Located in the southern part of Vancouver Island, Sooke is an ideal place for whale watching from May through October. There are few experiences as thrilling as viewing some of the largest Mammals in the world. Sooke whale watching opportunities vary season by season. However, the chance increases during specific months based on the type of whales. For instance, Southern Resident Orcas are much more observable from April through November. Gray Whales are observable only occasionally. The weather condition in Sooke change during different seasons. From November to March, rainy weather is more prevalent. Other months may be milder, with crispy sunny days.
Most Sooke trips are around 3 hours based on weather conditions. Staying in Sooke, which is northwest of Victoria, brings the chance to experience a whale-watching trip to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Orcas and Humpbacks:
Killer Whales (Orcas) and Humpbacks diving around Sooke give visitors ample opportunity to encounter these marvellous marine animals. Orcas are social animals that travel in groups known as pods. The pods usually are led by females with social hierarchies.
Other types of whales and mammals:
Gray, Fin and Minke Whales may also be visible during excursions. Other creatures include Harbor Seals, Elephant Seals, Dall's Porpoise, Harbour Porpoise, California Sea Lions, and bald eagles.
Sooke is located on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island along the scenic West Coast Highway 14. This place is south of Lake Cowichan and in the vicinity of Port Renfrew and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
There are several hot spots you can find around the Sooke area for whale watching. Among them are Creyke Point, Spirit Bay Visitor Centre, Beechey Head, Cabin Point, West Coast Outdoor Adventure, and Otter Point Park. Adventure by HIP is known as one of the Sooke area's whale watching tours and agencies.
From Nanaimo:
Distance from Nanaimo: 119 km (74 miles) / Takes about an hour and a half.
Getting to Sooke from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804.4). Turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S and drive 94.1 km (58.4 miles). Follow Westshore Pkwy and Juan De Fuca Hwy/Sooke Rd/BC-14 W to Guardian Rd in Sooke. After 24 km (15 miles), you will reach Sooke.
From Victoria:
Distance from Victoria: 40.1 km (25 miles) / Takes about 40 minutes.
Getting to Sooke from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and Juan De Fuca Hwy/Sooke Rd/BC-14 W. Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Westshore Pkwy in Langford for 16.1 km (10 miles). Follow Westshore Pkwy to Juan De Fuca Hwy/Sooke Rd/BC-14 W for 4.2 km (2.6 miles). Follow Juan De Fuca Hwy/Sooke Rd/BC-14 W to Guardian Rd in Sooke and drive 19.5 km (12.1 miles). Turn left onto Guardian Rd and go on 300 m (1082.7 ft) more to reach Sooke.