April 30, 2014

Sooke to Port Renfrew

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2014 Visitors Guide

Vancouver Island - British Columbia

T. J. Watt photos

Published by

Your community at your doorstep

District of Sooke

Easy to Get to, Hard to Leave EXPERIENCE OUR RUGGED WESTCOAST

Bike on the historical Galloping Goose Trail. Walk or hike in the shade of old growth rainforest. Paddle in the sheltered waters of the Sooke Harbour and Basin. Zipline. Fish. Surf. Whale watch.

CELEBRATE THE ARTS - Visit the museum and the many artists’ studios.

Listen to an outdoor concert in the park or go to a play. Dine at world renowned restaurants.

UNWIND - Enjoy nature the way it’s supposed to be. Stroll along the wheelchair accessible marine boardwalk or Whiffin Spit. Beachcomb. Family vacations. Romantic and spa getaways.

Small-town charm.

WELCOME TO SOOKE Sooke is located on the South Western tip of Vancouver Island, 40 minutes from downtown Victoria, BC. Bordered by the Sooke Hills and the sheltered waters of the Sooke Harbour and Basin, Sooke is home of the T’Sou-ke First Nation and almost 10,000 residents.

Photo by Ken Sprinkling

“WILD BY NATURE”

www.sooke.ca ~ www.sooke-portrenfrew.com

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Contents Advertiser Index Region’s Annual Events Emergency / Churches East Sooke Sooke Galloping Goose Trail Sooke Region Museum Sooke Potholes Arts in the Community Ed Macgregor Park Sooke Marine Boardwalk Outdoor Adventures Sooke to Port Renfrew Map Sooke Core Map Camping Whiffin Spit Secret Spots in Sooke Sooke Bed & Breakfast Directory Otter Point Shirley Jordan River Port Renfrew Port Renfrew Map Pacific Marine Circle Route & Map West Coast Trail Woodland Safety

4 5 6 8-11 12-39 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 24 25 26 & 27 28-29 31 33 & 33 34-35 36 37 40-41 42-45 46-47 48-50 50 51 & 53 52 54

Pirjo Raits photo

Let us help you explore the region Sooke - Port Renfrew offers something for everyone, beautiful beaches, big trees, regional parks, wildlife watching, sports fishing, cycling, adventure. The area offers romantic bed and breakfasts and fine dining, or browsing the local galleries and shops, or enjoying a leisurely beach walk. Visitors are attracted to our many beautifully situated campsites. Info at Sooke Visitor Centre 250-642-6351.

World Class Hiking For serious hikers, the region offers world class hikes, the 47 km Juan de Fuca Trail and the 74 km West Coast Trail. Information is available at the Sooke Visitor Centre and at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pacificrim T. J. Watt photo

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

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Advertisers Directory Accommodations

Restaurants/Food

Sooke Amazing Vacation Homes ....................................... 18 Best Western Prestige Oceanfront Resort ... Back Cover Mountain Springs Retreat ......................................... 9 Sooke B&B Directory ............................................. 37 Sooke Community Association (camping). Inside Back Sooke Harbour House ............................................ 35 Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina ............................ 27 Vancouver Island Lodge ......................................... 12

17 Mile Pub & Liquor Shoppe.................................. 7 Sooke 2 for 1 Pizza ................................................. 23 Buffy’s Pub & Liquor Store ..................................... 36 Kemp Lake Music Cafe ........................................... 41 Kelz ........................................................................ 24 Lazy Gecko ............................................................ 37 Little Vienna Bakery............................................... 35 Markus’ Wharfside Restaurant ................................ 33 Mix by Ric’s, Sofia, Yesaki.......................... Back Cover Mom’s Cafe ............................................................. 45 Point No Point ....................................................... 43 Royal Canadian Legion Br. #54 ............................... 25 Shirley Delicious ..................................................... 44 Smokin Tuna Cafe ..................................................... 9 Sooke Country Market ........................................... 13 Sooke Harbour House ............................................ 35 Sooke River Store & Grill........................................ 19 Stickleback .............................................................. 17 Stone Pipe Grill....................................................... 25 Village Food Markets .............................................. 21 Western Foods ........................................................ 23

Shirley Point No Point ....................................................... 45 Port Renfrew Beachview B&B ...................................................... 49 Choice Charters & Homestead ............................... 49

Entertainment/Recreation & Fishing Charters

Charters Creek ....................................................... 19 Choice Charters & Homestead ............................... 49 DeMamiel Creek Golf Course................................. 34 Royal Canadian Legion Br. #54 ............................... 25 Rush Kayak Adventures ........................................... 17 SEAPARC Leisure Complex ................................. 15 Sooke Fine Arts Show ............................................. 11 Sooke Philharmonic ................................................ 11 Sooke Region Museum ..................................... 14, 18 Vancouver Island Lodge ......................................... 12 Westcoast Adventure College................................... 17

Real Estate

Nancy Vieira ........................................................... 47 Royal Le Page ......................................................... 22

Shopping

B&K Jewelry & Gifts ............................................. 21 Kemp Lake Music Cafe ........................................... 41 Peoples Drug Mart .................................................. 30 Sea of Bloom .......................................................... 24 Shoppers Drug Mart ............................................... 26 Sooke Flower House ................................................ 22 Sooke River Store & Grill........................................ 19

Art/Galleries

Sooke Fine Arts Show ............................................. 11 Sooke Region Museum Gallery Shop ................ 14, 18 South Shore Gallery ................................................ 30

Services

District of Sooke ...................................... Inside Front Le Sooke Spa ........................................................Back Rico Massage........................................................... 13 Sooke Harbour Taxi ................................................ 13

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Sooke Region 2014 Annual Events Year Round April 4-6 April 5 April 5-13 April 6 April 11-13 April 12 April 13 April 19 April 19 May 3 May 3 May 3 May 4 May 10 May 17 May 25 May 31 May (end) June 1 June 13-15 June 15 June 21 June 21 June 22 June 21-22 June 27-29 June 28 Early July July 1 July 1 July 5 July 13 July 19 July 25 – Aug 4 Aug 4 Aug 16-17 Aug 17 Aug 30 Sept 6-7 Sept 7 Oct 4 Oct 30 Nov 10 Nov 11 Nov 16 Nov 21-23 Dec 7

Lighthouse Walk Program - Volksport 10k Walk “Godspell”, Sooke Harbour Players Community Business Awards, Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce Consider the Lilies Fiber Arts Show Shirley Community Spring Craft Fair “Godspell”, Sooke Harbour Players Family Arts Fair, 8th Annual Sooke River 10K & Series awards, Vancouver Island Runners Association Easter Eggstravaganza Hank Cramer, Sooke Folk Music Society, Coffee House Sooke Rotary Club Auction Volkssport 10K “Un” Walk Candlelight Vigil Battle of the Atlantic & VE Day Ceremony Rubber Duck Race Ozmoses, Sooke Folk Music Society, Coffee House Honeybee Awareness Day Doug Cox and Sam Hurrie, Sooke Folk Music Society, Concert Series, 4th Annual Halibut Festival Sooke Philharmonic’s Secret Garden Tour Sooke River Bluegrass Festival Dog Walk, Sooke Harbourside Lions fundraiser for Guide Dogs Daniel Cook, Sooke Folk Music Society, Coffee House Victoria Gran Fondo Cycling Event Sooke Region Museum Open House & Salmon BBQ Sooke Youth Show Choir, Sponsored by Sooke Community Choir Tall Tree Music Festival, 5th Annual Solstice Spectacular, Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra Stick Fest 2014 Sooke Canada Day Celebrations Port Renfrew Canada Day Celebrations Laura Smith, Sooke Folk Music Society, Concert Series “Philharmonic Fling!”

Leechtown 150 Anniversary Sooke Fine Arts Show 2014 BC Day Art in the Park Shirley Day – A Celebration of Life Salmon Classic Derby Sooke Fall Fair 7th Annual Beach Art Festival Oktoberfest Safe Halloween Candlelight Vigil Remembrance Day Parade & Ceremonies Shirley Christmas Craft Fair All Sooke Arts & Crafts Christmas Show Moss Cottage Christmas & Snowman Building

