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 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.
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.
There is no designated hiking trail to get to 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.
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.
