12 Best Things To Do In Sooke, BC: Beaches, Hikes, Waterfalls & Local Tips

We got totally obsessed with these small towns like Sooke, on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, sometimes dismissed as “quiet”. Well, wait until you actually go, I say. Because it’s a gateway to some of the most beautiful outdoor experiences near Victoria: rugged coastal hiking, rainforest trails, wild beaches, swimming holes, hidden waterfalls, whale watching, and one of the most scenic drives on Vancouver Island.

What I truly appreciate about Sooke is that it doesn’t try too hard. It’s not built around one single famous attraction, nor is it actually famous. Its appeal is its variety: in one trip, you can hike the dramatic coastline in East Sooke Regional Park, cool off at Sooke Potholes, take a sunset walk at Whiffin Spit, and continue west to wild beaches (and their spectacular beach waterfalls) like Mystic and Sombrio.

We visited Sooke on a longer Vancouver Island road trip, with ambitious plans and with a very active and stubborn 2.5-year old. I can tell it’s one of those places that rewards a mix of planning and spontaneity. Some stops are easy and family-friendly; others need muddy shoes, decent timing, or a willingness to drive a little farther.

This guide covers not just the best things to do in Sooke, BC, but which ones are actually worth your time depending on the season, your energy, and how long you have.

If you’re planning a broader island getaway, Sooke is an easy addition to a 5-day Vancouver Island road trip itinerary.

Quick answer: best things to do in Sooke, BC

For a first trip, here are the Sooke highlights in short:

• Hike the Coast Trail in East Sooke Regional Park
• Swim or walk at Sooke Potholes
• Walk Whiffin Spit
• Drive the Juan de Fuca Highway
• Visit Sandcut Beach, Mystic Beach, or Sombrio Beach (or all!)
• See Mary Vine Creek Falls in the wetter months
• Go whale watching from Sooke
• Visit Sheringham Point Lighthouse
• Stay for sunset on the coast

If you only have one day in Sooke, my top three picks would be East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke Potholes, and either Whiffin Spit or one west coast beach depending on how much driving you want to do.

For those planning to hike trails like East Sooke or Mystic Beach for the first time, I’ve put together a guide on what to wear and pack for BC coastal hikes.

Why visit Sooke?

If you’re like us and care more about scenery and outdoor access than shopping or nightlife, Sooke is one of the best weekend getaways from Victoria. It is distinctly West Coast with mossy forests, rocky shoreline, driftwood beaches, misty mornings, and weather that can switch from soft sunshine to dramatic storms in an hour.

Sooke is slower and wilder than Victoria. Less curated. And compared with Port Renfrew, it’s more accessible and easier for a short trip. Yet it gives you a surprising amount to do within a short drive.

I loved how much variety is packed into such a small area. We did a rugged coastal hike one day, and hunted for hidden waterfalls on another. We finished the days with beach views at sunset—whenever the sun was gracious enough to make an appearance. We never felt that we repeat the same kind of landscape.

That said, Sooke is not for everyone. It’s a nature lover’s destination. If your idea of a lovely getaway involves urban sightseeing, boutiques and a dense restaurant scene, you will find Sooke too quiet. But if you want hiking, beaches, waterfalls, and scenic drives, you’ll love it.

Sooke attractions on a map

See all the attractions mentioned in this article on the map below:

How many days do you need in Sooke?

Half a day: Enough for one main stop, like Sooke Potholes or Whiffin Spit, plus lunch and a scenic drive.

1 day: Enough to combine 2 to 3 highlights, especially if you choose a mix of in-town and nearby stops.

2 to 3 days: Ideal. This gives you time for East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke Potholes, one or two west coast beaches, and slower evenings in town.

Longer trip: If you continue toward Port Renfrew, Sooke works very well as part of a bigger Vancouver Island west coast road trip.

Best time to visit Sooke

Like Vancouver and Victoria, Sooke has the mildest weather you find in Canada. Which makes it a year-round outdoor destination, but the experience (and the amount of rain) changes a lot by season.

Late May to September

Best for hiking, swimming, paddling, beach days, and whale watching. This is the warmest and driest period, and also the busiest.

October to early November

The shoulder season with fewer crowds, moody coastlines, and better waterfall flow. Expect more rain and muddier trails though.

Winter

Not ideal for beach days, but excellent for stormy coastal walks, dramatic scenery, and waterfalls at their strongest. Yes, it rains. A lot.