Western Foods (250)-642-4515 Edward Milne Community School Theatre (250)-642-6371 Best Western Premier Prestige Hotel (250)-642-6112 (Old) St. Mary’s Church, Metchosin (250)-642-2058 Shirley Community Hall, 11am-4pm (250)-646-2730 Edward Milne Community School Theatre (250)-642-6371 SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 9am-12:30pm (250)-642-8000 Edward Milne Community School, 11am info@vira.bc.ca SEAPARC Leisure Complex (250)-642-8000 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Doors open 7pm (250)-642-4568 SEAPARC Leisure Complex (250)-642-1108 Sooke Lions Club Walk for Camp Shawnigan (778)-425-4547 Royal Canadian Legion (250) 642-2052 Royal Canadian Legion (250) 642-2052 Sooke River Campground Sooke Harbourside Lions Club (250) 642-2408 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, doors open 7:00pm (250)-642-4568 Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery, 12:00-5:00 pm (250)-642-1956 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, doors open 7:30pm (250)-642-4568 Jock’s Dock, West Coast Rd. (250)-642-4410 sookesecretgardens.com www.sookebluegrass.com Whiffin Spit Park 250-642-7332 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, doors open 7:00pm 250-642-4568 Follows the Pacific Marine Circle Route, www.victoriagranfondo.com (250) 642-6351 Edward Milne Community School Theatre 250-642-6371 Port Renfrew (19 yrs or over event) www.talltreemusicfestival.com Sooke Community Theatre, 7:30 pm 250-415-0999 The Stick Coffee Mud House (250) 642-5635 Sooke River Flats (778) 425-4420 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, doors open 7:30 pm 250-642-4568 Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, Ed Macgregor Park 250-415-0999 Sooke Region Museum 250-642-6351 Sooke Fine Arts Society (250) 642-7256, SEAPARC Leisure Complex Sooke Community Arts Council, Ed Macgregor Park (250) 642-6411 Shirley Community Hall (250) 646-2730 Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina www.salmonclassic.ca Sooke Community Hall (250) 642-4110 Whiffin Spit Park, Sooke Community Arts Council (778) 425-2526 Sooke District Lioness Club at Royal Canadian Legion 778-425-4547 Sooke Cenotaph (250) 642-2052 Sooke Cenotaph (250) 642-2052 Shirley Community Hall (250) 646-2730 Sooke Community Hall (250) 642-3798 Sooke Region Museum (250) 642-6351

Dates are subject to change. Please check with the Sooke Visitor Centre for updates. 250-642-6351 or 1-866-8884748

Sooke to Port Renfrew

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EMERGENCY. . . . . . . . .911 NON EMERGENCY Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 642-5241 Ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 595-9911

Church Services Church Services 2013

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2110 Church Road. Phone: 250-642 4124 Praise Singing: 10:15 am Sunday, Sunday Service & Church School: 10:30 am

FIRE DEPARTMENTS Sooke Fire Hall #1 (main/Chief ’s office). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 642-5422 Fire Hall #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 642-5611 East Sooke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 642-4411 Otter Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 642-6211 Shirley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 646-2107 Forest Fire Reports . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-5555

SOOKE BAPTIST CHURCH 7110 West Coast Road. Phone: 250-642-3424 Sunday Family Worship: 10:00 am Including KidZone & Nursery, Life Groups Available

Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 478-0624

HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH 1962 Murray Road. Phone: 250-642-3172 Holy Communion and Church School: Sunday 10:00 am Early Church: Saturday 5:00 pm www.holytrinitysookebc.org

District of Sooke Municipal Office General Enquiries . . . . . . . . . . . 250 642-1634 Capital Regional District Regional Director . . . . . . . . . . .

Building Inspection . . . . . . . . .

Community Planning . . . . . . .

Parks & Recreation. . . . . . . . . .

250 642-1633 250 642-1616 250 642-1620 250 642-8000

BC Public Health Nursing Line . . . . . . . . . . .

1-866-215-4700 Social Development & Economic Security . . . . . 250 642-8640 Library (Sooke Branch) . . . . . .

Museum (Sooke Region) . . . . .

Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sooke Visitor Centre . . . . . . . .

Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

250 642-3022 250 642-6351 250 642-3013 250 642-6351 250 642-6112

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC PARISH 2191 Townsend Road. V9Z 0H4 Phone: 250-642-3945 Fax:778-425-3945 Saturday Mass: 5:00 pm, Sunday Mass: 10:00 am, Thursday 10:30 am Office Hours: Tues 12-3, Wed 10-12 & Thurs 1-3 Website: www.strosesooke.org email: info@strosesooke.org

THE BAHA’I FAITH 250-642-7992 Devotions, Children’s Classes, Study Circles, Discussion Evening, Home Visits, Junior Youth classes (10-14 year olds) Email: lsasooke@shaw.ca ST. MARY’S CHURCH Port Renfrew CHRISTIAN LIFE ASSEMBLY 6851 West Coast Road. V9Z 0V2 Phone: 250-642-4822 or 604-530-7344 Sunday Service: 10:00 am, Children’s Church & Nursery Provided Other Programs Available JUAN DE FUCA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 6251 Sooke Road. Phone: 778-425-2403 Saturday Service: Sabbath School 9:15 am, Divine Worship 11:00 am, Fellowship Lunch Follows Sabbath Service SOOKE KINGDOM HALL of JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 2207 Church Road. Phone: 250-642-7272 Public Talk Service Sunday 10:00 am Congregation Bible Study, Thursday 7:30 pm

The Sooke to Port Renfrew Visitors Guide by Sooke News Mirror in co-operation with

Sooke Region Tourism Association

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Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

Sooke News Mirror 250-642-5752

PUBLISHER, Rod Sluggett publisher@sookenewsmirror.com SALES, Joan Gamache circulation@sookenewsmirror.com EDITORIAL & PHOTOS Sooke Museum & Sooke Mirror Staff PRODUCTION, Ryan Landa & Georgia Ireland

P

Welcome to the vast wild coast with an amazing array of things to tempt and taunt. The broad area stretching from Becher Bay to Port Renfrew is a traveler's paradise offering all of the basics and some luxury as

well.

The cultural diversity and wealth of creative spirit is what makes the region Wild by Nature. The incredible beauty of the natural wild spaces, the animals and the ocean make this a place one does not soon forget.

Every part of the region has something to tempt the adventurous person in all of us. Whether it is hiking along the many trails and shorelines or discovering the talented artists, Sooke and region is a untrampled and unspoiled community of interesting and talented characters.

Each year Highway 14 and the Pacific Marine Circle Route take visitors through some of the most stunning scenic areas, many as yet undiscovered by the throngs. From camping in our incredible Provincial and National Parks to dining in our world-famous restaurants, the area is a breath of fresh air for those who value small town charm and a sense of community.

Sooke offers the traveler everything they need to make their experience one to cherish for years to come. Whale watching, fishing, hiking, swimming, cycling, kayaking and beachcombing are all here, as are; artisans, country markets, interesting retail shops and friendly people.

Stay awhile and get a feel for the West Coast as it was and will be.

We are Wild by Nature in any season and we welcome you.

Home of the Island’s Best Guinness Pint Award

Receive 15% OFF your food purchase with this coupon.

Limited items, dine-in only.

Expires April, 2015

Pirjo Raits photo

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

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East Sooke East Sooke Regional Park If you are seeking solitude somewhere untouched by urban progress, you will find it in East Sooke Regional Park. This park encompasses 1,422 hectares (3,512 acres) of natural and protected coastal landscape. Within the park you will find 50 km of trails, many of which offer views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. They also provide access to sheltered coves, windswept outcroppings, dry hilltops and dark rain forests.

Hiking is a favourite activity in the park as is bird watching. Turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, osprey, bald eagles and numerous other birds are often spotted as they migrate during the peak month of September.

The Aylard Farm entrance provides access to a sandy “pocket” beach. The strenuous 10 km Coastal Trail begins here. A gentler trail leads to Creyke Point and Becher Bay. Watch for river otters and intertidal life. There are accessible toilets at the trailhead and a picnic area with a shelter.

Anderson Cove Parking lot off East Sooke Road provides trails to the interior of the park as well as to Babbington Hill and Mount Maguire.

The Trail from Pike Road parking lot is an old logging road that winds through forests and meadows to the beach at Iron Mine Bay. This is a relatively easy 20 minute walk..

Please observe the following park etiquette provided by CRD Parks: • Stay on designated trails • Do not remove or disturb animals or plants • Dogs must be controlled and on the trail • Pick up after your dog • Leave no trace and carry out litter • Bicycles, motorized vehicles, camping, open fires and alcohol are prohibited within the park While in East Sooke visit historic Ragley Farm at 5717 East Sooke Road. Ragley Farm was built in 1912 by Rev. and Lady Emily Walker. It is reported that Lady Emily had once been a very close friend to Prince George. Here you can purchase fresh produce, dried fruits and fresh eggs. On Saturdays from April to December, customers can purchase freshly baked bread, pies and muffins straight from an outdoor masonry oven.

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Did you know?

Every September East Sooke Regional Park’s Beechy Head draws the attention of birdwatchers as Raptors congregate on their migration route across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Ryan Landa photo

NOW OPEN

Lunch

11am-4pm Wed-Mon (Closed Tues)

Breakfast 8-10:30am Sun

Dinner

5-9pm Thurs-Mon

MOUNTAIN SPRINGS RETREAT HEATHER LEE B&B / SAILING CHARTERS New secluded home on private lake with Rock Fireplace, Hot tub/Spa. Sleeps 6.

Swimming. Fly-fishing. BBQ. Exclusively private. OR Spacious Queen suite in host’s home with private entrance, deck, and bathroom. Full breakfast served.

Adjacent to East Sooke Park. Sailing/ fishing Charters and/or Marine Scenic Tours are available.

Hosts: Heather & Bill Humphries

(250) 642-6541

288 Becher Bay Road Sooke, B.C. www.mountainspringsretreat.com info@mountainspringsretreat.com

(1-888) 642-6541 Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

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topped camas and with deer browsing in the salal, offered an almost unparalleled bounty of richness. The Coast Salish Peoples, known as the T’Sou-kes, continue to play a prominent role in the community today.

