NATURAL PHENOMENON
The Sooke Potholes is a unique natural attraction that is a must-see
W
hether it’s hiking, biking, swimming and breathtaking scenery you’re after, the Sooke Potholes are easily one of Sooke’s biggest natural attractions all year
long. What are the Potholes anyway? Carved by the Sooke River over the course of thousands of years, the picturesque rock trench formed almost perfectly-cylindrical indentations in the rock surface resembling – you got it – potholes. During winter, visitors can enjoy the roar and fury of the Sooke River, while in the summer, calmer waters reveal pools for swimming, which, of course, go hand in hand with beaches you can enjoy in the sun, and trails that stretch out in every direction. That, of course, includes one of the greatest trails in the Sooke Region, the Galloping Goose Trail, a former railway bed that connects Sooke, Victoria and Leechtown, a goldrush era ghost town. But for all its natural beauty, the Potholes also hold
a not-so-natural attraction. Standing near the edge of the cliff are the skeletal concrete remains of a bold resort complex known as the Deertrail Resort, a proposed paradise deep in the woods that never reached completion. Beaten by nature, time and graffiti, its half-finished monolithic chimney still stands today. One can see why this was to be such an attractive place for a quick weekend getaway; just on the other side lies a picturesque rock and forest chasm that extends as far as the eye can see. Every now and then, the Capital Regional District hosts a free guided hiking tour, which takes visitors on several popular trails that run alongside the Sooke Potholes and pass through unique and secluded beaches such as Pebble Beach, a beautiful crescent of sand just off the riverside. Pay parking is in effect May 1 to Sept. 30 at $2.25 a day or $20 for the season.
MARLENE ARDEN Personal Real Estate Corporation
www.marlenearden.ca
250-642-6518 marlenearden@shaw.ca
Sooke Fine Arts “Best In Jewellry 2009”
Living, Loving & Selling The West Coast!
106, 6661 Sooke Road, Sooke, BC • 778-352-4438 bandksilversmith@shaw.ca CanadianGoldandSilver.com
In the Sooke River Hotel beside the bridge
@castleliquor
Huge selection of craft beer, wine and spirits Open daily from 9am-11pm
250-642-5055 • castleliquorstore.com 22
S O O KE TO P ORT REN F R EW
marcus kennett FISHING CHARTERS
Marcus is extremely professional and has an amazing knowledge of fishing and the local area, and is more than willing to share that knowledge. This is my second year fishing with Marcus and without a doubt, he is one of the best guides on the west coast! If the fish are out there, this guy will find them! ~Mike McCreesh
250.701.3663 marcus_kennett@yahoo.com fish-vancouver-island.com
@MarcusKennettFishingCharters