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Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve in Race Rocks Marine Protected Area was established in 1980 to preserve intertidal and subtidal communities that became very rich due to strong tidal currents. Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is also an ideal stopover during migrations. Ecological reserves are selected areas in British Columbia to protect specific natural ecosystems, plants and animals, features, and phenomena. Conservation of physical and biological diversity and genetic materials while allowing for research and educational activities are the primary purposes of ecological reserves.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is named for its rocky reefs and strong tidal currents, showcasing various Pacific marine life. It features marine mammals, including whales, sea lions and seals, birds like ducks, cormorants, black oyster-catchers and bald eagles. Fish species are rockfish, sculpin, and lingcod seek. Marine invertebrates include sea cucumbers, soft corals, sponges, hydroids and anemones and a brilliant array of underwater plants and animals like marine algae and seagrass.


Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Location

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve with about 220 hectares (543.6 acres) area is located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near Sooke, on the southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This protected area is an important educational site for the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific. The college operates the light station facility as an education center in cooperation with BC Parks and the Canadian Coast Guard. Race Rocks Lighthouse is one of the first two lighthouses built on the west coast of Canada. It is the only lighthouse on that coast made of rock. East Sooke Regional Park and Roche Cove Regional Park are among the nearest parks you can find in the area for more adventure.


How to Get to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve by Car

Nanaimo:
Getting to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 116 km (72 miles) and takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (18.4 ft). Turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S and drive 94.1 km (58.4 miles). Continue on Westshore Pkwy to your destination in Metchosin, and after 21.4 km (13.3 miles), you will reach Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.

From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is via Rocky Point Rd. It is 33.7 km (21 miles) and takes about 40 minutes. Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and Metchosin Rd to Rocky Point Rd in Metchosin for 28 km (17.4 miles). Follow Rocky Point Rd to your destination, and after 5.7 km (3.5 miles), you will reach Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.


The Hike to Get to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

There is no designated hiking trail to get to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.


History of Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

In 1978 Pearson College UWC's students came up with an idea. They were interested in protecting Race Rocks while working on a marine science project under their teachers' supervision and guidance, Garry Fletcher and Marks McAvity. They mentioned the importance of the ecological and incredible biodiversity of the area.
In 1980, under joint BC Parks-Pearson College UWC management, the rocks and surrounding areas were protected as an ecological reserve.


Things to do around the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Area

Activities like camping, freshwater fishing, hunting, livestock grazing, removal of materials, plants or animals are forbidden by regulation in ecological reserves. Nature observation, hiking, and photography are permitted in this reserve.

The Best Ecological Reserves Near Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Activities

Hiking

You will find The Coast Trail in East Sooke Regional Park the most beautiful coastal day-hike on southern Vancouver Island, but regard that hiking there can be so challenging.

Fishing

Fishing is possible at Secretary Island, Possession Point, Trap Shack, Otter Point, Sheringham Point, Point-no-Point, the Jordan River, and also Sooke. You can catch fish spices like Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, Halibut, and Rockfish.

Wildlife Viewing

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is a natural wonder with the diversity of flora and fauna.

Storm Watching

East Sooke Park, French Beach, China Beach, Juan de Fuca and Sombrio Beach offer many storms watching opportunities.

Swimming

There are swimming pools and beaches near East Sook Regional Park, including East Sooke, Weir Beach, SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort, Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina, Sandcut Beach, China Beach, Sandcut Beach, Wittys Beach, China Beach Campground, and French Beach.

Whale Watching

Whales in the area include Southern Resident Orcas, which you can see from April through November and Transient Orcas, which you can find throughout the year. You may sight Humpbacks from March through November or Minke Whales, but you may not have a chance to watch Gray whales.

Kayaking

Kayaking between Port Renfrew and Sooke in the summer is one of the best experiences available on Vancouver Island.

Race Rocks Diving

Besides a great diversity of wildlife and inhabitants, one of Canada's oldest lighthouses, Race Rocks Lighthouse, makes the Race Rocks diving experience exceptional.

What you Can Expect to Do Near Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper

Hiking on Mount Manuel Quimper

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

Hiking on the East Sooke Coast Trail

Hiking on 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

Victoria Diving

Victoria Diving

Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club Whale Watching

Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club Whale Watching

Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

Van Isle Marina Whale Watching

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

West Coast Outdoor Adventure Whale Watching

Cabin Point Whale Watching

Cabin Point Whale Watching

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Creyke Point Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Outline

Specifications

Climate

Timing

Trails


1- The numbers are estimated on average.


What you Can Expect to See Near Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Spiral Beach

Spiral Beach

McNeil Bay

McNeil Bay

Langford

Langford

Gonzales Bay

Gonzales Bay

Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum

Miniature World

Miniature World

Willows Beach

Willows Beach

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Sitting Lady Falls

Sitting Lady Falls

Gallery Merrick

Gallery Merrick

Florence Lake Cave

Florence Lake Cave

Victoria

Victoria

Planning for Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

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Camping & Resort

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