BONNIE LAIRD - WOMAN IN RED TURTLENECK

VANCOUVER ISLAND’s premier juried art show

July 25-Aug 4 SEAPARC Sooke, BC 375 Pieces of original artwork by artists on Vancouver Island & BC's Coastal Islands

Painting Sculpture Photography

Day & Evening Artist Demos • Artist Talks Live Music • Bistro • Gallery Shop • Special Events See website or call 250-642-7256 for hours and events

Jewellery Ceramic Mixed Media Glass Fibre

www.sookefinearts.com Sooke to Port Renfrew

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Sooke Sooke Region Recreation opportunities in the Sooke region are limitless. If you are staying close to Sooke you may want to take advantage of the par-three golf course located on Throup Road. It is a small, beautiful little course, perfect for practicing whacking a few balls. A great place to spend a couple of hours.

The SEAPARC Leisure Complex offers a lot for families. They have lap lanes for the serious swimmer as well as lots of room for kids. In the winter the arena has an ice surface where local teams get together to play hockey. It is really an all-season leisure centre with many programs for kids and adults.

Drive through Sooke on any given day and you will see

baseball and soccer games in progress, people hitting a few tennis balls and kids at the skateboard park.

Kayaking is popular, as the harbour offers a safe place to get on the water. There are kayak rentals and lessons offered on Sooke Harbour and at Cooperws Cove, a few kilometers east of Sooke.

Take a look in the harbour and you may spot the longboats out for a row. Sooke has many old salts who enjoy the company of others on and out of the water.

Arts in the region Southern Vancouver Island and specifically the Sooke region, is home to an energetic and talented pool of artists, artisans and craftspeople inspired by the wild and beautiful coast. They open their home studios during the

Fishing Adventures on the West Coast The Vancouver Island Lodge is located on a tranquil private acreage. Guests enjoy stunning ocean views from the large deck and patio. In the evening relax in the hot tub overlooking the water.

Vancouver Island Lodge is a world class fishing and adventure destination in beautiful Coopers Cove between Victoria & Sooke.

Vancouver Island Lodge 5455 Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC • vancouverislandlodge.ca vancouverislandlodge@gmail.com • 250 858 3611

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Stinking Fish Studio Tour (www.stinkingfishstudiotour. com) and their work is often represented at the 10-day juried Sooke Fine Arts Show (July 25 to August 4, 2014).

The 10-day show attracts artists from throughout the Southern Vancouver Island area and coastal islands. Each summer there is a two-day Art in the Park event which brings artists and crafts people together at Ed Macgregor Park in Sooke. Travel anywhere throughout the region and you will come across artists’ studios and spaces where fine arts is displayed and sold. The area is well-known for its woodworkers and sculptors, metal and and fibre artists.

Many artists are represented at galleries in Sooke including; the Sooke Fine Art Gallery, South Shore Gallery and Sooke Harbour House. Many local cafes display local art as well.

WE MAKE IT, BAKE IT OR GROW IT. EVERY SATURDAY MAY THROUGH OCTOBER 10 AM - 2PM Turn right at the Petro Canada (on Sooke Rd) onto Otter Point Rd, we are 50 metres from the intersection (opposite Eustace Rd). www.sookecountrymarket.com

Quick, Safe & Most of all Friendly!

250-642-7900 6 passenger Taxi Vans Special Event Shuttle Service

Trail Head Pick Up & Drop Off We also Deliver!

East Sooke

To

Port Renfrew

www.sooketaxi.ca

Sooke to Port Renfrew

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The region’s history In July 1864, gold was discovered by the VI Ex-ploring Expedition and its T’Sou-ke guides, in a tributary of the Sooke River. Feverish excite-ment followed in Victoria and BC’s third gold rush was on. The placer mining site was called Leechtown after Peter Leech, an expedition member.

Today weekend prospectors wash the gravel in their claims.

After the British government granted Vancouver Island to the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1849, the move was on to attract independent settlers, in addition to the fur trading forts already in the area. First to take up the opportunity, purchasing 100 acres on the harbour front for 1£ per acre was Captain W C Grant, late of the Royal Scots Greys. Besides establishing a home and farmsite in Sooke, he did surveying work for the HBC, built a water-powered sawmill and socialized in Victoria.

BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTS COUNCIL

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Sooke to Port Renfrew

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Seaparc Leisure Complex

SEAPARC LEISURE COMPLEX Seaparc Liesure Complex 2168 Phillips Road, Sooke, BC 250.642.8000

(Next to the Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Information Centre)

This beautiful complex offers a 25 m pool, hot tub, sauna, tots pool, an ice arena, showers and daily drop-in aquafit and aerobics classes.

Check us out online at: www.seaparc.ca Visit us on facebook!

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

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Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails LEGEND Galloping Goose Regional Trail

Parking Toilets (may be seasonal)

Lochside Regional Trail

Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (Ferries to Tsawwassen and Gulf Islands)

Satellite Channel Ecological Reserve

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Sooke Mountain Provincial Park

Mill Hill n a da H i gh w ay Regional Langford Park Lake

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Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

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Sooke to Port Renfrew

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Witty's Lagoon Regional Park

25

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Beacon Hill Park

Johnson Street Bridge

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Roche Cove Regional Park

Matheson Lake Regional Park

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35

Selkirk Trestle

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Ayum Creek Regional Park Reserve

Cedar Hill Park

Switch Bridge

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites

Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park

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Mount Douglas Park

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Sooke Basin

McMinn Park

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Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

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Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt Regional Park Reserve

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Cordova Bay

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SOOKE To Port Renfrew

Francis/King Regional Park

Thetis Lake Regional Park

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Doris Page Park

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Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Charters Trestle

Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve

Shields Lake

Lochside Park

Rithet's Bog Conservation Area Layritz Park

n

50

Prospect Lake

sCa

Blue Belt Regional Park Reserve

Sooke Potholes Regional Park

Beaver Lake

Tr a

Sooke Potholes Campground

15

Elk Lake Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

HIGHLANDS

Goldstream Provincial Park

Sidney Island

it

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55

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Island View Beach Regional Park

Heritage Acres

Bear Hill Regional Park Mount Work Regional Park

Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve

Mavis Lake

y

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Kapoor Regional Park Reserve

Goldstream Lake

Cy Hampson Park

20

Lone Tree Hill Regional Park Old Wolf Lake

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

James Island

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

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Regional Parks Other Parks and Protected Areas

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Horth Hill Regional Park

Information

www.Fishing Port Renfrew.ca

Your one-stop shop for fishing info on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast • find a fishing charter • read an up-to-date fishing report • find out more about the area • discover yummy recipes

RU S H

Galloping Goose Trail Walk, ride, run or cycle on one of the region’s bestknown trails.

Dedicated in 1989, the Galloping Goose Trail lies on the route of a railway grade that was established after the First World War, hauling logs and lumber from the forests. A gas car that ran on the line during the 1920s, carrying passengers between Victoria and Sooke Lake gave rise to the trail’s name.

Part of the Trans-Canada “Rails to Trails” system, this trail allows users to travel 55 kms from Victoria to the area where the former gold rush community of Leechtown was located. Offering spectacular views of the ocean, basin, lakes, rivers, forests and canyons, the trail provides access to several parks, such as the Sooke Potholes and Matheson Lake Regional Park, and bird watching opportunities.

CE RT IFI ED GU IDE S

ON S TO UR S HO UR LY RE NTAL S LE SS 25 0 64 2 21 59

RU SH -A DV EN TU RE S.c om

SOOKE PORT RENFREW RENFREW SOOKE • JORDAN JORDON RIVER • SOMBRIO SOMBRIO •• PORT

WE DARE YOU TO FIND A BETTER PATIO!

WESTC WESTCOAST ADVENTURE

COLLEGE CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH T Deanna Brett photo

250 642 2331

#3115

W WESTCOASTADVENTURECOLLEGE.COM

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

17

A

vacation home rental service with spectacular homes in the Victoria, Sooke, and western Vancouver Island area.

We have a variety of Vancouver Island vacation rentals, many of which have incredible ocean and mountain views or oceanfront settings. Our Vancouver Island accommodations are ideal for large families, honeymooners, small weddings, corporate retreats or for anyone that longs for a private getaway vacation in a pristine setting.

Call Toll Free 1-877-374-8944 info@amazingvacationhomes.com

18

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

Sooke Harbour was one of the important shipping points of the new colony of Vancouver’s Island, in particular transporting lumber from the historic Muir sawmill to San Francisco and as far as Valparaiso

and the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). In September, 1869, the Lady Lampson, the Robert Cowan and the Dominion were in the harbour awaiting loading, with the steam tug Emily Harris on hand to assist.

