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Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

The East Sooke Coast Trail is one of the hiking trails in East Sooke Regional Park and is located in the vicinity of the Pacific Ocean. This heavily trafficked loop trail has magnificent views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and superb forests with Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce trees. Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail is full of breathtaking moments and eye-catching scenery. It features several viewpoints, a beach, creeks and picnic spots. Whether amateur or experienced, this energy-taking hiking trip will be a worthwhile experience and a new adventure.
The East Sooke Coast Trail's difficulty level is rated as hard with 22.2 km (13.8 miles) length and an elevation of 684 m (2244 ft), recommended for experienced hikers who prefer to have a real adventure. Wildlife and bird watching, and scrambling rocky surfaces intensify the excitement of hiking in the East Sooke Coast Trail. Visitors may observe some sea lions and seals swimming close to the shore or even Orca whales; they are lucky. While walking along the trail, you will find stunning locations for taking beautiful pictures.

Location of the East Sooke Coast Trail

The East Sooke Coast Trail is one of the best trails in East Sooke Regional Park, southwest of Vancouver Island. Extended from Aylard Farm to Iron Mine Bay, this well-marked loop hiking trail may take about 8 hours to be completed at a normal pace. There are some ups and downs over difficult terrain to challenge your progression, specifically the section before and after Cabin Point. However, blended of both sharp cliffs and coastal areas, the East Sooke Coast Trail has a cozy environment for adventurers from all around the globe.

Hiking Trails Near the East Sooke Coast Trail

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 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 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.

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.

How to Get to the East Sooke Coast Trail By Car

For hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail, 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 Trail 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 Trail

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.

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.

The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens

Visiting the Butchart Gardens is an outstanding experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Being in a dreamy atmosphere where colours surround you would refresh your soul. This colourful display is a gem in Victoria, designated by the National Historic Sites of Canada, with a landscape of flowers, trees, grass, sculptures, and fountains.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria or AGGV is home to artworks from talented artists of Canada and Asia. The building complex of the gallery includes the Spencer Mansion and the exhibition galleries. It also has gardens with a Japanese Shinto shrine. The art gallery is kid-friendly, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The gift shop has gorgeous merchandise.

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.

Goldstream Niagara Falls

Goldstream Niagara Falls

Goldstream Niagara Falls or Niagara Falls can meet your expectations of a natural attraction. The height is 47.5 m (155.8 ft), which drops over the rocks and is surrounded by old trees like Douglas fir and red cedar. The opportunities to take photos are everywhere; there is no need to search. Just drive to the west side of Langford to find it at Goldstream Provincial Park and hike through Goldstream Trestle to observe all the beauties.

Sandcut Beach Waterfall

Sandcut Beach Waterfall

Being on the beach with the ocean in front and trees and a waterfall backside is a perfect view. A cheery on top of Sandcut Beach is Sandcut Beach Waterfall. This picturesque beach waterfall cascades gracefully from the rock cliff over the pebble beach. Watching the sunset is spectacular by the fall; the orange sky and the last rays of sunshine reflexing in water drops are something worth seeing.

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.

Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park is an old-growth temperate rain forest with 600-year-old Douglas fir trees. It has magnificent waterfalls, giant trees, and a winding river, a perfect area for camping. Annual fall salmon that runs in the river and the bald eagles that gather at the park for feeding are some of the most exciting views. With a variety of trails, this park is an excellent place for hiking.

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.

Mystic Beach Waterfall

Mystic Beach Waterfall

Victoria has a lot to say when it comes to attractions, and among them is Mystic Beach Waterfall. This stunning waterfall is placed right in front of the sea, water cascading gorgeously from a high rock cliff on the sandy beach. If you want to make the most valuable use of your time and sunset is your favourite colour, stay long enough to watch the sunset by the waterfall.

Willows Beach

Willows Beach

If you are a fan of sun and beach, Victoria has the warmest weather in Canada to take a sunbath and swim, and Willows Beach is located in this area. This white sandy beach is south of Willows Park and has protected water suitable for a family vacation. Get the most out of your visit when you are at the park. Have a meal or drink in its cafe with a view of the sea.

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.

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens is a place for history enthusiasts and gardens and interior design lovers. It is a 19th-century Victorian home and garden full of everything nostalgic to you. As one of Victoria's oldest homes, it is located overlooking the scenic and historic Selkirk Water/Gorge Waterway. It includes vegetables, cut flowers, a small fruit orchard, and a greenhouse.

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.

Details for Hiking the East Sooke Coast Trail

Plan for the hiking trail

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

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.

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head and its loop are two of the hot spots for whale watching in Sooke. In addition to fantastic opportunities for whale watching, Beechey Head is a hiking and nature trip location that offers you excellent activities, such as birdwatching.

Camping in the Gordon Bay Campsite

Camping in the Gordon Bay Campsite

Choose wisely to make your stay on Vancouver Island unforgettable. Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site can give you the chance to have a retreat from daily bustles in a perfect and clean with a quiet atmosphere. It has a lovely swimming area surrounded by log booms in which you can bathe and relax for unnoticeable hours.

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.

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

While exploring Sooke Area, if you happen o take a long calm walk on the Otter Point shoreline, you may see whales from the beach. Otter Point Park provided you with other activities, too, such as hiking, wildlife and birdwatching, and also a scenic nature to appreciate.

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are a paddling enthusiast and happen to visit Vancouver Island during summer times, put Shawnigan Lake on top of your list. The lake is enclosed with fabulous parks in which you are provided with tons of recreational activities. Lakeside cabins, several beaches and a spectacular shoreline make Shawnigan Lake a fantastic hot spot for kayaking and canoeing.

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.

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.

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.

Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching

Fisherman's Wharf Park Whale Watching

Due to certified whale watching agencies, Fisherman's Wharf Park is a significant place to visit for whale watching enthusiasts. As one of the most prodigious and phenomenal creators worldwide, whales are ample during specific whale watching seasons.

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.

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Featuring wildflowers and fantastic sceneries, Creyke Point Trail is a suitable spot for whale watching, bird watching, and nature trips with splendid beaches and forests. So if you are having a great time in Sooke, remember to stop by Creyke Point to have more fun.

Race Rocks Diving

Race Rocks Diving

A fantastic offering for those who would like to dive and learn about the history of marine activities of Vancouver Island is lying on the grounds of Race Rock Lighthouse. The existence of this lighthouse adds up to the exceptionality of this diving adventure. However, you have to look out for the whales living there.

Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park Windsurfing

Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park Windsurfing

What you see in Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park is never what you had heard about it. A beautiful park featuring two lakes has a lot to offer. Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park is a hot spot for answering your cravings for water activities, particularly windsurfing. There are also some popular land activities you can find exciting right on the shore.

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.

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