Sooke and Surroundings, B.C.

Living in or around Vancouver, B.C. means lots of opportunities to explore the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. We did that recently by enjoying a weekend getaway to the area of Sooke on the southwestern part of Vancouver Island. With packages provided by B.C. Ferries Vacations that include ferry travel and accommodation all you need to do is decide on a destination to explore.

The ferry ride from the Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island is about one and a half hours and takes you on a scenic trip beside the southern Gulf Islands. After arriving at Swartz Bay we made a stop at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site which you can read about here.

We settled into our accommodation at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke and got a good nights rest so that we could explore the area the next day.

The first day we drove up the island to Sheringham Point Lighthouse. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries more than 240 ships were wrecked along the south shore of Vancouver Island, many of them trying to find a safe passage through the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca that separates the island from the mainland of Washington State. Because of the number of ships that either capsized or ran aground more lighthouses were commissioned. This lighthouse became one of 12 built along the coast of Vancouver Island in the early 1900’s to help ships navigate the rugged coastline and poor weather conditions of this area.

The lighthouse was automated in 1980 and destaffed in 1989. After 25 years of being neglected a group of people formed The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society and began to lobby the government to protect the lighthouse. Their hard work paid off with a local developer preserving an area around the lighthouse for a trail, and in 2017 the Government of Canada making this lighthouse the first in Canada to be protected under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

After spending some time at the lighthouse we drove a bit farther along the west coast of the island to Sandcut Beach. The weather wasn’t cooperating, but the drizzle didn’t stop us from walking along the beach to see the unique waterfall here.

After parking head through the old growth forest to the beach and then turn left. The small waterfall is about 400 meters down the beach and cascades over the sandstone cliffs that lead to the beach and then disappears into the rocks below. It’s not large, but it is still very impressive and worth the visit.

If it is a clear day then make sure to enjoy any views out towards the water and the Olympic Mountains to the south. This is a popular area for whale watching and spotting seals sunning themselves along the shoreline.

The weather was getting worse so it was time to head back. We stopped at a cafe called Shirley Delicious along the side of the highway and I would highly recommend it if you are passing by this way. The baked goods and coffee were worth the short wait!

The next day we drove a short distance to East Sooke Regional Park to go for a hike along the oceanfront. This park has over 50 kilometers of trails that go through lush forests and boggy marshes as well as follow the rugged coastline.

We first made our way along the water to the Alldridge Point Petroglyphs. These petroglyphs are most likely thousands of years old and would have been carved by the First Nation people of the area. The main drawing is of an elephant seal which is an animal that would have helped to ensure a healthy fish population for the people. Unfortunately the harsh weather conditions, and the sea spray and waves, are causing the petroglyphs to slowly fade away.

This is a beautiful hike and the weather was cooperating for us. The Arbutus trees with their gnarled branches and brightly coloured peeling bark, stand out amongst the other trees and shrubbery along the trails. The Arbutus tree can be found along the coastal areas of southern British Columbia where the rocky ground and warm sunshine make for perfect growing conditions.

You will also find Aylard Farm located in this regional park. Not actually a farm, but a lovely sandy beach, the spot is great for exploring the tidal pools or enjoying a picnic.

We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend getaway and look forward to returning to the area in the future, perhaps to drive farther up the island to discover more scenic spots!

Much of the land we visited remains unceded traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke First Nation, as well as the Pacheedaht First Nation, and Scia’new First Nation.