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August 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sooke, Kayaking (Ocean)
They’re All Around Us!
Who knew when I woke up on this Thursday morning that it was going to be an extraordinary day that would produce a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It was a beautiful afternoon with calm seas; so, Allan from West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals and I decided to take the Hobie kayaks for a spin. Heading out towards Secretary Island just off Sooke, BC in the Juan de Fuca Strait, we got word there was a large pod of Orcas close by. We were so excited to receive this news and at the prospect of seeing killer whales; we were immediately intrigued. As luck would have it, the whales were just as intrigued by us.
We could see the whales were swimming near Otter Point, about a mile and a half from where we drifted and bobbed about like buoys in our kayaks. We could just make out the black specks of dorsal fins on the horizon. The killer whales were hugging the shoreline, so we were completely amazed at the events that would take place over the next 30 minutes.
Even though we were in the open, usually turbulent, waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait, we were in a flood tide so paddling was smooth—effortless. We held our position and the whales got closer, and closer. The entire pod was heading our way. The pod got a little closer, then a lot closer. Then they were all around us! And under us! And beside us!
A mother and her calf gave us an unbelievable experience; if I hadn’t caught the scene on video, I would never have believed it. I can wholeheartedly say that this was one of the most stunning, thrilling (and scary!) events of my life. Mother and baby swam straight towards us, and dove directly in front of the bow of my kayak. I could see them both swimming under my kayak and then disappear into the depths. Not knowing where or when then would emerge, I sat in anticipation. And then, they surfaced directly in front of my kayak.
Wow. Unbelievable! They were all around us. Don’t believe me? Think I’m exaggerating? This is no fisherman’s tall tale, and I have the video to prove it. Join me on my adventure and watch this astonishing recount.
May 29, 2009 | Tips from Us > Sooke, Cuisine
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How pleased we were that the Little Vienna Bakery chose to advertise 'Cheese' on it's main road facing sign! We'd left Vancouver on a 8am ferry to Swartz Bay. By 11:30am we were at our destination of Sooke and it felt a world away. Never to miss a fine European cheese selection, and ready for a healthy lunch, we hopefully entered the Little Vienna Bakery. Travelling with a gluten allergy is challenging to say the least. Trying to get lunch at a bakery usually ends in disappointment. This bakery was a marvellous exception.
When we sheepishly inquired of a gluten-free possibility, Michele, the proprietor, enthusiastically came out from behind her counter and regaled us with CHOICES of bakery treats and promises of a freshly baked loaf. This was enough to make our hearts sing. The most divine mushroom soup alongside my turkey and havarti sandwich on mmmmm....bakery fresh bread was enough to start looking into Sooke real estate. We couldn't resist taking away flourless chocolate cake for later. It was devoured within the half hour.
If not tuned into 'cheese' signage, The Little Vienna Bakery would be regretably easy to miss - blending in with other less interesting looking small businesses on the right side of the main road coming into Sooke-central. However, inside is a cerebrally-skewed microcosim of the town. Yes, it's a relaxing locals hangout and they probably want to keep it that way. Their secret outstanding lunch spot and repreive - all to themselves. Don't let them. Two weeks later, and my mouth's still watering at the memory.
April 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sooke, Sightseeing Tours
Sooke is a little off the “beaten path” as far as Victoria tourists are concerned. We have a few but very worth wile places to visit. Just like visiting Saltspring Island or Cowichan Valley, you pretty well have to make it a day trip, but it can and will be exciting and eventful.
Imagine this scenario: early sunny morning you jump into your car and drive out to Sooke where first, you can fill up with coffee, pastries and some picnic fixings. Little Vienna Bakery is a fantastic spot to drop by to do that. Then, you head out up the coast and you will have at least half a dozen of great beaches to visit. Most of then have spectacular trails, long and short, well marked and many have picnic areas and free parking. You can be free to go as far or as close as you wish. Within first minutes from Sooke town you will hit the first few beaches, the farther you go the wilder they get, if you enjoy a bit of drive, you can get all the way to Port Renfrew which is the only open ocean point on this side of the island. Wonder Botanical Beach with it's tide pools and ten foot waves. On the way back stop by BC's first meadery at Tugwellcreek Farm and sample this ancient beverage as well as their organic honey. By now, you've had enough fresh air so turn into our Sooke Harbour House to browse its' extensive indoor/outdoor unconventional Art Gallery. Stay for dinner or even spend the night. If you trip happens to be on a Friday, enjoy an appetizer and a glass of fine wine in the Lounge listening to some live music in the Garden Room.
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Sooke, Activity Zones
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The Sooke region is only an easy 30-40 minute drive from downtown Victoria, B.C. Our guests at Markham House Bed and Breakfast, continually comment on the wonderful outdoor activities available in our area. Hiking in East Sooke Park is a must--one of the finest marine trails on Vancouver Island. To be able to travel west to Botanical Beach at low tide is a treat--the acres of tidal pools are filled with sea life.
Many of our slightly more adventurous guests try out the zip line , Adrenaline, in the hills of North Sooke--just behind the historic 17 mile pub--a great place to refresh after an exhilarating 2 hour wilderness experience.
Last week, some guests returned, agog, after their 3 hour Zodiac marine eco tour in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
If one likes the outdoors, Winter or Summer, The Sooke Region is truly a premier place to visit. Our guests say it is so.
December 12, 2008 | Field Reports > Sooke, Accommodations
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After leaving Victoria we head west to the coast of Vancouver
Island arriving at a small town by the name of Sooke. An open-arm
welcome awaits us at the Sooke Harbour House which includes fine
dining, art, in-suite massage and an over all unforgettable experience.