If you don’t mind rain, winter in Sooke can be spectacular. We do mind it though, I have to admit. The point is: know what to expect and choose accordingly.

Spring

One of the best times for waterfall hikes. Wetter than what I would call pleasant, but our first spring visit turned out to be quite memorable. We did Mary Vine Creek Falls in May and found it especially impressive.

Best months by activity

• Hiking: May to September
• Waterfalls: fall, winter, and spring
• Whale watching: between late May and September
• Swimming at Sooke Potholes: summer
• Surfing at Sombrio: year-round, conditions dependent
• Storm watching: winter

12 best things to do in Sooke, BC

What to do in Sooke? Or rather near Sooke. Here are my favorite experiences:

1. Hike the Coast Trail in East Sooke Regional Park

If you only do one thing in Sooke, let it be East Sooke Regional Park. The Coast Trail is, in my opinion, the most memorable hike in the area and one of the best coastal day hikes in British Columbia.

What makes it truly stand out is how consistently scenic it is. Unlike many coastal trails in BC where the payoff is concentrated at one viewpoint, or a few of them, this one keeps delivering: rocky shoreline, crashing waves, arbutus trees, giant firs, wildflowers, little coves, and wide views toward the Olympic Mountains on clear days.

The full Coast Trail is 10.5 km one way between Aylard Farm and Iron Mine Bay, but you don’t need to hike the whole thing to appreciate it. We did a 9 km loop starting from Aylard Farm, hiking out to Cabin Point and then returning on the Interior Trail, and it worked beautifully as a half-day hike. (See this exact 9 km loop route from Aylard Farm here.)

We found it surprisingly demanding though, compared with the distance, and not just because we carried a toddler for most of the time (and he walked on his own for a short while). On paper it doesn’t seem extreme, but the repeated ups and downs over rugged coastline add up. It’s very doable for reasonably fit hikers, just not a flat stroll.

If you start from Aylard Farm, I highly recommend the short detour to Creyke Point. It’s small effort for a very big reward.

• Why go: For the best coastal hiking near Sooke
• Best for: Hikers, photographers, fit day-trippers
• Time needed: 3 to 6 hours depending on route
• Trail distance: 10.5 km one-way
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead & parking: Aylard Farm parking lot
• Personal tip: If you don’t have shuttle logistics arranged, don’t force the full one-way hike. A shorter loop still gives you the best of the scenery.

2. Swim or walk at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park in May

Mention Sooke to anyone living on Vancouver Island, and they will think of “Sooke Potholes”. They’re the best-known attraction in the area, and for good reason. The river has carved smooth rock pools into the canyon over time, creating natural swimming holes that are particularly popular in summer.

If you visit on a hot day, this is one of the most refreshing places to be near Sooke. The water stays cool though, so it’s best for those days when you do want a refreshment. In summer, the potholes and nearby sandy river access points are ideal for swimming, relaxing, and picnicking. 

In wetter months, the area changes character and becomes more about rushing water and canyon views than swimming. If the water level is high enough, the potholes might even disappear from sight.

Visiting Sooke Potholes with a toddler, I appreciated how well it works for different abilities and energy levels. You can simply stop, take in the views, and spend time near the water, or you can walk part of the Riverside Trail for a longer outing. The trail itself runs about 8.9 km return, but there’s no need to do all of it unless you want to. For an easy and scenic walk, take the trail that runs above the canyon walls, go to the lookouts and enjoy a view of the potholes from above.

A practical note on parking: You find three parking lots as you enter Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. But parking can be frustrating in peak summer. Lot 3 is closest to the potholes, but all the lots fill quickly on nice days. If you’re visiting in high season, go early.

And don’t skip Todd Creek waterfall on the drive in. It’s right by the road and easy to miss if you’re focused on finding parking.

• Why go: For swimming holes, canyon scenery, and easy-access nature
• Best for: Families, summer visitors, casual walkers
• Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best season: Summer for swimming, winter and spring for high water
• Personal tip: If the main potholes feel too busy, keep exploring upstream for quieter river access, as there are a few smaller sandy beaches.

3. Hike to Mary Vine Creek Falls

This is a lovely addition for an outdoorsy Sooke trip, and it’s actually the best in the rainy season (generally any time outside of the summer months). 

