Spirit Bay Visitor Centre is a vibrant and exhilarating environment and a start point for Sooke whale watching, south Vancouver Island. Besides spectacular wildlife, it has a rich community offering settlings for whale-watching lovers. Spirit Bay has a lovely beach and is located near the Sooke area, accessible both from Victoria and Nanaimo.
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.
Spirit Bay Visitor Centre is located at 1103 Marina Dr, Sooke, BC V9Z 1B6, Vancouver Island, Canada. It is southeast of Sooke, about 20.5 km (12.7 miles) away. Some other hot spots for Sooke whale watching are Creyke Point, Beechey Head, Cabin Point, West Coast Outdoor Adventure, and Otter Point Park.
From Nanaimo:
Distance from Nanaimo: 113 km (70.2 miles) / Takes about an hour and a half.
Getting to Spirit Bay Visitor Centre 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). Continue on Westshore Pkwy. Take Happy Valley Rd, Rocky Point Rd, and East Sooke Road to Marina Dr. After 18.5 km (11.5 miles), you will reach Spirit Bay Visitor Centre.
From Victoria:
Distance from Victoria: 29.5 km (18.3 miles) / Takes about 35 minutes.
Getting to Spirit Bay Visitor Centre from Victoria is via Metchosin Rd. Drive along Craigflower Rd, Island Hwy/BC-1A W, Metchosin Rd, Rocky Point Rd, and East Sooke Road. Drive 29.2 km (18.1 miles) and take Spirit Bay Rd to Marina Dr. After 300 m (984.2 ft), you will reach Spirit Bay Visitor Centre.