Sooke
is a pleasant village near Victoria, on the southwest corner of
Vancouver Island, where visitors can explore its history, fish,
and enjoy the outdoors.
For centuries, the Sooke area was a thriving Coast Salish settlement
dependent on plentiful harvests of fish, berries, clams and wild
birds. Inter-tribal wars depleted the population and by the time
the first settlers arrived in 1849, there were few natives left
in the area. The Leech River gold rush of 1864, brought a population
boom to Sooke. The local museum enables you to relive these early
days.
Sportfishing, both salmon fishing and freshwater fishing, continues
to be a draw for visitors to the region. Other outdoor activities
such as whale watching, camping and hiking are also popular.
Sooke is close to both the West Coast Road and the West
Coast Trail, where the visitor can experience awe-inspiring
sites, such as its record-breaking tall trees (Red Creek Fir),
and take hiking adventures of a lifetime.
Accommodation/Adventure
Providers
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City
Information
Population:
10,000.
Access:
Sooke is 34 km (21 mi.) west of Victoria, on Vancouver Island,
on Highway 14. BC Bus Transit also services the area.
Local
Attractions: China Beach & French Beach Provincial Parks,
Giant Red Creek Fir, Moss Cottage, Sooke Regional Museum, Sooke
Harbour, East Sooke Park, and Botanical Beach. May - Leechtown Days July - All Sooke Day, Logger sports August - longboat races, Fine Arts Show
Accommodations:
In Sooke you can camp by the sea in one of the private or
provincial campsites, stay in a hotel/motel or enjoy a leisurely
bed and breakfast.