Sooke is proud of

SOOKE REGION MUSEUM Fine Art and Crafts - Jewelry - Books First Nations Jewelry and Sculpture Open Daily 9-5 pm

2070 Phillips Road, Sooke Turn at the TrafďŹ c Light by the Historic Lighthouse Phone 250 642 6351 Toll Free 1-866-888-4748

W l i C b t i o t

ds r, n, d e g, y

of

BRITISH-STYLE FISH N’CHIPS (HALIBUT) GOURMET BURGERS MADE TO ORDER TAKE OUT MENU

TAKE OUT MENU

TAKE OUT M TAKE OUT MENU TAKE OUT MENU GOURMET BURGERS MADE TO ORDER

BRITISH-STYLE FISH N’CHIPS (HALIBUT)

GOURMET BURGERS GLUTEN-FREE ITEMS AVAILABLE GOURMET GOURMET BURGERS BURGERS

M

Building a steam-powered GOURMET TO ORDER MADE MADE TO TO ORDER ORDER ICE CREAM AND SUNDAES sawmill BURGERS and sea going SOFT MADE vessels, the family led BRITISH-STYLE FISH N’C GRILL HOURS the forest industry of the BRITISH-STYLE BRITISH-STYLE province for almostFISH half a BRITISH-STYLE N’CHIPS (HALIBUT) UNTIL MAY 24: 11-7PM MON-SAT/11-6PM SUN century.

FISH FISH N’CHIPS N’CHIPS (HALIBUT) (HALIBUT) ITEM GLUTEN-FREE SUMMER HOURS—MAY 25-Labour Day 11am-9pm all week GLUTEN-FREE ITEMS AVAILABLE GLUTEN-FREE GLUTEN-FREE ITEMS ITEMS 250-642-0733 / 6250 SOOKE RD SOFT ICE CREAM AN Call ahead and AVAILABLE we will have it ready for you!

AVAILABLE SOFT ICE CREAM AND SUNDAES SOFT SOFT ICE ICE CREAM CREAMGRILL HOUR GRILL HOURS AND ANDMAY SUNDAES SUNDAES UNTIL 24: 11-7PM MON

Woodside Farm, the longest operating farm in the province of British Columbia. Settled in 1851

by John and Ann Muir and their large Scottish family, it be-came a leading centre of both the economy and the social life of the area.

Water PiPe FLoWLine eXHibit

August 1st to September 28th 2014 Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Co-sponsored: Sooke Region Museum

UNTIL MAY 24: 11-7PM MON-SAT/11-6PM SUN Location: Charters River SUMMER HOURS—MAY Salmon Interpretive Centre 11am-9pm all w SUMMER HOURS—MAY 25-Labour Day 2895 Sooke River Road UNTIL UNTIL MAY MAY 24: 24: 11-7pm 11-7pm MON-SAT/11-6pm MON-SAT/11-6pm SUN SUN Closed250-642-0733 Sun & Mon 11am-9pm all week / 6250 Phone 250-642-4200 I 250-642-6351 Tues Call - Thurs 11:30 am 6:30 pm SUMMER SUMMER HOURS HOURS ahead and we will have Learning about SaLmon 250-642-0733 / 6250 SOOKE RD Fri &25-Labour Sat 11:00 am - 7:00 pm MAY MAY 25-Labour Day Day 11am-9pm 11am-9pm all all week week October 4th to November 30th ahead and we will have Call it ready for you!

GRILL HOURS

Daily 10:00 am to 4:00pm In partnership with CRD Parks Location: Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre

250-642-0733

6250 SOOKE RD

2895 Sooke River Road Phone 250-642-4200

Call Call ahead ahead and and we we will will have have itit ready ready for for you! you!

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

19

Deer Trail became a lost cause Devil’s Potholes is one of the earliest references we have found to the fascinating rock formations beyond the falls in the upper Sooke River, a location that led to one man’s dream of a destination resort.

It was in 1982 that residents became aware of heightened traffic and industrial activity on Sooke River Road leading to the property rising above the deep gorge cut in the mountainside by the torrents of the Sooke River. The Sooke River is among the largest watersheds on southern Vancouver Island.

Since the 1930s the rocky terrain had been known as Deer Trail, a name coined by then-owners, nature lovers George and Sis Weiler. When Albert Yuen acquired the property he saw the potential of the spectacular outcropping as the site for a world class resort and conference centre. It was touted as a $50 million development that would provide employment for 150.

A Victoria developer, Yuen had a penchant for appreciation of beauty in nature and also the practicality of re-cycling. An example was recycling of industrial equipment and resources, and he began amassing items such as retired railway ties from the CNR line and vats from the closed down Labatt’s Brewery in Victoria.

As time went on and the initial funding assistance from a government program was completed, the resort construction

20

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

of stone and old growth timber was stalled. While his plans for the dramatic location drew the interest of architects and investors from around the world, it appeared that a meeting of the minds between Yuen and potential investors did not occur.

Many visitors were drawn to the DEER TRAIL site to witness the partially-built enterprise which included a stone cavern barbecue large enough to roast an ox. But in time, deterioration of materials unprotected from the weather led to concerns for safety.

In 2004, after a series of changes in plans and zoning, and financing issues, the property was acquired by The Land Conservancy and the Capital Regional District as parkland, and the Yuen dream came crashing to an end. Partial dismantling of the lodge structure followed and today little remains but stonework. The illustration accompanying this column is from a promotional leaflet; the enterprise itself was never completed to the extent of this image.

For the curious sightseers of today – no, it is not the ruins of an old castle - but perhaps more accurately the ruins of one man’s dream.

Elida Peers, Historian Sooke Region Museum

T. J. Watt photo

Sooke Fine Arts “Best In Jewellry 2009”

106, 6661 Sooke Road, Sooke, BC • 778-352-4438 bandksilversmith@shaw.ca CanadianGoldandSilver.com

www. .com

Your full service supermarket…

Groceries • Meat • Fish Dairy • Produce Bakery • Deli Counter • Bulk Food Floral Dept. • Lottery Open 7:30 am - 10 pm 7 days a week including holidays #103-6661 Sooke Road

250-642-2734 PROUD

MEMBER OF

SOOKE HARBOUR CHAMBER

OF

COMMERCE

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

21

Arts in the community From East Sooke to Port Renfrew artists and craftspeople abound. Galleries around the area and several artists invite the public into their home studios. The juried Sooke Fine Arts Show held each year attracts the Island’s best artists. See the regions events page 5 or check the weekly published Sooke News Mirror or the events calendar at www.sookeregionmuseum.com or contact the Sooke Visitor Centre 1-866-888-4748 for upcoming events.

6739 West Coast Rd. (across from Post Office)

22

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

T. J. Watt photo

A Large selection of Natural and Organic products Visit our meat department for Ready Cook Gourmet Dishes Baked fresh daily buns, bread and sweet treats

OPEN 7 DAYS

7:30 am to 10:00 pm 6660 Sooke Road, Evergreen Shopping Centre 772 Goldstream Ave. Langford Centre

Sooke 2 for 1 Pizza Andythepizzaman.ca 250.642.5451 250.642.3312 or 250.588.0915 Sooke, B.C.

Since 1997 Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

23

Ed Macgregor Park This park was an early purchase by the District of Sooke. After the passing of Sooke’s first mayor in 2003, it was renamed in tribute, the Ed Macgregor Park.

The park’s entrance is marked by a trio of historic pillars that were moved from the site of the old Belvedere Hotel, which once stood on the headland above the current Sooke River Hotel. The entrance also includes a mosaic created by artists working with students of Journey Middle School.

The park is a testament to volunteers who have assisted with the ongoing work undertaken by contractors for the municipality. Located at 6765 West Coast Road, with a parking lot nearby, the 2 acre park has now been provincially designated as Sooke’s Spirit Square, and stretches via a zig zag switchback ramp to the harbourfront, making it somewhat wheelchair accessible. The park trail then circles up toward the town center again via Murray Road, where it is highlighted by a feature monument.

♥

e r i p s n I

e r i p s n Ispire n

♥

by

♥

by

award winning floral designs, jewellery & gifts

award winning floral designs, jewellery & gifts

Karen Stones - owner & designer Sooke Happy Holidays! y bwishes Glass art, local t-shirts, unique gifts

Please visit our new store Inspire ishes Sooke Happy Holidays!

Hand-made local art & jewellery

by A Sea of Bloom & our flower shop 6653 Sooke 1.250.642.3952 ease for visitunique, our new store Road Inspire handcrafted, gifts, Sea •local of Sooke Happy Holidays! flowers@aseaofbloom.com • aseaofbloom.com A Seajewellery, of Bloom &plants, our flower shop & more.

Bloom www.sookeseaofbloom.blogspot.ca flowers award winning floral designs, jewellery & gifts

visit our new store Inspire r unique, handcrafted, local gifts, of Bloom & our flower shop wellery, plants, flowers & more. w www.aseaofbloom.com 250•642•3952 ue, handcrafted, local gifts, www.aseaofbloom.com 250•642•by3952 y, plants, flowers & more. ♥

Inspire

award winning floral designs, jewellery & gifts

seaofbloom.com 250•642•3952

Sooke Holidays!

Sisterwishes Store of Happy A Sea of Bloom

Please visit our new store Inspire Unique localshop gifts,

by A hand-crafted Sea of Bloom & our flower for unique, handcrafted, local gifts, vintage inspired shabby chic furniture jewellery, plants, flowers & more.

