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Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

In East Sooke Regional Park, there are two major hiking loops, including Coast Trail and Interior Trail, which are extended alongside the park. Known as one of the most scenic coastlines in the southern Vancouver Island region, East Sooke Coast is the paradise of hikers seeking an inexperienced adventure and is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Victoria. East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop is a heavily trafficked loop. The trail is 9 km (5.6 miles) with an elevation gain of 258 m (846.4 ft). This hiking loop offers the chance to see wildlife and have a memorable nature trip. Another merit of passing the area and hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop is the observation of the Petroglyphs carved into the rock by the Coast Salish people hundreds of years ago.
Besides hiking, other activities such as running, nature trips, paddle sports, and wildlife viewing may be traced while visiting this hiking trail. The section along the coast is breathtaking and so well maintained; if you are lucky, you may see some whales. From May until September is the best time for hiking in the vicinity of East Sooke Regional Park.

Location of the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

The East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop is located in East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke, Vancouver Island. The park has a diversity of sightseeing and hiking locations. Aylard Farm Parking Lot is the start point of East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop. This hiking trail is accessible both from Aylard Farm Trailhead and Pike Road Trailhead. There are several strenuous up and down with various cliffs and some other twists and turns. East Coast Regional Park is a series of interconnected hiking trails with different origins and destinations, including Creyke Point, Petroglyphs, Beechey Head, Cabin Point, Parkheights, and Iron Mine Bay.

Hiking Trails Near the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Wear decent hiking boots for a moderate hiking trail near Sooke. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an enjoyable trail that leads you to Grass Lake and featuring Monument Mountain makes it possible to have amazing views from the top. Doing the Grass Lake Trail overnight and camping by the lake turns it into a memorable trip. Enjoy the trail in warmer seasons and get a dip into the lake.

Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper

Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper

It is time to put your heart into hiking and step into a moderate multi-use trail with some great views along the way and on top. Mount Manuel Quimper has a beautiful summit worth the climb, which gives you excellent vistas of Sooke Harbour and a chance to visit one of the last fire lookouts left on the island.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on the entire East Sooke Coastal Trail is an experience not to be missed! This beautiful trail is a mix of the fantastic coast and beautiful greenery. Hiking boots are required! The route takes you along bluffs and cliffs by the Pacific Ocean that worth it for the views. This well-marked trail can take full-day hiking in East Sooke Regional Park.

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

The East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop is a well-marked trail with beautiful scenery. It is a combination of an easy access road and a more challenging coastal pass, which offers you incredible viewpoints. This excellent trail is along the Pacific Ocean and allows you to see marine life such as whales from a distance.

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Here is a highly recommended and well-marked trail for challenges enthusiasts. Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails offers you insane 360° views of the Sooke Basin, Victoria, and San Juan Islands.

How to Get to the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop By Car

For hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop, it is best to drive to East Sooke Regional Park - Aylard Farm Parking Lot, the trail's starting point.

From Nanaimo:
Getting to the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 118 km (73.3 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804.4 ft). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to W Shr Pkwy in Langford and drive 94.1 km (58.4 miles). Continue on W Shr Pkwy. Take Juan De Fuca Hwy/Sooke Rd/BC-14 W and Gillespie Rd to Becher Bay Rd. After 22.9 km (14.2 miles), you will reach East Sooke Regional Park - Aylard Farm Parking Lot.

From Victoria:
The access to the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop from Victoria is via Metchosin Rd. It is 34.5 km (21.4 miles) and takes about 40 minutes.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, Metchosin Rd, Rocky Point Rd and East Sooke Road to Becher Bay Rd and drive 32.7 km (20.3 miles). Follow Becher Bay Rd, and after 1.8 km (1.1 miles), you will reach East Sooke Regional Park - Aylard Farm Parking Lot.

What you Can Expect to See Near the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Gonzales Bay

Gonzales Bay

Gonzales Bay is a small scenic bay with a crescent-shaped beach. Its sandy beach is often quiet and peaceful. Walking on the Gonzales Bay beach near the ocean can help to release the world's anxiety. Lie on the beach and see the peaks of Olympic Mountain and enjoy the Mediterrane climate. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach from September through May.

China Beach

China Beach

Being at China Beach could be a memorable experience. The beach is a mixture of sand, pebbles, and grit, with access to the Juan de Fuca Trail. China Beach is suitable for watching whales, seals, dolphins, and even storms. With perfect waves, you would have an unforgettable adventure surfing there. If you desire to get the most out of the beach, stay at China Beach Campground.