Mary Vine Creek Falls is a short trail from Parking Lot 2 at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, and because it’s easy to combine with the potholes, it’s one of the most worthwhile side trips in the area. The round-trip hike is only about 1.5 km, but it adds a completely different mood: a quieter forest walk following a creek and leading to a tucked-away waterfall.

When we did it, I remember the trail being slightly confusing at one point, especially where it crosses the Galloping Goose Trail and again near the end, where it seems to pull away from the creek just before climbing up. I second-guessed it briefly, but the waterfall sign did lead exactly where it should. I could get down to the very bottom of Mary Vine Creek Falls, carefully stepping on the rocks in the creek.

The main caveat is seasonality. In summer, the creek can dry up, hence the waterfall might not exist. In the wetter months, though, it’s beautiful. We hiked it in May and found it well worth the short detour.

If waterfall hikes are one of the reasons you’re visiting this part of the island, I’ve also rounded up some of the best waterfalls on Vancouver Island.

• Why go: For an easy waterfall hike near Sooke Potholes
• Best for: Travelers already visiting Sooke Potholes, waterfall lovers
• Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
• Trail distance: 1.5 km return — see the route to Mary Vine Creek Falls on a map here
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Parking Lot 2 at Sooke Potholes
• Personal tip: Pay close attention at the trail junctions and don’t accidentally continue on the Galloping Goose Trail.

4. Walk Whiffin Spit at sunset

Whiffin Spit is not a “big” attraction. It’s a lovely local park — and many local’s favorite choice for a casual stroll along the ocean. That’s exactly why we found it so memorable. We took a sunset stroll among dog walkers, joggers and families spending their time here, and actually found the best beaches in Sooke along this walk.

This is the walk I’d recommend if you want something scenic, easy, and close to town. The trail is flat, wide, and about 1.3 km each way, stretching out along a narrow spit between the calmer Sooke Basin and the open waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait. It ends at a small lighthouse, and on clear days you can see the Olympic Mountains.

It’s not dramatic like East Sooke, but it feels local in the best way. A place where you go to slow down. One of the easiest places in Sooke to end the day well.

The biggest downside is parking. It’s limited near the trailhead, so be prepared to park farther away and walk in if needed.

• Why go: For the easiest scenic ocean walk in Sooke
• Best for: Everyone, including families and travelers wanting a low-effort stop
• Time needed: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy and accessible
• Personal tip: If your trip includes several bigger hikes, save Whiffin Spit for the evening.

5. Drive the Juan de Fuca Highway toward Port Renfrew

One of the best things to do in Sooke is simply to keep driving west. The drive from Sooke toward Port Renfrew along Highway 14 is one of the great day trips on southern Vancouver Island. It’s not especially long in distance, but it’s full of worthwhile stops: beaches, waterfalls, forest trails, surf spots, and scenic pull-offs. And beach waterfalls.

Beach waterfalls are rare and special, and the first one we’ve seen was McWay Falls in California — a postcard perfect one! But this corner of the West Coast also spoiled us with beach waterfalls that flow directly into the ocean at high tide.

And I found it truly special how wild the coastline feels. The beaches are usually not quick roadside stops, so yes, this is where expectations matter. Many of the best ones require at least a short hike down, and they are muddier and steeper than casual drivers expect.

Based on the distance alone they look like a casual hike you can quickly do in sneakers, but I highly recommend proper waterproof hiking boots both because of the terrain and the lingering mud.

If you only have time for a few westbound stops from Sooke, I’d prioritize:

• Sheringham Point Lighthouse for a quick scenic stop
• Sandcut Beach for a relatively easy waterfall beach walk
• Mystic Beach if you want a classic rainforest-to-coast hike
• Sombrio Beach if you want the most memorable all-around beach experience

I think this drive is best treated as a full-day outing, not something to squeeze into a rushed afternoon.

• Why go: For one of the most scenic road trips near Victoria
• Best for: Road trippers, hikers, beach lovers
• Time needed: Full day
• Personal tip: Choose fewer stops and enjoy them properly instead of trying to “collect” every beach in one day.

6. Visit Sandcut Beach and its waterfall

Sandcut Beach is one of the easiest and most rewarding beach waterfall stops west of Sooke. The hike is short, the scenery is excellent, and the waterfall is genuinely fun because you can walk behind it.

From the parking area on Highway 14, it’s about a 2 km return walk. You drive past Sandcut Creek, then park in the small parking lot by the road and hike down. Half of the hike to the waterfall is on the beach itself, which gives it a more relaxed feel than some of the steeper access trails nearby.