6711 Eustace Road • 1.778.352.3952 w www.aseaofbloom.com 250 642 3952 •

24

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

•

Yvonne & Kelly Busse Soups & Sandwiches • Coffee & Tea • Cakes & Pies • Bread & Buns • Pastries

778-352-4444

7-6716 West Coast Rd, Sooke, BC

Dine in or Take o ut!

Phone: 778-425 2142

Hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 11:30am-7pm Friday 11:30am - 8pm Sunday Closed

Seaview Business Centre #5-6631 Sooke Rd. Sooke, B.C.

www.thelazygeckosooke.ca

Marine Boardwalk Stretching along the water from Ed Macgregor Park to the foot of Murray Road is the marine boardwalk. It is quickly becoming a place for ramblers and strollers, walkers and watchers.

Opened early in 2008, the boardwalk allows locals and travellers to enjoy the waterfront views along Sooke Harbour stretching towards Billings Spit and Whiffin Spit. With the Olympic Mountains as a stunning backdrop, the spot is picture perfect.

Built alongside the Rotary Pier, the boardwalk complements the pier, offering another vantage point.

The Rotary Pier and Marine Boardwalk are popular places to drop a fishing line or just rest and enjoy the seascape.

The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #54 Phone: 250- 642-5913 “The Friendliest Legion on the Island” Bona Fide guests always welcome.

KaraoKe every Friday Legion riders info at office

MEAT DRAW

Every Saturday at 3:00PM

Sunday Brunch 9am - 12pm FRIDAY NIGHT 6PM - 7:30PM

STEAK NIGHT WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS

250 642-0566

DROP-IN EVENTS Free Pool & Shuffleboard Every Day Crib ~ Euchre ~ Darts ~ Texas Holdem Poker

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

25

Outdoor Adventures

Exploring the region The region from East Sooke to Port Renfrew and beyond offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. From world class beaches to hiking trails they are all here along the wild west coast of Vancouver Island.

Hiking trails, which challenge outdoor enthusiasts, come in all areas and offer afternoon or multi-day adventures. The Juan de Fuca Trail skirts the strait for 47 kilometres and the 74 km West Coast Trail is legendary.

Cycling, wildlife viewing, zip lining, whale watching, fine dining or simply relaxing are here for the doing. Visitors are offered everything from rustic to charming romantic B&Bs, from a modern hotel to beach or riverside camping. Whether you are there for water-related excursions or scenic vistas, shopping or art, Sooke to Port Renfrew offers it all in a friendly, relaxed West Coast way.

Unspoiled and untamed, Sooke to Port Renfrew is Wild by Nature.

Fr T.

NOW OPEN

Discover a whole new feeling in our store.

Come in and experience the difference.

A fresh new style, spacious aisles & more services. or all your everyday needs including health and beauty advice.

Fresh for you.

Food & beverage

pharmacy Tina Kang and her Pharmacy Team invite you to discover a whole new approach to health and wellness at your new Shoppers Drug Mart® Pharmacy.

Enjoy a fresh experience every day in our convenient food and beverage section.

You’ll find all your basic essentials including milk, eggs and juice plus delicious frozen entrees which offer great meals in minutes.

Beautiful You

Post Office

From your favourite tried-andtrue mascara to the latest moisturizers, fragrances and more, our cosmetics department is brimming with beauty. And if you’re not sure which lip colour suits your skin tone, our Beauty Experts are there to help unveil a more beautiful you.

Need to send a package, buy a stamp or rent a mail box?

Drop by our in-store full-service Canada Post Office. We can take care of all your shipping needs plus we carry a vast selection of wrap, labels and envelopes to ensure your mail arrives safe and sound.

T. J. Watt photo

EVERGREEN SHOPPING CENTRE

OPEN EVERGREEN SHOPPING CENTRE

6600 SOOKE ROAD www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Full service postal outlet in store 250-642-5229 Open 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week

250-642-5229

D. SOOKE R

26

renew

your health + yourRenfrew beauty + your life Sooke to Port

Wild By Nature

T. J. Watt photo

Store Hours Open 8 am to 10 pm 7 days a week Pharmacist always on duty!

French Beach T. J. Watt photo

Luxury 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Vacation Rentals

Charter Fishing • Scenic Views • Kayak & Bike Rentals •

From

$199 per night

Stay 3, Pay 2 when you mention this ad!* *some restrictions apply. Ask for more details. www.sookeharbourmarina.ca • 1 866 616 3236

www.truekey.ca

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

27

SOOKE TO PORT Cowichan Lake

Hwy #18

LAKE COWICHAN

To Duncan and Trans-Canada Highway

Gordon Bay Provincial Park

To Carmanah, Port Alberni, Bamfield

Honeymoon Bay

Pacific Marine

MESACHIE LAKE

Circle arine

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Harris Creek Spruce

Gordon River

Road to Fairy Lake Lizard Lake Cowichan Lake

Fishing Camp

Route Parks Canada

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Pacheedaht Reserve

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Fairy Lake

Snuggery Cove Government Wharf

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Botanical Beach Parkinson Creek Rd. Park Juan de

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Fire Hall

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Diversion Dam

Loss Creek Loss Creek Provincial Park

LEGEND

SECONDARY ROADS SECONDARY ROADS (GRAVEL)

REGIONAL & PROVINCIAL PARKS

JUAN de FUCA MARINE TRAIL

GOLFING

GALLOPING GOOSE TRAIL

HIKING

BEACH ACCESS

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SURFING WIND SURFING HIKE IN CAMPING & PICNIC CAMPING MAIN ROADS & PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE ROUTE

28

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

Sooke Region Tourism Association

rine Circle

Pacific Ma

8

To Nanaimo

T RENFREW AREA Route

and Highway

To Vancouver Gulf Islands

Swartz Bay

arine Circle Route

Cowichan Bay

DUNCAN Kinsol Trestle

To Anacortes Washinton State Ferries

SIDNEY

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Hwy

McTavish Rd

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Mt Newton X Rd

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Benvenuto Keating X Rd

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Race Rocks

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

29

New Ownership Jessie Taylor Dodd

Fresh Look Fine Art & Handcrafted Giftware made in BC 2046 Otter Point Road, Sooke Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 and Sundays July & August 11-4

250 642-2058

Our industious past The immense trees of the rainforest, mainly Douglas-fir, Red cedar and Sitka Spruce, the abundance of salmon, and the lure of gold brought in settlers. Probably the most lucrative of the indus-tries was forestry. In 1920 a 10-horse team was hauling a sniped log in Otter Point.

Home Style Cooking for the whole family

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Take Out

2036 Shields Rd., Sooke

250-642-3314

All your Health Care Needs Plus: • Giftware • Books & Magazines • Souvenirs • Local Area Maps • Snacks • Hiking Guides • Lottery • Toys • Photo Supplies

Cedar Grove Shopping Centre 8-6716 Sooke Road

30

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

250-642-2226

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VISITOR CENTRE 2070 Phillips Road, V9Z 0Y3 250-642-6351 1-866-888-4748 info@sookeregionmuseum.com

BEACH ACCESS

NORTH SOOKE

HIKE IN CAMPING & PICNIC

HORSEBACK RIDING

CYCLING

SWIMMING

GALLOPING GOOSE

SECONDARY ROADS

CANOEING/KAYAKING FISHING

MAIN ROADS & PACIFIC MARINE CIRCLE TOUR

WHALE WATCHING

HIKING

GOLFING

REGIONAL & PROVINCIAL PARKS

LEGEND

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Sooke to Port Renfrew

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Camping There are a variety of campgrounds from Sooke to Port Renfrew, both private and provincially operated.

Most are seasonal, so check opening times. Reservations can be made in the Provincial campgrounds by contacting the Discover Camping reservation service at www.discovercamping.ca or 1-800-689-9025.

Sunny Shores and the Sooke River Campground both offer RV hookups.

Sooke River Campground is operated by the Sooke Community Association.

It hosts a number of community events including Canada Day celebrations and music festivals. This campground has a Sani-Station. The campground above the Sooke Potholes Regional Park is operated by The Land Conservancy (TLC) of BC. This campground will accommodate RV’s up to 26 feet in length but has no hookups.

French Beach Provincial Park is 20 km west of Sooke. It offers 69 vehicle campsites nestled in the forest. This

T. J. Watt photo

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campground has pit toilets. Drinking water and fire wood are available only during the summer although the campground is open year ‘round. A group campsite is also available. SaniStation on Hwy 14 just west of the park entrance.

A small campsite at Jordan River is operated by Capital Regional District Parks and is part of the Jordan River Regional Park. It has 15 drive-in sites and 7 walk-in sites. Pit toilets and water are available. Located above the beach this site offers spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is comprised of 1,528 hectares offering 78 vehicle accessible campsites at China Beach and 6 walk/hike-in wilderness campsites along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Wilderness campsites are located at Mystic, Bear, Chin and Sombrio beaches. Forest campsites along the trail are located at Little

Kuitche and Payzant Creeks. China Beach campground is adjacent to Hwy 14, 1 km east of the China Beach day-use area, and 35 km west of Sooke.

