Economic Development

Tourism

Sooke is well known for its hospitality and the beauty of the Sooke region is recognized as an important economic generator. Supported by economic development agencies along with the communities within the region and the local businesses, the Sooke Regional Tourism Association was incorporated in early 2001.

Vision Statement
The Sooke Region is to be recognized as a unique four-season tourist destination with an annually increasing number of tourists, who stay for an extended period of time.

Things to See & Do

Sooke is famous for its abundant fishing. Salt-water charter operators take pride in bringing in the big salmon for their clients. While salmon is a favorite, bottom-fishing for gigantic halibut, ling cod and rock cod is also enjoyed.   Licensed guides are available for exciting spin-casting and fly-fishing on lakes and rivers in the region. The annual Sooke Salmon Derby is held every August. The Vancouver Island Salmon Classic is held in Sooke in September bringing together some of the most skilled anglers in the world to participate in one of BC’s highest prized fishing competitions.

Whale Watching and Sea Kayaking are another “on the water options” with whale watching for Orcas (Killer Whales) as well as Pacific Grey Whales taking place between May and October.  The Straits of Juan De Fuca and adjacent Harbour, offer nature at its best with Eagles nests, sea lions and elephant seals in abundance.   Sea Kayaking is popular year-round with many coves and a unique coastline waiting to be explored. Kayak adventure tours, lessons and rentals are available in Sooke.

Try out some of the best trails around - everything from a Sunday stroll to serious multi-day hikes. Trails include the Galloping Goose, East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, and The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.

And if running in a triathlon is up your alley, you don’t want to miss the Subaru Sooke International Triathlon. The run course features a journey out on to Whiffin Spit where you will experience being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with the lighthouse as your beacon.

Biking on the Galloping Goose offers hard packed, and some paved, trails from Sooke to Victoria and connecting trails to Sidney.  Our temperate weather allows biking and hiking year round.

Complete pool and ice rink facilities are available at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex located on Phillips Road next to the Visitor Information Centre.

Our local DeMamiel Creek Golf Course consists of nine beautifully manicured par three holes. The greens are bent grass, full sized and individually contoured to challenge most players.           

Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Information Centre

Located 40 minutes from downtown Victoria, along the Sooke Road (Hwy 14), the Sooke Region Museum can be found at the corner stoplight of Sooke Rd. and Phillips Rd., just after the bridge over the Sooke River.  You will see a large lighthouse on the corner, Since 1999, the Sooke Region Museum has hosted Sooke's Information Centre. The centre provides information on accommodation, restaurants, sites to see and parks to visit.
  
Arts and Culture

Sooke is a center for the Arts.  Many fine artists reside in the area and have studios.  The Sooke Fine Arts Show is held for 10 days in August and showcases their works in the largest juried Art Show on Vancouver Island. The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, our many choirs and theatrical groups, Blue Grass and all types of music, are yours for the enjoyment or participation.

For country life, there is a multitude of cultural choices, right here in Sooke as the most talented folks have come to call Sooke home and share their talents amongst us.