Best Things to do in Sooke
On our trip in the Vancouver Island, we spent 3 days in Sooke and here is the list of best things you can do in and around Sooke. Most of the locations in this list are from Sooke to Port Renfrew. The drive is must do if you are visiting Vancouver Island. We drove from Uchelet to Sooke and I have listed some places along this route as well in this list.
Dip in the waterfalls gushing on the Sandcut Beach
This a small hike with a very small parking lot along Highway 14. The trail leads to a beach with an open area where you can witness 3 small waterfalls gushing their way to meet the ocean. If you are in summer the flow would be easy to dip in the falls.
Explore the hidden waterfall at Sombrio Beach
If you are limited on time and want to do one hike, It should be this one. It has all the features and views included in one hike. Starting with some lush forest, then followed by a suspension bridge that overlooks a stream joining the ocean. The beach is full of mussels and star fish if you look closely. Also you can do overnight camping here for 10$ per adult if you are interested. Also the highlight of this trip is that it has a hidden waterfall, there is no markings whatsoever. Just keep walking till you reach the extreme left of the beach and you will see a narrow stream of water meeting the ocean, that's the entry point. Within few feet's, you will come across this breathtaking waterfall falling on mossy rocks. This was the highlight of our trip.
View wildlife at the Whiffin's Spit
Whiffin spit was my husband's favorite spot. Our timing was so right in the evening around 7PM when we decided to take a stroll here. We were able to see a fight between a bald eagle and seagulls for a fish remains which was originally caught by a sea otter. See the video below to believe it.
Eagle sea gulls and Otter fighting for fish
Walk the incredible Kinsol Trestle
I usually go for more natural hikes but I am glad I did this one. It was recommended to us by the Nanaimo visiting center. This is a old rail line that is not maintained for viewing. The structure is so awesome that I was amazed that an actually train ran on top of it.
Have a Nanaimo Bar at HearthStone Artisan Bakery.
From the time I have moved to Canada, I always wanted to have a nanaimo bar at the place where its from. I waited all the way until we reached Nanaimo itself. They say one of the best ones is at HearthStone Artisan bakery. And its true. The triple layers were just awesome. Also they do sell a lot of other baked goods that smelled so good.
Take a short hike at Stocking Creek Waterfall.
This is an overlooked waterfall right in Nanaimo along Highway 1. The trail is filled with cranberry trees and the waterfall is on a broadwalk. There are two entrances to this creek and both are at a very short distance from falls. There are multiple paths here, we did the shortest one. The trans Canada trail also runs through this.
Do the rugged drive to reach Upper Avatar Grove.
Upper Avatar Grove is tucked far from Sooke but this place should not be skipped. The road leading to the grove is not that great but the drive is definitely worth it. You will be able to see the gnarliest tree of Canada along with huge fir and cedar trees. The roots of these trees are humongous so make sure you dont get lost of the trail.
Share a pizza at Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria.
Nothings better than a wood fired pizza on a rainy day. We were so hungry after a day full of walking and stoked wood fired Pizzeria did not disappoint. Their spicy pepperoni was the best. Don’t miss this!