Try the 1 km forested trail from the campground to “Second Beach”. This trail has over 200 stairs and is well worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded with sights of huge trees, views of the Olympic Mountains and perhaps some wildlife.

The Pacheedaht Campground in Port Renfrew has tent sites and RV sites with hookups. Situated on Port San Juan, the beautiful sand beach stretches the length of the campground.

Two small forestry campsites are located along the route from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan, part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Fairy Lake and Lizard Lake campsites can accommodate both RVs and tents.

There are no hook-ups. Pit toilets and boat launches are found at both. Great swimming!

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WE MAKE IT, BAKE IT OR GROW IT. EVERY SATURDAY MAY THROUGH OCTOBER 10 AM - 2PM Turn right at the Petro Canada (on Sooke Rd) onto Otter Point Rd, we are 50 metres fromAvenue the intersection 1831 Maple S. Sooke, BC (opposite Eustace Rd). www.sookecountrymarket.com

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Whiffin Spit A natural breakwater, sheltering Sooke Harbour from the rolling breakers of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Whiffin Spit is a finger-like projection of sediment formed from longshore drift. The pathway is moderately accessible for wheelchairs.

The Spit is reached via Whiffin Spit Road, off West Coast Road. At its base is Quimper Park, a memorial to the harbour’s early history.

A popular walk, about 20 minutes each way, the Spit affords views of the Sooke Harbour, Sooke Hills, East Sooke and the Olympic Mountains. A bird watcher’s paradise, the Spit attracts a variety of migratory birds in addition to many resident species. No matter the season, the remarkable views constantly attract walkers, providing glimpses of harbour seals, river otters, and occasional sea lions.

Winter walkers will discover a magical Christmas tree in December, adorned with whimsical ornaments and heritage treasures whose origins are always a mystery.

On New Year’s Day the Spit is home to a Polar Bear Swim.

DeMamiel Creek

Executive Par 3 Golf Course

DeMamiel Creek Golf Course consists of nine beautiful manicured par three holes. The greens are bent grass, full sized and individually contoured to challenge any player.

6518 Throup Road, Sooke BC

TEL/FAX 250-642-2500 www.demamielcreek.com

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E o

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Pirjo Raits photo

Wildly West Coast Twenty-four miles S. W. of Victoria along Sooke Road, Sooke Harbour House stands on elevation close to the sea.

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T. J. Watt photo

Secret spots in Sooke Take a dip in the Sooke Basin without ever getting wet.

The slender strip of sand known as Whiffin Spit is a great place to get a little exercise in the morning. Away from the roar of traffic, visitors can enjoy the sunrise or get a chance to meet the locals on their own turf — and Fido can come along for the walk. Take a left off Sooke Road on Whiffin Spit Road and follow it to the end.

Past the sundial, amphitheatre and sculptures in the heart of Ed Macgregor Park, adventurous visitors will find a forest trail leading to a beautiful seaside retreat. Built by the Sooke Rotary Club, with the help of youth workers from Sooke Works Employment Centre, the Rotary Pier offers a peaceful spot to stop for a mid-morning snack.

And don’t forget to check out the peeling red bark of the arbutus trees, a rare West Coast feature abundant on Vancouver Island.

With vast expanses of rocky beachfront and fields of space to play, most heading to East Sooke Park for the day can easily enjoy the green fields without ever venturing onto its 50-kilometre trail system. But for those ready and

6858 West Coast Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z0V2 Pub 250-642-3333 Daily at 11am Liquor Store 250-642-0290 Daily 9am-11pm buffys@shaw.ca / www.buffys.ca

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willing to head off the beaten path, this rocky trail system offers hidden treasure. Follow the signs through the 10-kilometre Coast Trail to cliffs of ancient petroglyphs.

Remnants of the Coast Salish peoples who inhabited Alldridge Point, the ancient markings speak of the first people to walk these woods and the messages they saw fit to leave behind.

Don’t forget to stop in the fields of Aylard Farm at the end for a break among the wild roses and the chance to spot a deer.

For an even older geological treat, head up the road to Muir Creek. At the easterly end of Shirley (Sooke side), park at Muir Creek and walk down to the mouth of the estuary (west side of the creek). At low tide, walk along the beach and you will find fossils preserved in the sandstone cliff face. Ocean tides will loosen pieces depositing them on the rocks below.

The ultimate Port Renfrew adventure hike, Botanical Beach impresses young and old with an overflowing intertidal belt of rounded pools carved into its sandstone beachfront. Brimming with sea life, the area boasts hundreds of species including royal purple sea stars and urchins, brown sea palm, mussels, gooseneck barnacles, and sea snails.

Surrounded by old-growth forest, this rare ecosystem rests among basaltic cliffs, specked with ridges of shale and quartz whose jagged surfaces pose an interesting challenge for those following the Juan de Fuca trail through to Port Renfrew. With plenty of hikes and remarkable views, there’s lots for visitors to see and do, but don’t forget to check the local tidal charts (found in The Sooke News Mirror) for low tide, and be sure to keep an eye on the water as the currents and waves can be dangerous— particularly for small children.

SOOKE BED & BREAKFAST DIRECTORY Straitview Ridge B&B

4532 Otter Point Road, Sooke, B.C. Phone: 250-642-5672 1-877-338-5602 www.straitviewridgebnb.com info@straitviewridgebnb.com Close to best beaches, trails. Over looking spectacular Juan de Fuca Strait & Olympic Mts.

Heather Lee B&B/Sailing Charters

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288 Becher Bay Road, Sooke, B.C. 250-642-6541 1-888-642-6541 www.mountainspringsretreat.com info@mountainspringsretreat.com B&B Suite OR Home on exclusively private lake.

Hot tub/Spa. Fireplace. Swim. Fly-fish. BBQ. ADJACENT TO EAST SOOKE PARK

Fernridge Studio B&B Self-Contained Self Catered Breakfast Options 2368 French Road N, Sooke B.C. 250-642-6231 250-360-6168 cell mary@fernridgestudiobnb.com www.fernridgestudiobnb.com

4 Beaches B&B

7760 West Coast Rd., Sooke, B.C. 778-352-2818 www.4beachesbandb.ca Alison and Pat Hogan 4 first class suites with private baths. Juan de Fuca Strait & Olympic Mountain views. Close to rainforest trails & beaches.

Seascape Inn Your Hosts Kurt and Sandy Bohn The “People” People 76435 Sooke Rd., Sooke B.C. V9Z 0A8 250-642-7677 Toll Free 1-888-516-8811 seascape@sookebandb.com www.sookebandb.com

Foggy Mountain B&B 10430 West Coast Road, Shirley www.foggymoutainbnb.com 1-250-646-2334 Detached self-contained cottage or 1 bedroom self-contained suite, short walk to French Beach, views of Juan de Fuca Strait & Olympic Mountains; working blacksmith on site.

Orveas Bay Oceanfront Resort

Spectacular oceanfront retreat.

Private beach house and cottages, full amenities Phone: 250-646-2304 Fax: 250-646-2777 email: info@orveasbay.com www.orveasbay.com

Arbutus Cove Guest House and Cottage

3018 Manzer Road, Sooke B.C. 250-642-6310 / Toll Free 1-800-580-0026 www.arbutuscoveguesthouse.com info@arbutuscoveguesthouse.com One of Vancouver Island’s Premier Waterfront Resort Bed & Breakfasts

A Point of View, B&B Gary & Elisabeth Petersen 7954 West Coast Road, Sooke 250-642-5666 1-866-643-5666 Spa-like accommodations, breathtaking views of Juan de Fuca Strait & Olympic Mountains www.apointofview.ca apointofview@shaw.ca

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Regional Trails The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is one the region’s best known trails. The trail is 55 km long and runs from Victoria to the site of the 1864 gold rush known as Leechtown. The Galloping Goose, originally the route of a railway, was established after the First World War and used to haul logs and lumber from the timber rich areas on Southern Vancouver Island. It is now part of the “Trans-Canada Rails to Trails” system and was dedicated in 1989. With its gentle grade this park is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling and horseback riding. (Bring your own horse!)

Some favourite sections of the trail: • From Sooke Potholes Regional Park to the Todd Creek Trestle (2.2 km return). Enter from Sooke

Potholes parking lot 2 and head south. (right) • Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle (2 km return). The building you see from the trestle is the Charters River Interpretive Centre which is located at 2895 Sooke River Road.

• Roche Cove to Rocky Point Road (4.7 km one way).

Roche Cove parking lot is 2.7 km down Gillespie Road from Hwy 14.

In East Sooke Park: • Pike Road parking lot to Iron Mine Bay (1.5 km one way).

• Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay (1.5 km one way).

• Aylard Farm to Becher Bay (300m one way).

Be prepared when hiking The weather on the West Coast is mild and temperate but it can change quickly and become wet and cool.

To enjoy what the region has to offer, follow a few common sense rules to enhance your experience.

• Dress in layers • Wear clothing that stays warm even if damp and dries quickly. Polar fleece is preferable to cotton.

• Think about your footwear. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are better than sandals.

