Sooke Vacation Rentals

Sooke, which derives its name from the T’sou-ke First Nations People, is just a 35min drive away from downtown Victoria. The seaside village offers vacationers a tranquil setting, the opportunity to learn about First Nations culture, and proximity to a large urban centre. Nestled between lush rain forests and the Pacific Ocean, the village deserves the oft-heard catch-phrase "Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea". Come see what the fuss is all about with a waterside vacation rental.

Seafood and More at Sooke

While in Sooke, don't pass over the chance to sample the local specialty, fresh salmon. If you're looking for West Coast Canadian cuisine, Wild Mountain Restaurant excels in Slow Food, prepared with organic ingredients. A short drive away from downtown Sooke brings you to the waterfront Stickleback West Coast Restaurant. This eatery is a must if you enjoy house burgers, plates of pasta, sandwiches, and wraps. Stickleback boasts one of the prettiest patios in lower Vancouver Island with beautiful forest views.

High tea, savoury pastries, trifles, and fresh fruit yogourt cones await at the Otter Point Bakery & Tea Room. This bakery also packs picnic lunches, which you can take out on hikes and day trips. Alternatively, try Mom's Cafe, a fixture since 1963, offering home-made meals served in a retro setting, including a vintage 45 RPM jukebox. For some nostalgic charm, head to the Cozy Olde English Pub. This is the perfect place to spend an evening, savouring seafood chowder in front of a crackling fire while playing a game of chess.

First Nations Heritage and Original Art

Thousands of years ago, the T’sou-ke people built the first settlement by the riverside in the area that later developed to become Sooke village. You can explore First Nations culture, as well as the region's fishing and logging history at the Sooke Region Museum. If you want some more historic background, make an excursion to the city of Victoria to visit Moss Cottage, an old pioneer house dating back to 1870.

Meanwhile, if you're an art enthusiast, check out South Shore Gallery, which displays local arts and crafts, including glass works, paintings, prints, and ceramics. Another option is the art gallery at Sooke Harbour House, which curates art works inspired by the rainforests, the ocean, and nautical themes.

Nature Trails, Scuba Diving, and Coastal Roads around Sooke

Sooke lies at the beginning of the scenic West Coast Road. Rent a car to drive along the world-famous West Coast Trail, which passes by coastal rainforests, beautiful beaches, oceanfront cabins, and welcoming cafes. Alternatively, find a sturdy car and explore North Sooke's atmospheric back country, reservoirs, and small lakes.

Sooke attracts mountain bikers of all levels. For a challenging ride, try the 25km long Shields Lake Loop, which follows the Charter River and leads bikers to a resting spot near a thundering waterfall. You can also take a refreshing dip in Shields Lake, near the waterfall, before completing the loop. If you want to hike, lace up your boots and walk the challenging but manageable Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, which follows the azure coastline and brings you to Botanical Beach.

Cyclists, runners, and hikers all love the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, part of the Trans-Canada Trail, a short drive away from Sooke. But if your priority is to explore the ocean, consider the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, which offers excellent scuba diving facilities. Discover what's going on beneath the ocean surface and observe marine mammals feasting on plankton organisms. Or how about a wild kayaking adventure? During the summer, you can paddle your way up an ocean route from Sooke to Port Renfrew.

Events in Sooke: Canada Day, Christmas, and Festivals Galore

Sooke's cultural calendar is choc-a-bloc with events from May through September, the perfect time for a visit. Sooke River Bluegrass Festival, held every Father's Day weekend in June, is the perfect place to listen to live bands and sample some local food and drink. The town also takes its Canada Day celebrations in July very seriously. Typical events include a logger sports show, historic costume contests, live music, and spectacular fireworks. In August, the family-friendly Sooke Music & Art Festival attracts world-class artists and performers. Look forward to live music, art workshops, food trucks, and athletics.

Summer also brings a large Fine Arts Show, which draws over 9,000 art enthusiasts from BC's coastal islands to Sooke. This 11-day extravaganza features stunning art displays, guided tours, live music, and more. Summer nights are well spent at the Sooke Regional Museum's Night Markets. Explore the numerous stalls offering local produce and crafts, while live bands entertain the milling crowds. Things get crowded in Sooke during the high season, so make sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

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