The waterfall at Sandcut is not the tallest or most dramatic in the region, but the setting is lovely. Water spills over sandstone cliffs directly onto the beach, and the combination of driftwood, rock, and open coastline makes it quite photogenic. Walk back on the beach toward the creek to find it.

I’d recommend Sandcut especially if you want one beautiful west coast stop without committing to a longer hike like Mystic.

• Why go: For an easy beach-and-waterfall combination
• Best for: Couples, families, photographers
• Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Trail distance: 2 km return
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Personal tip: This is a great “middle effort” stop if Mystic feels too muddy or time-consuming.

7. Hike to Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach is one of the most iconic beaches on this stretch of Vancouver Island, and yes, it’s worth seeing — but it helps to know what you’re signing up for.

The hike from the parking lot is about 2 km each way through rainforest, including a suspension bridge and a fairly steep descent. Depending on the season, it can be very muddy. Very. That’s part of the adventure, but it’s also why I wouldn’t describe this as a casual flip-flop walk (though it’s better to ruin a flip-flop than your pretty sneaker on this trail).

However, the setting drew us in completely: a broad driftwood beach backed by forested cliffs, plus a waterfall that drops from the cliff onto the beach or straight into the ocean at high tide. It’s one of the most distinctive beach scenes near Sooke.

Mystic Beach gets a lot of attention, and understandably so, but I think it’s best for travelers who enjoy the whole experience of getting there, not just ticking off a viewpoint. And for 10 CAD you can even camp on the beach. We quite agree that it’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Vancouver Island.

But if you dislike mud, roots, and uneven trail, another beach may suit you better. China Beach, for example, is accessible from the same parking lot, and it’s similar in character, but much shorter. Granted, it doesn’t feature such an iconic waterfall either. But once you reach the beach and walk around the rock wall at the northern edge, you do find a waterfall hidden in a small canyon.

• Why go: For a classic Vancouver Island beach hike with a waterfall
• Best for: Adventurous travelers, hikers, photographers
• Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
• Trail distance: 2 km one-way
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Personal tip: Wear proper footwear even in dry months. This trail is more rugged than many people expect.

8. Explore Sombrio Beach and find the hidden waterfall (actually, two waterfalls)

If I had to choose my favorite beach in the region, it would be Sombrio — and not only because of the beach itself.

It has the drama people love about Mystic Beach, but I found it even wilder and more interesting to explore. The beach is split by the Sombrio River, and depending on where you go, you get surf atmosphere, open beach walking, and hidden waterfalls.

The best-known secret here is the Sombrio hidden waterfall (the official “Sombrio Beach Waterfall”), reached by walking into a narrow mossy slot canyon just behind the beach. It’s one of those places that feels almost too cinematic to be real. It’s not a huge waterfall, but the setting is unforgettable.

There’s also another coastal waterfall visible if you start walking the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail toward Chin Beach, and this one is lesser-known (maybe seasonal, too). It doesn’t have a name that we know of.

Sombrio Beach offers more depth than a standard beach stop, and we have a full Sombrio Beach guide with all the attractions worth exploring here.

• Why go: For the most adventurous beach near Sooke
• Best for: Beach lovers, photographers, hikers, surfers
• Time needed: 2 to 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on how much exploring you do
• Personal tip: Don’t stop at the main beach. Make the effort to find the hidden canyon waterfall, and the other coastal waterfall.

9. Surf at Sombrio Beach

Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth knowing that Sombrio is one of the region’s best surf beaches because it shapes the vibe of the place.

The southern part of Sombrio, around East and West Sombrio Beach (they are both south of the river), is generally more beginner-friendly, while the beach north of the river (West-West Sombrio Beach) is more popular with advanced surfers. Conditions vary, of course, but this split helps travelers decide where to spend time.

For surfers, Sombrio is a destination in itself. For non-surfers, it still adds energy and interest to the beach. My son certainly enjoys cheering for the surfers, and I’m also happier to watch them rather than getting myself into that freezing water. 🙂

• Why go: For surfing on Vancouver Island’s southwest coast
• Best for: Beginner to advanced surfers depending on the section
• Beach type: sand mixed with pebbles and rocks
• Facilities: two pit toilets

10. Go whale watching from Sooke

Sooke is a great base for whale watching, especially if you want a less city-centered departure point than Victoria. Tours often explore the Juan de Fuca Strait, Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, and the East Sooke coastline, where you may see killer whales, humpbacks, gray whales, seals, porpoises, otters, sea lions, and bald eagles.

