Sooke
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Now a quiet community, Sooke was once the spot of a gold rush that spawned the expansion of the town and the area.
The rush to the town now, as mentioned, is about the great weather and all of the amazing recreational activities a visitor can enjoy. There are many famous and extensive trails and parks that offer up any kind of experience you could possibly imagine.
The Galloping Goose Trail makes its way through the town and can be easily accessed. It is a great trail for traveling long distances by bike or for taking part in afternoon strolls and hikes. This goes east through Victoria, then turns north through Saanich and Sidney.
More Information on The Galloping Goose Trail
More Information on the West Coast Trail
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail offers amazing views of the coastline and the rainforest itself and is over 45 kilometers in length. This goes west, along the coast into the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.
One of the most sought after ecotourism trips anywhere in region can be found at the West Coast Trail.
The West Coast Trail is an enclosed trail that takes approximately a week to traverse. It is not for the faint of heart; there are no accommodations of any kind along the way.
Everything you need must be carried with you as you travel along and through the amazing forests and coastlines of the area. Wildlife can be a legitimate concern, as can the changing tides and the sometimes harsh and wet coastal weather. For those looking to take their wilderness adventures to a new level and add a real notch to their belt, the West Coast Trail is a very special experience.
Macgregor Park is home to many different sites and activities. There are ornamental and decorative floral gardens, as well as a waterfront boardwalk that is being added to. There are sculptures, various trails and gardens and an amphitheatre for performances and community events. From Macgregor Park you can access the harbour area.
From the harbour you can take part in any kind of water sport or activity you wish. Fishing is quite popular and some truly huge fish can be caught. Fish like 60 pound salmon and 200 pound halibut are hiding in the waters nearby.
Of course there is also kayaking, canoeing and boating. You can also catch a tour and a boat ride to go whale watching or to explore some of the coves and rocks that line the vast area.
There are also many cultural activities and yearly events and festivals. The All Sooke Day logging competition pays homage to the area’s logging past and provides great entertainment and competition.
The Sooke Fine Arts festival and competition is a massive, judged arts fair and gathering.
Additionally, there is the Sooke Studio Tour which provides an inside glimpse at all of the artists that call the town home.
From relaxed trips taking in the beautiful scenery to intensive hikes and getaways that truly put you into the wilderness, the area is an outdoorsman’s dream come true, and there is much to discover in this rather "out-of-the-way" region, west of Victoria, nestled between rain forest and ocean.
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