My recent weekend getaway to the Sooke area on Vancouver Island was a thrilling adventure. As a first-time visitor, I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning weather we encountered. Our exploration took us around Sooke and along the iconic Juan de Fuca Trail, where we discovered hidden gems that left us in awe. If you’re planning a British Columbia road trip, Sooke is an absolute must-visit destination. The area boasts an array of attractions, including Mystic Beach, the Sooke Potholes, Sombrio Beach, and East Sooke Regional Park. In this post, I’ll delve into the highlights of these spots, as well as some other secrets along the Juan de Fuca Trail that you won’t want to miss. From its picturesque beaches to its lush parks, Sooke is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
Sooke, BC
Sooke, nestled on southern Vancouver Island’s picturesque coastline, embodies the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. This charming harbourside village offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, yet still provides an array of amenities typically found in metropolitan areas. For those seeking a respite from city living, Sooke is an ideal haven, boasting the best of both worlds. A weekend getaway to this hidden gem of British Columbia is all it takes to discover its many charms.
History and Culture in Sooke
The Sooke region boasts a deep-rooted connection to the Coast Salish people, who have resided here for thousands of years. The island’s essence is palpable in the culture, history, and traditions of its First Nation communities. For travelers seeking immersive experiences, Indigenous Tourism BC serves as an excellent starting point to discover authentic Indigenous cultures across British Columbia.
What are Some of Sooke’s Best Features?
Sooke’s unique blend of rainforest trails, picturesque beaches, and a mild climate makes it an attractive destination. The town offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State, as well as serving as the entry point to the scenic West Coast Road or Highway 14. This accessibility is only part of Sooke’s appeal, with numerous activities available right at your fingertips. From diving and sea kayaking to mountain biking and fishing, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience the area’s natural beauty. Additionally, the town is home to numerous nature parks, providing ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
How to Spend a Weekend in Sooke on Vancouver Island
Victoria’s western coast is a visual feast, boasting an abundance of picturesque beaches and breathtaking waterfalls that provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning photography. When planning your trip to this beautiful region, consider dedicating a weekend to exploring the charming town of Sooke, British Columbia, which offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm.
Juan de Fuca Trail
As we explored Sooke, we took some time to hike along the Juan de Fuca Trail, one of Vancouver Island’s three long coastal trails. Spanning 45 kilometres, this trail can be completed in 3 to 5 days, depending on how many stops you make. You can start from either end and enjoy the varying landscapes and beaches along the way.We didn’t attempt the entire trail, but instead focused on a few notable sections, including Mystic Beach and Sombrio Beach. The trail also features other scenic stops like Bear Beach, Chin Beach, Little Kuitshe Beach, Payzante Campsite, and Botanical Beach Trailhead. While you might not have time to tackle the whole trail during a weekend getaway in Sooke, BC, it’s definitely worth planning a longer trip to experience more of this stunning coastline.According to Michal from Hiking is Good, ‘The trail is challenging, short, muddy, and with many ups and downs, but exceptional. I’m a bit biased because of my love of coastal trails, but I’m sure that even a non-biased hiker would enjoy it.’ We took their word for it!When planning to camp overnight along this trail, be prepared to reserve your spot for $10 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. While some campsites fill up quickly, you should have no trouble finding a secluded spot at Sombrio Beach, which is also accessible by car.
How do you get Around the Juan de Fuca Trail?
For those without a car, don’t worry – alternative transportation options are available. One convenient option is the West Coast Trail Express, which provides bus service between trailheads. If you’re planning to tackle the trail during the peak summer months, be sure to book your spot in advance, as these buses tend to fill up quickly.
Sombrio Beach
Tucked away less than two hours from Victoria lies Secret Falls, a hidden gem nestled within the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. The rocky shores of Sombrio Beach, a hotspot for surfers, conceal this natural wonder, which can be accessed via the 1.4-kilometre Sombrio Beach Trail. Typically accessible year-round, this trail is a haven for wildflowers and offers breathtaking views. As part of the park, Secret Falls is shrouded in mystery, waiting to be discovered by those willing to venture off the beaten path.
How to Get to the Falls at Sombrio Beach?
To embark on this adventure, begin at the Sombrio Beach Trailhead and follow the path until you reach a fork. Take the left route and continue straight when you arrive at the rocky coastline. As you wander along the beach for a few minutes, keep an eye out for a stream nestled among the trees – it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention! Once you’ve found the stream, follow its course for about fifty feet until you reach a moss-covered cave. Be cautious inside as the terrain can be slippery. As you explore the cave, marvel at the lush vegetation that adorns its walls. Continue on and you’ll soon come face to face with the falls in all their splendor. If inspiration strikes, take a moment to capture the perfect shot of the towering falls ahead. Additionally, discover a hidden swimming bay within the cave’s depths. Further along the trail, you’ll encounter a suspension bridge – an exhilarating experience that will leave you breathless. After your adventure, unwind and relax on the beach, taking in the serene surroundings.