Gallery Merrick

Gallery Merrick

Gallery Merrick is home to many native artists. The purpose of the gallery is to appreciate beauty everywhere we look. The priority of the gallery is to help working artists who make their livings out of their art. Many artists from Vancouver Island, surrounding islands, and across the country exhibit their talents here.

Sitting Lady Falls

Sitting Lady Falls

Sitting Lady Falls or Witty's Lagoon Falls with a wonderful forest around, and the moss-covered rocks is a magical place, something out of a fairy tale but near Victoria. The waterfall with 100 m (328 ft) height is divided into two parts, like a fork, making a unique shape worth visiting. The good thing about Sitting Lady Falls is the variety of birds living in the area.

Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River (Settlement)

Jordan River is a small settlement famous among surfers. It has many tourist attractions like Hidden Falls, Mystic Beach and Mystic Falls, Sandcut Beach Waterfall and Sandcut Beach, China Beach, Juan de Fuca Trail Trailhead, and Jordan River Regional Park. Enjoy storm watching, kayaking, and Camping or have a picnic in the area, which could be an experience of a lifetime.

Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew has been touted as "The Tall Tree Capital of Canada." It is also best known for its trails like Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the historic West Coast Trail. Enjoy tens of kilometres of shorelines with amazing beaches. Fishing here is considered an opportunity for anglers. Port Renfrew is heaven for other water activities like whale watching, surfing, and kayaking.

Mount Douglas Park

Mount Douglas Park

Mount Douglas Park is the largest and most fascinated park in the Saanich area, with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic mountain, island, and ocean. It is known for its age-friendly hiking trails lush with plenty of trees and wildflowers. Walking through its sandy beach and the tremendous forest lets you experience peace and enjoy the wildlife.

Goldstream Falls

Goldstream Falls

Sometimes a stunning waterfall is all you need. Pass the magical trails with the wooden stairs in Goldstream Provincial Park, which lead you to a beautiful waterfall. Goldstream Falls is like a hotspot in a fairyland with a lush forest view, a dream that comes true, a perfect place to relax and refresh your mind and soul. The scenery can motivate anyone to go camping, hiking, or devoting time to relax and enjoy the beauty.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Did you get fascinated before by a beautiful place that makes you stand steel? The pleasure of watching colourful butterflies from various spices and other creatures in a beautiful garden, the smell which lifts your mood, and the fresh air all feel like you are in a dreamland. If you love walking through a tropical area and are tired of boring visits, don't skip Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Gowlland Range

Gowlland Range

The Gowlland Range is a small and low mountain range. It has spectacular views and varieties of animals such as blacktail deer, cougar, river otter, raccoons, black bear and birds as hawks, eagle, grouse, and owl. Mountaineers would experience fantastic climbing and hiking trails passing through a beautiful forest ornamented with plentiful, stunning wildlife.

Memory Island Provincial Park

Memory Island Provincial Park

Memory Island Provincial Park is one of the smallest parks in British Columbia. Its peaceful and beautiful nature makes it an excellent choice for picnicking. As it is placed in Shawnigan Lake, you can catch some fish like trout. Also, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are possible. In addition, the park is home to various birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and fungi.

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to preserve intertidal and subtidal communities that became very rich due to strong tidal currents. It features marine mammals like whales, sea lions and seals, birds like ducks, cormorants, black oyster-catchers and bald eagles. Fish species, marine invertebrates, and animals like marine algae and seagrass are among other inhabitants.

Jordan River

Jordan River

Experience the softness and strength of the Jordan River. Feel the release of adrenaline in your blood or the comfort of being in nature. Jordan River, which ends in its regional park and the Pacific Ocean, brings you chances to do lots of adventures like hiking, biking, and popular activities such as storm watching, surfing, and kayaking to the sea.

Abkhazi Garden

Abkhazi Garden

The exotic flora, Japanese Maples, native Garry oaks, splendid rhododendrons of Abkhazi Garden makes it a must to visit when you are in Victoria. Walking and frolicking through this peaceful garden is delightful, especially in the spring and summer, when the flowers are blooming. The pond is full of turtles and Koi, and there is a teahouse perfect for afternoon tea.

Miniature World

Miniature World

Miniature World is among the top ten attractions in Victoria. It is the World of Smallness, the World of Story Books, and the World of Fact, Fiction, and Fantasy. It presents villages with different themes such as Camelot or the World's Smallest Operational Sawmill or Space 2201 AD and Avian 1 Spaceship. Miniature World is so unique that you may want to visit it every time you're in Victoria.

