 1998, when we first visited a
beautiful little cottage on the shores of the Sooke Basin. As tourists,
we didn't have a lot of time to explore the area - but now we have!
Here are our personal favourites... we hope you enjoy them too.
- Favourite hikes: this is tough to pick since there are so many
superb hikes here! But definitely two of our favourites are the
Galloping Goose Trail,
particularly on the opposite side of the road from Roche Cove, a romantic place to view
the sunset... and the Beach Trail at Witty's Lagoon, for its diverse landscapes,
gorgeous ocean vistas, and huge arbutus trees.
- Favourite wilderness park: definitely East Sooke Regional Park!
Many hikes to choose from. You can pick an easy trail to a beach or challenge yourself
with a climb up a mountain to spectacular viewpoints.
- Favourite walk: Ed Macgregor Park in Sooke.
Beautiful boardwalk along the oceanside. Particularly pretty in the early mornings and around sunset.
- Favourite swimming: Matheson Lake
is pretty awesome. The Sooke Potholes
is refreshing too.
- Best big trees: Yes, there are huge trees everywhere, but some of them are
truly mammoth and a sight to behold! Goldstream Park
features lots of giant trees... but if you're willing to go for a bit of a drive, head up the
highway towards Port Renfrew to see the San Juan spruce tree,
the biggest in Canada at 62.5 metres tall and 11.6 metres in circumference. It can
be found at the San Juan Bridge Recreation Site.
- Favourite adventures: Without a doubt, the Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours
is an exciting thrill. Zoom over the rainforest! Whale-watching is also a favourite, and some of the local
operators will even pick you up from the cottage dock!
- Favourite attraction in Victoria: Victoria is just 40 minutes away and has lots of things
to see & do... but the Butchart Gardens
are a colourful favourite. Stunning!
- Favourite scenic drive: Head to Port Renfrew... we love the scenic winding roads through
the rainforests, which end in spectacular 'wild west coast' views at Port Renfrew. Beachcomb or
hike to Botanical Beach. Stop by the Coastal Kitchen Cafe for a tasty snack before heading back
to the cottage.
- Favourite local drive: Humpback Road. This twisty, narrow road winds its way through the
forest. You need to drive particularly cautiously (there are many blind corners), but what a fun road.
- Favourite sunset viewpoint: Possession Point at the end of East Sooke Road. Dress warmly
and bring a camera.
- Favourite sunrise viewpoint: The master bedroom at Comfort Cove Cottage. Brilliant sunrises
showcase spectacular colours.
- Favourite moonrise viewpoint: The living room at Comfort Cove Cottage. Magical views
during the full moon.
- Favourite cycling/biking path: The Galloping Goose Trail.
- Favourite waterfall: Niagara Falls in Goldstream Park.
- Favourite bird-watching site: The living room at the cottage (you'll be surprised at
how many birds fly by -- often below eye-level!), or hiking through East Sooke Park.
- Favourite beach: Sombrio Beach for it's rugged west coast views.
- Favourite place to kayak/canoe: the serene Roche Cove.
- Favourite 'haunted' place: Victoria is reputed to have many haunted buildings, but
Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University
is probably one of the better known ones. Is it really haunted? You decide!
- Favourite restaurants: My-Chosen Cafe
(especially great for breakfast and brunch -- get there early!) and
StonePipe Grill.
- Favourite pizza: the yummy Sooke 2-for-1 Pizza.
Ready to visit Sooke? Contact us for availability!
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