Be safe when hiking: • Plan where you are going to go and stick with the plan.

• Keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly.

• Get trail guides or park brochures for the area you will be hiking in.

• Hike with a friend or a group.

• Stay on designated trails.

• Stay where you are if you get lost.

• Pack a cell phone.

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If you drive to your hiking destination, be sure to lock your vehicle and place any valuables in your trunk before you get there.

If you plan on hiking for a good portion of the day, consider what you might need. Bring water and snacks, maps, tuck a large orange plastic bag in your pocket which could be useful if you need emergency shelter.

Remember sunscreen and any medications you may need.

T. J. Watt photo

Beaches and Parks Galloping Goose Regional Trail: 55 km in length.

Gentle grade makes this excellent for walking, cycling, jogging and horseback riding. Stretches from downtown Victoria to the upper reaches of the Sooke River.

East Sooke Regional Park: Day-use, no camping.

Offers some serious hiking trails and casual beach picnicking. Well-marked trails, precautions advised.

Take a cell phone*and a map.

Roche Cove Regional Park: 7 km of forested trails and picnic area at secluded beach. Try the Cedar Grove Trail for an invigorating hike.

Matheson Lake Regional Park: Excellent fishing and swimming, 3.8 km trail encircles the entire lake.

Galloping Goose skirts along the north side of the park.

Sooke Potholes: Waterfalls, clear pools perfect for swimming. Picnic areas. Adjacent to the Galloping Goose Trail. Campground.

Whiffin Spit Park: A walking trail popular with dog owners. Pit toilet, benches.

French Beach Provincial Park: with year ‘round campground, barbecue pits, playground for kids. 69 vehicle accessible campsites located in the forest about 5-10 minutes from the beach. Sani- station, pit toilets and fresh water.

Sandcut Beach/Jordan River Regional Park Reserve:

A short walk through the hemlock and cedar forest.

Cobble beach, waterfall.

Jordan River: 40 km northwest of Sooke. Campground.

Good surf.

Juan de Fuca Marine Trail: 47 km wilderness hiking trail. Four trailheads: China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek and Botanical Beach. www.env.gov. bc.ca/parks/ China Beach: 40 minute drive from Sooke, pit toilets, day-use Park. 20 minute hike through the rainforest.

Large trees, cobble and sand beach, hidden waterfall.

Mystic Beach: accessed from the China Beach Trailhead. 2km hike through rainforest. Suspension bridge. Wilderness camping.

Sombrio Beach: Located at approximately km 29 of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Access via a 250-metre forested trail from the Sombrio Beach Trailhead parking lot, off Hwy 14. Two wilderness camping areas at Sombrio Beach.

Parkinson Creek Trailhead: located at km 37.6 of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Parking off Hwy 14.

Botanical Beach Provincial Park: in Port Renfrew: Day-use park. Tide pools. Rugged coastline.

West Coast Trail: 74 km wilderness hiking from Port Renfrew to Bamfield. www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pacificrim

T. J. Watt photo

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Otter Point Otter Point is a rural neighbourhood of

Sooke, British Columbia. It references the immediate area around Otter Point Road, a 10 km crescentshaped thoroughfare beginning and terminating on West Coast Road. The neighbourhood itself is generally considered to begin past the extensive residential subdivisions of Broom Hill, past Helgesen Road.

The character of the neighbourhood is predominantly rural, with many small hobby farms and pockets of forest. The housing ranges from small, modest cottage type structures and mobile homes to more extensive, upscale residences. Most of the lots are large, consisting of 1-acre (4,000Â m2) or more.

No commercial facilities exist in the neighbourhood; however, there is some light industry, typically operated from area residences. There are no public facilities, with the exception of a volunteer fire department building on the corner of Otter Point and Kemp Lake Roads.

The landscape is rocky with basalt, gabbro, and sand stone. Much of it is forested by arbutus (at its western limit), bigleaf maple, alder, and conifers such as shore pine, western red cedar, western hemlock and Douglas fir. There are many ponds, as well as two substantial lakes — Kemp Lake and Young Lake (the latter being the site of a Boy Scout camp). There are numerous unofficial trails that locals use for walking or riding horses. The areas around the logging roads there are popular with outdoor recreationalists.

Pirjo Raits photo

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Kemp Lake Music Café Enjoy great tunes & great food in the funky, retro vibe of the most musical café on the West Coast • Delicious house-made food, lots of gluten-free • LPs, guitars & musical accessories • Surf wax and accessories • Weekly Music Jam, Sunday afternoons

250-642-7875 7875 West Coast Road, in the Heart of Otter Point

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Shirley

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Pirjo Raits photo

Shirley is a unique tiny community about 15 minutes from Sooke along Highway 14.

Named after a town near Southampton, England, Shirley became known when it opened a post office in May, 1894.

The bright red community hall is the hub for most activities in Shirley. Accompanying it is the Shirley Volunteer Fire Department and a small well-used park with a gazebo and picnic area.

Each year the community hall is the venue for a spring and preChristmas crafts fair where locals sell jams, breads and a variety of arts and crafts.

Of interest to fans of lighthouses is the Sheringham Lighthouse,located at the end of Sheringham Point Road. The owner of private lands around the lighthouse has allowed the public the use of a three-kilometre loop trail with views of the lighthouse, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the surrounding forests.

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The Shirley Delicious Crew are passionate about great coffee, freshly baked food, living positively and laughing loudly!!

photo

2794 Sheringham Point Road, Shirley B.C. Pirjo Raits photo

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778-528-2888

Pirjo Raits photo

Pirjo Raits photo

Did you know? “Shirley� was so named because the original name for the district, Sheringham Point, was deemed too long to fit the postage cancellation stamp. Edwin Clark had opened the first post office on what is now Sheringham Point Road and his mother came from Shirley, near Southampton, England.

Lunch 11:30 - 3:00 everyday Dinner 5:30 Wed - Sun 25 cabins on 1 km private oceanfront 10829 West Coast Rd. Shirley BC V9Z 1G9

Reservations 250-646-2020

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Jordan River Surf’s Up

One of the most popular spots to watch the waves, the small community that was once a logging town is best-known today for great surfing, including wind-surfing, board-surfing, and surf kayaking. Jordan River took its name from Father Jordan, a priest aboard a Spanish vessel of exploration in 1790.

Years later, it was the great watershed of the Jordan River valley that attracted industry, in two ways. The stands of massive timber brought the forest industry, which has provided economic benefit for more than a century. The torrents of water that flowed down the river were harnessed in a venture initiated in the early 1900s that saw the creation of a hydro-electric system to supply power to the city of Victoria and southern Vancouver Island.

While the workers at Jordan River numbered one thousand then, it is a quiet village today, perfect for a picnic, gazing at the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains in the distance, or enjoying the excitement of watching surfers catching waves. 30 km beyond Sooke on the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

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Nancy Vieira

Real Estate Agent

Member Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce

Call Direct: (250) 514-4750 Sooke: (250) 642-3240 Victoria: (250) 384-8124 West Shore: (250) 478-9141 Toll Free: (800) 665-5303 Fax: 1-866-267-2306 Email: info@nancyvieira.com

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Port Renfrew

they managed to get a steadying anchor cable in place to secure it from falling across Phillips Road. A pneumatic jack was used as well but could not withstand the weight.

The story of the Port Renfrew Hotel bar The demise of a large fir tree gave life to hotel’s bar Finally two 40-ton screw jacks were required for the tree to be laid down safely in an area so near to a public road and houses. It was near nightfall by the time the gigantic tree If you’ve been in the Port Renfrew Hotel since it was came down with a resounding crash. rebuilt after the 2003 fire, entering through the lounge, None of us bystanders knew the next step in the route you’d have noticed a spectacular slab of Douglas-fir, ahead for the centuries-old Douglas-fir. Bucked into welcoming the hotel’s bar patrons. Measuring 22’ 4” long, lengths, the tree was trucked to Mike Warburton’s mill 30” wide and 4”deep, it is a showpiece. on Otter Point Road. While some of the tree was conk, as Almost a decade ago, I was one of a group standing feared, much of the lumber was likely used in construction watching the falling of the seven-foot diameter Douglas-fir and we’re not certain where those lengths are today. We do that stood as a sentinel at the entrance into the beginnings know that Mike used a six-inch double cut saw 24-feet in of the Sun River development on the old Phillips farm. length to shape the slab specially ordered by the hotel to be Years ago, a team of fallers would have used a two-man cut from this massive old-growth specimen. crosscut saw to fell a tree of such a size, but with the use While no longer towering aloft, this section of the of power saws in recent times, this stately Douglas-fir Douglas-fir lives on today, still a prize of the rainforest as it presented a different sort of challenge. attracts the attention of hotel guests, its patina showing off Troy Lovbakke was one of the fallers given the task, and the fabric of its grain - a bit of our West Coast culture still. he worked in tandem with Lance Lajeunesse and Bud Elida Peers, Beam. The men started with 33” bars on their Husqvarna Historian saws, moving on finally to saws with 52” bars. The belts of Sooke Region Museum the high riggers could not encircle the bulk of the tree but

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Port Renfrew

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www.choicecharters.ca www.thehomestead.ca Sooke to Port Renfrew

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GORDON RIVER

Start of the West Coast Trail

LEGEND REGIONAL & PROVINCIAL PARKS

WHALE WATCHING

HIKING

ROADS

CANOEING/KAYAKING

WEST COAST TRAIL

FISHING

BEACHES

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SWIMMING

Pacheedaht Reserve

VISITOR CENTRE

CAMPING & PICNIC

Port Renfrew

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PORT SAN JUAN

Photo; Kiwi Magic Fishing Charters

Port Renfrew Directory

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Your one-stop shop for fishing info on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast • find a fishing charter • read an up-to-date fishing report • find out more about the area • discover yummy recipes

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Pacific Marine Circle Route Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror The weather outside may be frightful, but it is also an opportunity to see nature at its most powerful. Standing in the open during wild weather is both frightening and invigorating. There is nothing like a winter storm to make you feel alive.