Details for Hiking on the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Plan for the hiking trail

What you Can Expect to Do Near the East Sooke Coast and Interior Trail Loop

Esquimalt Lagoon Windsurfing

Esquimalt Lagoon Windsurfing

If you are looking for a place to make immortal memories of your windsurfing experience, Esquimalt Lagoon would be an ideal place to do so. As one of the seven migratory bird sanctuaries, this lagoon with clear shallow water provides you with ample opportunity for water activities, including windsurfing. Also, beautiful birds travelling between North and South America are observable.

Willows Beach Windsurfing

Willows Beach Windsurfing

Protected waters lie along with a swimming shoreline, making Willows Beach an ideal place for those windsurfing lovers. If you happen to wander around Victoria and looking for a place to go windsurfing or even watch others doing it, keep Willows beach in mind. All kinds of amenities are provided for you to guarantee your convenience on this admirable beach.

Jordan River Surfing

Jordan River Surfing

None of the experiences of surfing would be the same on Vancouver Island. While you are in Victoria, do not forget to check out surfing opportunities in the Jordan River. And if you're looking to come in its best surfing conditions, visit Jordan River during September-March, because The stormy weather with the intensified climate will make your surfing adventure more desirable.

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay has a rich community offering settlings for whale watching lovers beside incredible wildlife; therefore, it would be an excellent point to start your Sooke Whale Watching. Plus, it has a cute beach. You cannot get over the beauty of it and its scenic views.

Sooke Whale Watching

Sooke Whale Watching

Among all the adventures in Sooke, which leave you speechless by the wat, whale watching opportunities are undeniable. The chances of observing the world's largest Mammals vary season by season, but it is best to come during May-October. Sooke will bring you the opportunity to experience a whale-watching trip to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. So, let your journey take you to the destined places.

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Camping in the Goldstream Campground

Have you ever dreamt about camping in a paradise? Well, Goldstream Campground is where you can make it come true. Giant trees, a high waterfall, birds, beautiful fish, a river which meets the sea with campground facilities will make your stay unforgettable. The area is embellished by a diversity of flora and fauna, making it extraordinary, a place you never get sick of.

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria offers endless kayaking and canoeing opportunities, whether you have the expertise or not. It is the gateway to world-class paddling in which various wildlife and birdlife exist. But the adventure doesn't stop there; you can do any activity you imagine, and consequently, Victoria is the paradise of paddles for those who enjoy having more exciting excursions besides kayaking and canoeing.

Jordan River Kayaking

Jordan River Kayaking

For those who seek sea paddling, the Jordan River might be a potential destination to satisfy their desires for kayaking. Another merit of visiting Jordan River is that it is surrounded by some recreational sites which guarantee your stay to be adventurous. Camping areas around the Jordan River facilitate a long kayaking experience.

Sombrio Beach Storm Watching

Sombrio Beach Storm Watching

Sombrio Beach is the place you can both find comfort and excitement. This V is a hot spot for storm watching for its harsh waves. Another attraction of Sombrio Beach is that you can enjoy storm watching on a rocky beach where the majestic waves break into, and the sound of it will comfort your mind. Due to the powerful winds and robust waves, Sombrio Beach is a paradise for surfers and storm watchers.

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

West Bay Esquimalt Whale Watching

Featuring Victoria Harbour and West Bay, Esquimalt could be your starting point for whale watching in Victoria. You can also have the pleasure of watching sea lions, seals, porpoises, and a wide variety of marine birds are other stunning creators that may be highly admirable to wildlife watching fanatics.

French Beach Storm Watching

French Beach Storm Watching

Write a page in your diary describing the great storm-watching experience you had on French Beach. The beach is sometimes foggy, which adds a sense of mystery, and when it clears up, the gorgeous beach will manifest itself. When the water lever dwindles in the distance, you can be a witness to great storms. The sound of waves hitting the pebbles is too comforting.

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Use your memory as your travel bag and fill them as best as you can. Follow your desires of camping and visit the Jordan River Regional Park Campground. a quiet, serene campsite in which you have the chance to stay away from the bustle in town. Please have a visit to gorgeous waterfalls, which are fantastic since they don’t plunge into the water but drain into the ground.

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

As one of the best tourist attractions of Sooke and Vancouver Island, West Coast comprises many outdoor excitements that cannot be denied. You are provided with different wildlife to watch and various food to eat, not to mention that you observe a rare nature that is outstanding. So, chances are high to see different whales and other marine creatures.

Sooke Kayaking

Sooke Kayaking

You would get lost among the reasons why you should visit Sooke. As an ocean-side village, Sooke is full of natural beauties in which you can enjoy several outdoor activities. Waters that feature Sooke are idealistic for paddling enthusiasts to kayak. Most importantly, Sooke is the starting point of the exciting journey of the West Coast Trail.

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