Eagle Lodge - Sooke Attractions

Sooke Attractions

l Sooke Harbour House

Sooke Harbour House provides one of the finest seafoods in southern Vancouver Island and is well-known both locally and internationally. The beachfront restaurant provides a satisfying experience every time using a variety of fresh (fish is usually served the same day they are caught!), local, and natural ingredients and a menu that changes daily. Many of the herbs used are also grown right in the gardens which contains over 200 edible plants. This design is both beautiful and functional, and adds a personal flair to the foods served at the Sooke Harbour House. You won't find the same taste anywhere else!

http://www.sookeharbourhouse.com/roomrates07.html

l East Sooke Regional Park

East Sooke Park has many trails to suit the needs of hikers of all levels. Scenes of winding coastlines, forest wildlife, sandy beach, Juan de Fuca Strait, the Olympic Mountains, and many more natural beauties are all waiting for you! Birdwatchers can find lots of west coast species here, including the turkey vulture and red-tailed hawk!

Distance: 10km coastline/ 40km forest and coast trail.

East Sooke Park is located approx. one hour drive east of Victoria. It can be reached from Highway 14.

This park has three starting points: Anderson Cove, Pike Road, and Aylard Farm.

http://www.eastsookepark.com

http://www.sookeoutdoors.com/eastsookepark/

l Galloping Goose Trail

Galloping Goose Trail follows an old railroad route, passing through rural, urban, and wilderness settings for the experience of a lifetime. You can spot signs of BC wildlife all along the 55km scenic route.

Directions: Starting from Victoria West and foing past Selkirk Trestle, follow the road west to Sooke. Head north from there to Leechtown. You could also start from Downtown Victoria and cross Johnson Street Bridge then turn right on to Harbour Road.

http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/

http://www.sookeoutdoors.com/gallopinggoosetrail/

l Sooke Potholes

Sooke Potholes is one of the most popular swimming areas on the island, drawing many tourists, swimmers, picnic lovers, and families. The Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and Sooke Potholes Regional Park can both be reached from the area. It is located on the banks of the Sooke River and trails from the Sooke Potholes lead into the trails of Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Roche Cove Provincial Park, and Matheson Lake Provincial Park.

Aside from the potholes, the highlights of the trail include the spectacular view from above at the river below, picnic tables, waterfalls, and the abundant wildlife (black-tailed deer, squirrels, eagles, and salmon). The river is especially grand in the spring season, when it is fuller from the melting snow and rain.

Heading to the Sooke Potholes from Downtown Victoria is a 50minute drive via Highway 14 westwards. This area is suitable to visit all year round but the best times for hiking would be between March and October. Visitors in October also have the amazing opportunity to watch the large groups of salmon returning to the river.

http://www.sookepotholes.com/

l The Sooke Region Museum

The Sooke Region Museum demonstratess many of Sooke's firsts, like the first aboriginal family to settle in the region and the first Spanish explorer to visit the west coast over 200 years ago. It contains many historical artifacts, First Nations exhibits, and displays of various scenes and items from the 18th century. There is a cabin inside the museum which was built in 1870, using materials from BC's first steam-powered factory. It also has high historic values as it is the oldest bulding on Vancouver Island.

http://www.sookeregionmuseum.com/

l Whiffen Spit/Whiffen Spit Park

http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Whiffen_Spit_Park_Sooke_Vancouver_Island_BC.htm

l China Beach

http://www.discoversooke.com/china-beach.php

l French Beach

http://www.sookeoutdoors.com/frenchbeachpark/

More Information:

http://www.sookebc.com/

http://www.sooke.org/