Sooke, British Columbia
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
The rhythm of rumbling waves on craggy rocks soothes you and your sweetheart as you walk hand in hand in the moonlight. Above the rocks, light spills from the dining room in the romantic inn where you've just finished one of the most delectable dinners you've ever eaten.
Tomorrow you plan to hike through the lush rain forest after a peaceful night spent in your cozy bed and breakfast. Does this sound like your dream vacation in Hawaii or perhaps Jamaica? Guess again. It's Sooke, British Columbia Canada, an undiscovered corner of Vancouver Island, but just an hour away from metropolitan Victoria.
Sooke the Town
Sooke is a small town full of warmhearted people in a picture book setting. Most of the town perches above the charming harbour full of tiny, bobbing fishing boats. Here you can fell the world slow down, sit on a beach and read, relax. If you feel the urge for more exertion, there are plenty of activities for the two of you, or the entire family. You can go salmon fishing, hike the rain forest, picnic in a hidden cove, or take the leisurely drive to Port Renfrew and Botanical Beach. (Definitely worth the trip! There are wonderful tidepools and a deserted beach to reward you after the journey.) Listen to the roar of the waves along the miles and miles of rocky beaches. Search for killer whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or play a round of golf or two. The weather in Sooke is mild most of the year. Winter is the rainy season with occasional frost and sometimes even a snowflake or two. Summer is warm and sunny.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of choices for lodging in Sooke, but two of the most popular are Malahat Farm, just a short drive outside the downtown area, and the Sooke Harbour House. Malahat Farm is a charming bed & breakfast on a 40-acre working farm with cows, chickens, and beautiful wooded areas. The Farm is quiet and low-key, and perfect for winding down for a day or a week. The Harbour House is more upscale, with a spa, several rooms overlooking the harbour, and a fantasic, world-reknowned restaurant that serves delectible dishes geared to the season. Be sure to eat your flowers when you visit the Harbour House!
Sooke is a wonderful place for a short weekend or a longer vacation. The town is friendly, clean, and completely charming. From the Pacific Northwest, it's a very accessbile weekend destination.