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About Sooke

Sooke, a charming coastal town on Vancouver Island’s South Island, beckons with its serene beauty 40 km from Victoria along Sooke Harbour. Nestled between the Sooke Basin and the Juan de Fuca Strait, it offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and a tranquil waterfront perfect for relaxation. The town’s vibrant core features local shops and eateries, while the Sooke Potholes, a series of natural rock pools along the Sooke River, provide a refreshing escape. A haven for nature lovers, Sooke boasts lush rainforests and rugged shores, ideal for exploring. Whether you’re strolling the Whiffin Spit or savoring the laid-back vibe, Sooke delivers a perfect blend of coastal charm and wilderness, making it an inviting retreat near British Columbia’s capital.

Sooke, named after the T’Sou-ke First Nation who have lived in the area for millennia, was settled by Europeans in the 1840s as a logging and fishing community, incorporated in 1999. Today, it’s a gateway to outdoor adventures, with the Galloping Goose Trail, a 55-km cycling path, connecting Sooke to Victoria through scenic countryside. Sooke Harbour is a hub for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the Sooke River offers fishing for steelhead and trout. The Sooke Region Museum, housed in a 1920s lighthouse, showcases local history, including artifacts from the 17 Mile House Pub, a historic stagecoach stop. Annual events like the Sooke Fine Arts Show, one of Vancouver Island’s largest juried art exhibitions, draw visitors, while nearby Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park provides challenging hikes with panoramic views, blending culture with nature.

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