Things to Keep in Mind at Sombrio Beach
As you plan your outing to this breathtaking waterfall, consider the time of year and the crowds that come with it. During peak seasons, you may encounter groups of young people enjoying the trail and scenic views, including surfers catching waves along the coastline. Be mindful of high tide schedules, as it’s ideal to visit when the tide is low for optimal viewing experiences. The journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, making the discovery of this hidden gem even more rewarding. And the best part? It’s completely free, making it the perfect addition to your weekend getaway in Sooke. With its unique character and natural beauty, this BC attraction is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
What’s the History of Sombrio Beach?
Sombrio Beach has long been a cherished part of the Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations’ ancestral lands, stretching from Cowichan to Pachena Bay, including key fishing sites and their village site at Sombrio Beach. The serene waterfall that many visitors flock to each year holds deep spiritual significance for these communities. As such, it’s essential to approach these areas with utmost respect and sensitivity. Unfortunately, the beauty of this hidden BC gem is often marred by litter and graffiti left behind by some visitors. It’s crucial to take a moment to appreciate the importance of these sites and leave them in their natural state for future generations.
Mystic Beach
The Mystic Beach trail, part of the Juan de Fuca Trail, offers a scenic 4-kilometre hike that takes around two hours to complete round trip. Located just over two hours from Victoria, this beach is accessible by car and even features campsites for those who want to spend more time in the area. The Strait of Juan de Fuca, where the beach is situated, boasts stunning views of the surrounding wild Pacific Northwest coastline. One of its most notable attractions is a picturesque waterfall that cascades down from a cliff above the beach. For visitors spending a weekend in Sooke on Southern Vancouver Island, this hike is an absolute must-do.
A little History about Mystic Beach
The indigenous people of the area, known as the Pacheedaht First Nation, have been living here long before European settlers arrived. Their name translates to ‘Children of the Sea Foam’. According to Chief Queesto Charlie Jones, their ancestors were traveling along the San Juan River when they came across a strange white foam that blanketed the riverbanks up to eight feet above the water level. This extraordinary discovery sparked excitement and curiosity among the community, leading them to investigate its origin.As told by Chief Jones, an elderly slave woman was chosen to taste the foam, as it was believed she was expendable in those times when slavery was still practiced. The men took her upriver and instructed her to examine the substance, which she did, declaring that it didn’t have a distinct flavor but was salty, like sea-foam. With this confirmation, they collectively decided to name this phenomenon Pacheeda, meaning ‘sea foam’, and thus their people became known as the Pacheedaht.When you visit Mystic Beach today, imagine the story of the Pacheedaht People discovering that magical foam, which adds another layer to the mystique surrounding this place. The experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who witness it.
How do you get to Mystic Beach?
As you exit the parking lot, begin your journey on the Mystic Beach Trail by following the well-trodden pathway that winds its way through the Juan de Fuca Trail’s starting point. A wooden map board will serve as your guide, providing an overview of the entire trail and highlighting your first stop: the stunning Mystic Beach.
As you make your way along the winding path, exercise caution to avoid slippery and muddy sections. The journey is well worth the effort, with the suspension bridge crossing Pete Wolfe Creek serving as a highlight. After navigating this gentle obstacle, continue hiking until the trail opens up into a wider, gravelly pathway that begins its descent.
As you make your way down the hillside, notice the subtle changes in the terrain and the sounds of the water growing louder. The path eventually leads to wooden steps and a tiny bridge that traverse another creek, signaling your approach to the beach. At this point, the soft crashing of the waves against the shore becomes more pronounced.
The trail’s final stretch includes stairs crafted from a fallen tree and a brief detour to the left. Before long, the path opens up to reveal the beach entrance, inviting you to take in the breathtaking scenery.
What are its Best Features?
As you approach the hike’s starting point, notice the picturesque rope swing suspended from a sturdy tree branch, gently swaying in the breeze. To the left of the entrance, this charming feature awaits, accompanied by the mesmerizing cascading waterfall that tumbles down the rocky cliffs above.