The best time for whales is generally from May to October, though wildlife sightings always vary.

Leaving from Sooke has a nice advantage: you are closer to the rugged coastline right away, and it makes the whole outing feel more nature-focused and less urban.

Best whale watching tours from Sooke:

• Best direct local operator: Sooke Whale Watching
• Best alternative if local tours are sold out: check Victoria whale watching tours here

If whale watching is a priority for your trip, I’d book ahead, especially in summer.

• Why go: For marine wildlife and coastal scenery
• Best for: Wildlife lovers, families, first-time visitors
• Time needed: Usually a few hours
• Personal tip: If you’re deciding between many paid activities, this is one of the most memorable splurges in Sooke.

11. Bike the Galloping Goose Trail

The Galloping Goose Trail connects Victoria to Sooke along a former railway route, and it’s one of the easiest ways to add a low-stress outdoor activity to your trip. Because this is not a technical ride. It’s gentle, scenic, and suitable for beginners and families, especially if you only ride a section instead of tackling the whole route. 

Around Sooke, the highlights include trestle bridges and the section near Sooke Potholes.

It’s a good option for travelers who have already been to Sooke once, or for those who want a quieter, slower-paced active day.

• Why go: For an easy biking route with forest scenery
• Best for: Cyclists, families, repeat visitors
• Time needed: Flexible
• Difficulty: Easy
• Personal tip: Combine part of the trail with a Sooke Potholes stop instead of treating it as a standalone full-day activity unless you’re an avid cyclist.

12. Visit Sheringham Point Lighthouse

Sheringham Point Lighthouse is one of the easiest scenic stops on the drive west from Sooke, and it’s worth including because it adds history and a pretty viewpoint without requiring much time.

To access the short trail to the lighthouse, you need to turn off Highway 14 in the town of Shirley. Then follow the narrow road to the parking lot. It’s signed all the way, and it’s usually not a busy place, so parking shouldn’t be a problem.

Built in 1912, the lighthouse sits on a rocky bluff with wide views across the Juan de Fuca Strait toward the Olympic Mountains (on clear days). The walk in is short, and the site feels pleasantly uncrowded compared with bigger-name coastal attractions.

This is a smart add-on stop, not the centerpiece of a day. It works really well paired with westbound beach visits.

• Why go: For a short scenic stop with history
• Best for: Road trippers, photographers, travelers short on time
• Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Personal tip: This is one of the best quick-payoff stops if the weather is clear.

Bonus: watch the sunset from the beach

Sunset is one of the simplest and best things to experience in Sooke. On a clear evening, any west-facing stretch of coast can deliver an incredible finish to the day. Of course, this is the West Coast, so clear evenings are harder to come by than suitable beaches.

Nevertheless, some good options for a sunset beach:

• Whiffin Spit for convenience
• French Beach for broader open views
• Sombrio or Mystic if you’re already out that way and staying late

Best things to do in Sooke by travel style

Best for hikers:

• East Sooke Coast Trail
• Mystic Beach
• Sombrio Beach
• Juan de Fuca Trail

Best for families:

• Sooke Potholes
• Whiffin Spit
• Sheringham Point Lighthouse
• Sandcut Beach

Best in winter:

• storm watching on the coast
• Mary Vine Creek Falls
• East Sooke on a clear day between storms

Best easy stops:

• Whiffin Spit
• Sheringham Point Lighthouse
• parts of Sooke Potholes
• scenic drive west on Highway 14

How to visit Sooke on a day tour from Victoria?

Ideally, you need at least a few days to visit Sooke. But if you only have a day, this tour from Victoria takes you along the coast, from Sooke to Port Renfrew, stopping at some of the highlights on the way, including Sooke Potholes, Botanical Beach, French Beach and the fascinating old-growth rainforest trail at Avatar Grove.

Where to stay in Sooke, BC

Accommodation in Sooke is more limited than in Victoria, especially in summer and on weekends. If you’re visiting between late spring and early fall, it’s worth booking early — especially if you want an oceanfront stay or a larger self-catering property.

If you’d rather sleep closer to nature than book a hotel, here’s my guide to camping on Vancouver Island, including some of the island’s best campgrounds and tips for planning ahead.