For years people have been flocking to Tofino to watch the storms blow in off the Pacific Ocean. What some forget is that those same gnarly winds and big water are also found close to home.

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a storm watcher’s dream. From the heavy waves and spray along Ogden Point in Victoria to the tidal pools and extreme weather in Port Renfrew, the weather is something West Coasters live with and experience.

Go storm watching in your own neighborhood.

The circle route is a 255-kilometre loop from Victoria to Port Renfrew, through some of the most untravelled roads to the Cowichan Valley and back to Victoria.

Views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Georgia give the traveller an honest look at the southern coast of Vancouver Island. From Victoria the storm watcher can travel to East Sooke Park with it’s 3,500 acres and 50 kms of trails. Sheltered coves and stands of forest are there for the exploring.

Travel further along Highway 14 to Sooke and one can walk along Whiffin Spit and view the majestic Olympic Mountains while watching for passing boats. The Sooke Potholes is a favorite swimming spot as well as a great hiking area.

Further up the highway there is a host of provincial and regional parks which provide an easy walk to the pounding surf and driftwood strewn beaches.

Campgrounds are available as are picnic

areas. French Beach, China Beach, Juan de Fuca, Sandcut and Sombrio Beaches are all within your reach.

Jordan River is known as the spot to surf along this stretch of rocky shoreline.

When the waves are high you will see surfers, stand-up paddle boarders,and kayakers all enjoying the big water. At China Beach one can try surfing in the winter waves or just stroll along the sandy beach. This is the start of the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail and, a moderate multi-day hike which takes you to Port Renfrew and Botanical Beach. Sombrio was known as a surfers’ paradise when squatters lived and surfed on the rugged shores before it became a park. Sombrio was home to Leah Oke, one of Canada’s best female surfers.

Botancial Beach in Port Renfrew is a favorite place to study intertidal pools and marine life. In Port Renfrew at Port San Juan you can marvel at the long stretches of driftwood strewn beaches and you may even spot surfers enjoying the winter wave action.

If you have had enough of beaches and waves you can travel along to Fairy Lake, a fresh water lake just out of Port Renfrew.

Ancient old growth trees are found in Avatar Grove and Red Creek. Red Creek has the world’s largest Douglas fir tree with a circumference of 12.5 metres. Ask in Port Renfrew and they will direct you to these ancient forests.

Travel east through to the Cowichan Valley and meander along the harbour at Cowichan Bay. Duncan leads you back to Highway 1 to complete the circle. There are places to stop for food, but gas is not readily available once you leave Sooke. Fill up and hit the road, go storm watching, enjoy the unspoiled wilderness and the colorful characters. It’s a trip worth taking even in the winter months.

To download a map go to: www.pacificmarinecircleroute.com

T. J. Watt photo

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LEGEND

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The West Coast Trail The West Coast Trail is a week-long trek on a 75 km wilderness trail along beaches and cliffs and through rainforest.

Mud and dozens of ladders may make it seem like military training but that does not deter the hundreds of hikers from tackling it each year. A quota of 26 people per day is set at each end for hiking the trail, so reservations are recommended for the peak period from mid-June to mid-September. The park allocates several stand-by spots each day thus even in peak season you should be able to find a spot within one or two days.

All hikers must attend an orientation session before attempting the trail. Bears and cougars are sometimes spotted in the park, so take the appropriate precautions. Caution: Some sections of the trail are along cliff-rimmed beaches so careful attention must be paid to the tide tables to avoid being trapped by rising tides. For fees and more information see Pacific Rim National Park website.

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Pacific Marine Circle Route You will visit West Coast beaches and parks, world famous ancient forests and mammoth trees. This self guided tour will take you from the East Coast of Vancouver Island, through the mountains of Lake Cowichan, along the West Coast and back to your origin. Along the way you can enjoy restaurants, spectacular scenery and quaint shops in the unique coastal communities. There are numerous places where you can camp with your RV. The road is in the best condition it has ever been in but there are few amenities once you are out of Port Renfrew or Lake Cowichan.

The entire circle route is 255 kilometres, or 158 miles. There are numerous beaches along the route between Sooke and Port Renfrew. Whiffin Spit in Sooke offers an easy walking trail and as you head further west you come to Muir Creek, French Beach, Sandcut Beach, the famous surfing beach at Jordan River, China Beach with its spectacular pounding surf and sandy beach, Mystic and Sombrio Beaches then Botanical

Beach out of Port Renfrew and the Paceedahdt White Sand Beach. Each of these beaches offer something unique. From the waterfall at Sandcut to the tidal pools at Botanical beach, they are not to be missed by anyone who loves the sand, surf, waves and wind. Information can be obtained on all the sights and adventures on the Pacific Marine Circle Route at the Sooke Visitor Centre.

For those who like to hike they can access East Sooke Park, perched along the shore overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca or the Juan de Fuca Trail further along Highway 14. Not into a hard hike? Try a leisurely stroll along the Galloping Goose Trail accessible in several spots along Sooke Road.

Ancient forest like Avatar Grove out of Port Renfrew and the Muir Creek watershed beckon. Stately old growth trees and forests abound along the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

Swimming on your mind? Try Fairy Lake and Lizard Lake just out of Port Renfrew.

Sooke to Port Renfrew

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If you go into the woods today‌..

Visiting wilderness areas brings many rewards, one of which is seeing wildlife.

However, the idea of meeting a bear or cougar on the trails can make a person nervous about venturing out. Knowing how to reduce the chance of meeting our wild neighbours can decrease the anxiety.

Given the opportunity, bears will leave the trail before you’ve seen them. Make noise as you proceed, sing, jingle change or attach bear bells to your pack. Keep children close and within sight. Off leash dogs may bring the bear back to you. Do not approach or try to feed bears. Stay alert and watch for signs of recent bear activity including tracks, droppings or digging and claw marks on trees.

Cougars are elusive. It is extremely rare for humans to be in conflict with them. On the other hand, we are fortunate to have them in our forests and therefore need to be prepared if one is encountered. Cougars are predators being most active at dawn and dusk although they may be seen at any time. Travelling in groups of two or more and keeping children close are good practices. Make noise so as not to surprise a cougar. Carry a sturdy walking stick to be used as a weapon if necessary. Watch for cougar tracks and signs. Unfinished meals might be covered with soil and leaves. If you meet a cougar, do not run or turn your back. Stay calm, pick up small children, back away slowly making yourself look as big as possible and give the animal an avenue of escape.

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Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

13 Acres of Timberland 1-250-642-6076

Sooke Campground

Only 45 minutes S.W. of Victoria and you are at the southern Vancouver Island greatest sport fishing ground!

RATES:

FACILITIES:

Full time resident caretaker Security gate and lighting Wheelchair accessible flush toilets and showers Group Site available Playing field, horseshoe pitch, playground Small boat launch Canoe rentals

CLOSE TO:

Sooke Region Museum, SEAPARC Leisure Complex, Fred Milne Park, Art Morris Park, Sooke Potholes, De Mamiel Creek Golf Course and the Galloping Goose Trail.

2014 Season (Tax included) 50 amp service $40.00 a night (limited) 30 amp service $35.00 a night 15 amp service $30.00 a night No Service $25.00 a night 1 Small Cabin $40.00 a night $250 a week 2 Large Cabins $60.00 a night $360 a week 10% Senior Discount

Open Field and/or Building Rental Available

2259 Phillips Rd. Sooke BC V9Z 0Y3 Phone/Fax: 1-250-642-6076 E-mail: camping@sookecommunity.com Website: www.sookecommunity.com/camping/ Owned and Operated by Sooke Community Association - A Non - Profit Society

Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

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Sooke to Port Renfrew Guide Ad Feb14:tee-off full pg ad aug.30/06

3/18/14

10:41 AM

Page 1

Prestige

6929 West Coast Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0V1 • 250.642.0805 • SookeConventions@PrestigeHotels.ca PrestigeHotelsAndResorts.com

Le Sooke Spa offers a tranquil escape for body, mind and spirit in a beautiful oceanfront setting.

778.425.2529

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Sooke to Port Renfrew

Wild By Nature

LeSookeSpa.com 250.642.7995 1.866.733.5293