The Galloping Goose Regional Trail, part of the Trans-Canada Trail, runs right through the heart of Sooke, BC. In 1865, this was the site of a gold-rush town. Arts and culture are the main focus of the town. The Sooke Fall Fair that started in 1913, still sits at the top of all the town events. The history is just as captivating as the breathtaking scenery. Known for their Mediterranean climate, they boast warm summers and mild winters. This a place to visit any time of the year.
If you are into cliff jumping - The Sooke Potholes are waiting for you. If you want to explore waterfalls - Sooke's French Beach has it all. Do you want to take a hike with your pet? Check out the Whiffin Spit for a dog friendly flat hike. If you prefer to drive - head out to SookePoint - the most western tip of Canada.
WHAT TO SEE - FRENCH BEACH
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ituated on the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, lies French Beach. This destination a bit off the beaten path, but offers views that are unmatched. Parking in the area is free and the pathway to the beach is an easy walk.
Stroll, suntan, relax as the ocean brushes the rocky pebble beach. Driftwood lines the shoreline in unique formations.
French beach is open year round - and offers some of the most spectacular whale watching experiences. The large Gray Whales migrate north to their feeding grounds in Alaska in the spring and return to their breeding grounds in Baja Mexico in the fall. Large roaming pods of resident Killer Whales can also be seen offshore.
French Beach at Sunset, British Columbia
Sancut Beach Waterfall - British Columbia
WHERE TO HIKE - SANDCUT BEACH
Make a stop at Sandcut Beach. Take a hike through the forest along a trail, boardwalk and set of stairs to reach another 3.5 mile cobbled beach showcasing views of the Olympic Peninsula. What is unique is the waterfall. Have you ever seen a waterfall spilling onto a beach? Have you ever walked behind a waterfall? Well here is your chance.
WHERE TO WALK THE DOG - WHIFFIN SPIT
Whiffin spit is a narrow piece of land that extends out into the Sooke Harbor and is a wonderful, easy walk and great for seeing a wide variety of birds and wildlife - including sea lions. Stop and enjoy the smells of the ocean on one of the park benches along the Whiffin Spit Trail. Bring a picnic - a good book. It is peaceful and quiet. Take your dog for a walk on this pet-friendly, 2.7 km walk that offers unique views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. From this vantage point, you can see the most western tip of Canada.
Whiffin Spit - British Columbia
Aylard Beach, British Columbia
WHERE TO RELAX - AYLARD FARM and BEACH
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ocated on Becher Bay Road is Aylard Farm. Aylard farm provides an easy walk through open fields and leads to a short, but steep dirt trail where you arrive on this gorgeous, deep white sand beach. This 5 minute walk can make your entire trip. Stop for a suntan, enjoy a picnic on the ocean's edge, explore the tide pools, watch for wildlife and birds, climb the rocky bays, make new friends. This friendly beach is open from sunrise to sunset and will soon be on one of your favorite spots to go when visiting Sooke. During parts of the year, this is also a pet-friendly activity.
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