East Sooke Regional Park
I had the privilege of visiting East Sooke Regional Park on Vancouver Island at Aylard Farm, where I discovered an adorable beach with breathtakingly blue and clear water. It’s thanks to friends like Joel and Josh that I get to experience such incredible adventures. As a bonus, the park offers stunning views and is perfect for hikers seeking a challenge. With over 50 kilometres of trails traversing diverse landscapes including marshes, forests, fields, picturesque pocket beaches, and tide pools, there are countless opportunities to capture amazing photos and immerse oneself in nature’s beauty.
The Coast Trail
As you embark on the 10-kilometre Coast Trail within East Sooke Regional Park, the path unwinds through a tapestry of lush rainforest, skirting the edge of the ocean and revealing an array of dramatic bays, cliffs, and chasms. The air is alive with an adventurous energy that beckons you to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor. In this serene and remote setting, it’s easy to disconnect from the world and reconnect with the natural world, allowing you to lose yourself and perhaps discover a new sense of self in the process.
What’s the History in the Area of the East Sooke Regional Park?
As you venture to Aldridge Point, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Coast Salish People, who have resided in this region for thousands of years. The site was recognized as a Provincial Heritage Site in 1927, showcasing its significance. Notably, you can find petroglyphs carved into the rock in a style characteristic to the Strait of Juan de Fuca area, reflecting the community’s deep connection with the land. Beyond Aldridge Point, the Beechey Head geographic marker stands tall, marking the Canada-United States border overlooking the Strait of Juan De Fuca near Sooke. According to Vancouver Island’s records, the late 1800s were a bustling time for East Sooke, as large sailing ships and dugout canoes ferried supplies between Fort Victoria, while a steam-powered sawmill provided lumber for the local community.
Sooke Potholes
I had initially planned to create a vlog for my trip to the Soke Potholes, but we were having such a fantastic time exploring the area that I ended up not capturing any footage. As a result, I decided against putting together the vlog – a definite failure on the part of this enthusiastic vlogger!
Despite the lack of visual content, the Soke Potholes Provincial Park is definitely worth visiting. Located about an hour from downtown Victoria, the park offers a relatively easy three-kilometre round-trip trail that takes around an hour to complete. Unfortunately, there’s no public transportation available, so visitors will need to have access to a car.
If you enjoyed this blog post about a weekend getaway in Soke, you might also appreciate some of my other articles, including 10 Vancouver Area Hikes I Did This Summer, A Weekend in Victoria, Spring Glacier Kayaking in BC or Fraser Valley Tulip Festival – Times Two!
So, what are the Sooke Potholes Exactly?
Sooke Potholes, situated along the Sooke River, has become a beloved destination for thousands of visitors each year. The unique rock formations, formed approximately 15,000 years ago as a result of the last ice age, have naturally carved out enormous pools within the sandstone bedrock. These pools provide an idyllic setting for swimming and leisurely activities.The natural beauty of the Sooke Potholes is attributed to glacial action during the last ice age, which stripped away the surface area and excavated a path deep into the natural bedrock, according to BC Parks. The process involved moving and melting ice packs that carried huge boulders, which became lodged against canyon walls, eventually carving out the potholes visible today.During our visit, we couldn’t help but indulge in cliff jumping – an absolute must-do when visiting Sooke on Vancouver Island! Additionally, catch-and-release fishing is available at the nearby Sooke River. When you venture to the Soke Potholes, not only will you experience a stunning natural wonder, but you’ll also be equipped with valuable knowledge to share with others.
The Ruins
Sooke’s hidden gems lie not only in its picturesque landscapes but also in the unexpected ruins that dot the area. Perched on a cliffside, Deertrail Resort’s abandoned structure is a breathtaking sight, with its crumbling walls and vibrant spray-paint art blending harmoniously with nature. The story of this failed business is one of neglect and takeover by the surrounding foliage, yet it has become a haven for urban artists, whose ever-changing murals add an air of uniqueness to the site. As you explore this offbeat attraction, you may find yourself in the midst of a photo opportunity that few others have experienced.Our weekend adventure on Vancouver Island was topped off with a stunning sunset ferry ride from Sooke back to the mainland. The trip was filled with moments of wonder and awe, as we took in the breathtaking scenery and snapped plenty of photos along the way. From the hidden cave waterfall on the Sombrio Beach Trail to the rugged Coast Trail in East Sooke Regional Park, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to discover.As you plan your British Columbia road trip, be sure to allocate a few days for exploration in Sooke and its surrounding areas. The town is home to Mystic Beach, where a tiny waterfall and rope swing await, as well as the Sooke Potholes, which offer a unique glimpse into the island’s geological history. Don’t miss out on Sombrio Beach and East Sooke Regional Park, both of which are ripe for discovery. Safe travels, friends!