July 23, 2008 | Tips from Us > Sooke, Zip Lining
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My wife and I just had the most fantastic time zip lining through the rainforest near Sooke at a place called Adrena Line Adventure Tours. With seven runs in total, (the longest being about 305 m (1,000 ft) and 46 m (150 ft) above ground), it took about an hour and a half to zig zag our way down the hillside.
Our guides were great. They got us hooked up with all the necessary gear and took us on a training zip line (the bunny slope of the zip lining world). We then boarded the funkiest 4-wheel drive vehicles that drove us along an old logging road to the hilltop. Views of the Sooke Basin, Olympic Mountains and Juan de Fuca Strait were amazing. Do not forget your camera on this trip.
As someone who gets a little uneasy after making it half way up a step ladder, I was a little leery of how I might make out on this adventure. But as soon as we had our introduction and trial run we both felt very safe and secure with the equipment and the experienced guides – I couldn’t believe that I was zipping upside down on my second line!
The last line before the end is the steepest and people have been clocked going 65 km/hr (40 mph)!
Adrena Line is approximately 40 minutes from downtown Victoria on Hwy 14. Sooke has a ton of other fun activities to do including whale watching, ocean kayaking and hiking.
July 4, 2008 | Tips from Us > Sooke, Dining
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Just got back from the foodie haven (and romantic getaway) in Sooke at the acclaimed Sooke Harbour House and restaurant. Not only is the inn and its rooms stunning (hallways and unique, spacious rooms decorated with amazing local art, fab little patios that overlook Whiffen Spit - which makes a great walk - and the mountains with great views of the otters playing in the bay. One otter even visited us in the garden!), and the service absolutely top-flight, but we had a chance to dine at their fantastic restaurant, which I can't recommend enough. For real foodies, this place is truly remarkable. Chef Tuson and his team fully subscribe to the 100-mile diet and EVERYTHING on the menu (with the exception of chocolate, coffee and orange juice for drinks) is sourced from local suppliers, grown on Vancouver Island or in the Harbour House's stunning and remarkable organic gardens. Your food will likely have been picked or delivered fresh that morning.
We had a four-course meal (about $75 not including wine/service) that we rate as among the best we've ever had. You've never had salads like the salads here - filled with unusual and delicious herbs, leaves and flower petals! The lamb melted in our mouths and the desserts - a rhubarb souffle that was astounding and a white chocolae mousse with edible rose petals and crazy sorbets - were remarkable. Plus, SHH also offers its visitors a free Garden tour in the mornings, where you can learn about what the gardens grow, and how they're used in your meals. You'll be eating fronds and herbs left right and centre and discovering all sorts of joyous combinations. Sooke is an easy drive from Victoria too (while in Victoria, be sure to have fish & chips or grilled fish from the little take-away joint "Red Fish Blue Fish" right on the wharf), but you can also take the #61 bus from Downtown Victoria and then a quick cab from downtown Sooke. SHH isn't cheap but it is stunning on all accounts.
March 11, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Sooke, Hiking
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The West Coast Trail is a 75 km trek through old growth forest and along the sea shore. Created a hundred years ago as a rescue route for shipwreck survivors, it now offers hikers a close connection with the biology and terrain of Canada's rugged west coast.
Most overnight hiking trips range from five to eight days with campsites dotted along the trail map. Cable cars, ladders, bridges and boardwalk make the trek a reasonably straight forward hike for the fit.
Highlights include hiking on sea shelf, old growth forests like the Carmanah and Walbran, meeting First Nations interpreters and ferry operators (Nitinat Narrows), wildlife, light houses and countless stunning views of the Pacific.
Begin in either Port Renfrew or Bamfield. I recommend starting in Port Renfrew and getting the more difficult sections out of the way first.
March 6, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Sooke, Hiking
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Last spring our family realized a dream of visiting and exploring Vancouver Island. One day we did some exploring on the southwestern part of the island. We stopped at beaches and bays along the way, did some hiking and took in some spectacular views of the ocean and coastal forest.
We were ready for some rest and relaxation, and stopped at an unassuming place called "Point No Point".
From the road it looks like a small resort built in the 50's with a curious little restaurant. We had a very interesting visit with the host, and of course, stayed for a delightful lunch. After hearing about our afternoon quest to continue exploring, the host kindly invited us to spend some time touring their private beaches--usually reserved for resort guests. What a thrill! We spent the entire afternoon exploring the beaches, trails, forest, and tidepools, collecting shells, and crossing cliff side bridges! When we returned, the host suggested we stay for a meal. We needed very little convincing!
The local seafood dishes were so outstanding, we consider that dinner to have been the best we have ever had! Everyone is treated so well at "Point No Point", including the resident cat, who greeted us as we were leaving. He apparently just showed up and now lives there. His coat is so shiny, dark and healthy, it looks like seal fur; an excellent compliment to the restaurant.
We can't wait to return to "Point No Point"!
March 1, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Sooke, Dining
My new favourite sushi restaurant is actually aboard a boat. Moored on a private dock, the 80 ft Rolano offers a unique and authentic ambience of westcoast dining. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited to 6-8, there are only two seatings per night, and only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Captain Ralph is your host, and is quite a character. He'll entertain you with stories of the Rolano's history, as well as his own colourful history. Not to worry though, if it's a romantic evening you're looking for, that's what you'll have.
The menu offers an abundance of creative choices - - my favourite is the Sweet Pepper and Prawn Roll, a touch of honey makes it a standout. If it's too hard to decide though, just leave it up to the sushi chef. She'll surprise you with one of her favourites.