Best hotel in Sooke: Prestige Oceanfront Resort

Best for: Travelers who want hotel-style amenities and the most convenient base in town

If you want a full-service stay in a central location, Prestige Oceanfront Resort is one of the best hotels in Sooke. It offers harbour views, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and easy access to restaurants and the marina. Bikes, balls, beach toys and board games are also available for guests.

👉 You can see availability at Prestige Oceanfront Resort for your dates here.

Best self-catering waterfront stay: Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina

Best for: Families, longer stays, and travelers who want more space and a kitchen

The waterfront setting offered by Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina is one of the best practical choices in Sooke. Located on the Juan de Fuca Strait just a short drive from central Sooke, it offers townhouse-style accommodation rather than standard hotel rooms, which makes it especially appealing for families, couples staying longer, and anyone planning a more outdoorsy self-catered trip.

Having a kitchen, living area, washer/dryer, and multiple bedrooms or bathrooms can make a huge difference if you’re traveling as a family, on a road trip. The marina setting also gives it a distinctly coastal feel. Not to mention luxuries like the outdoor hot tubs.

👉 See available units at Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina for your dates here.

Best romantic stay: SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort

Best for: Couples, peaceful location, proximity to East Sooke Regional Park

For dramatic ocean views and a quieter location closer to East Sooke Regional Park, SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort is a fantastic choice. This is ideal for couples, nature lovers, and anyone planning to spend most of their time hiking the coast.

👉 You can compare rates at SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort for your dates here.

One day Sooke itinerary

If you only have 1 day in Sooke:

Option 1: classic Sooke first-timer day

• Morning: East Sooke Regional Park
• Lunch: Sooke
• Early afternoon: Sooke Potholes
• Evening: Whiffin Spit sunset

Option 2: coast road trip day

• Morning: Sooke Potholes
• Late morning: Sheringham Point Lighthouse
• Afternoon: Mystic or Sombrio Beach
• Evening: sunset on the coast

If you’re visiting on a summer weekend, I’d book accommodation before building your itinerary, because the best waterfront properties in Sooke can fill up quickly.

Sooke weekend itinerary

If you have a weekend in Sooke:

Day 1: East Sooke Regional Park & Sooke Potholes

• Morning: East Sooke Regional Park
• Lunch: Sooke
• Early afternoon: Sooke Potholes
• Evening: Whiffin Spit sunset

Day 2: Juan de Fuca road trip day

• Morning: Sheringham Point Lighthouse
• Late morning: Mystic Beach
• Afternoon: Sombrio Beach
• Evening: sunset on the coast

How to get to Sooke

From Victoria

Sooke is about 40 to 50 minutes west of Victoria via Highway 14.

From Vancouver

Vancouver Island is accessible by ferry or by plane from the mainland.

Take the ferry from Tsawwassen ferry terminal in Vancouver to Swartz Bay in Victoria. It’s a 1.5 hour ferry ride, operated by BC Ferries. Then drive to Victoria and continue to Sooke. 

You can also fly into Victoria International Airport or downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Do you need a car?

Yes, in most cases. If you want to explore beyond the town itself, especially beaches and trailheads west of Sooke, there’s no way around having your own (or rented) car. There aren’t any car rental agencies in Sooke, so rent a car in Victoria or Vancouver.

👉 When we rent a car on our travels, we usually check DiscoverCars first to compare prices across providers.

Practical tips before visiting Sooke

• Start early in summer for parking at Sooke Potholes and popular beaches
• Expect muddy trails, especially at Mystic Beach and in shoulder seasons
• Check tide conditions if you’re planning beach exploration
• Bring layers even in summer; coastal weather changes fast
• Don’t rely on cell service
• Wear proper hiking shoes, not sandals or sneakers, for most trails
• Respect driftwood beaches and fragile coastal environments
• Keep your plans flexible because weather can completely change the mood of a day

Conclusion

Sooke is one of the best places on Vancouver Island for travelers who want a trip built around nature rather than attractions in the usual sense. The real magic here is in the combination of rugged hikes in dense coastal forests (temperate rainforests, mind you), wild beaches and scenic beach waterfalls, and a sunset stroll at the end of the day.

If you only have time for the essentials, start with East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke Potholes, and one west coast beach. But if you can stay longer, do so. Sooke is the kind of place that gets better when you give it time.

If Sooke is just one stop on a bigger trip, you can also see how I’d fit it into a 5-day Vancouver Island road trip itinerary.

FAQ: best things to do in Sooke, BC