East Sooke Regional Park Hiking - Where Ocean and Forest Meet

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East Sooke Regional Park - Where Ocean Meets Forest For A Rugged Hike

East Sooke Regional Park is a wonderfully diverse set of trails spanning about 50 kilometres along rocky coastline, through rainforest and across fields. We love this region and this is simply a fantastic hiking area.

But it's the Coast Trail that's known as one of the premiere day hikes in Canada. It's also one of the most well-liked wilderness hikes on Vancouver Island.

But here's the caution: The Coast Trail portion is a very challenging and rugged hike which can take you anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. The trail runs for about 10 kilometres and is rough and winding. It's a challenging hike for even those who are experienced hikers. We'd only recommend it if you're fit and don't mind rugged terrain. It can knock the wind out of you in the middle of the trail, so be physically capable.

We suggest that you pack a light backpack with water and high protein and carb snacks, wear good boots and layered clothing. It's a good, long hike. AND... start hiking early in the morning to avoid being on the trail when it gets dark.

On the trail, you'll come across some fantastic tidal pools and pocket beaches that are fun to explore. You'll also get some pretty spectacular views to the south of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains.

The East Sooke Regional Park trails are known for their wildlife. From hawks to orcas, there's a very good chance that you'll see wildlife along the way (both on land and in water), so definitely bring along a lightweight camera (we like to bring the disposable kind on rugged hikes).

How To Hike The Trail

You can start your East Sooke Regional Park hiking adventure at three points:

Ayland Farm is a good entrance to more easy excursions. A short walk leads you to open fields and then a pocket beach where you'll find some great tidal pools to explore and have a picnic. The trail continues on into the rugged Coast Trail.

Anderson Cove is a good starting point also. If you want to see some stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula, this is the place to head to.

Pike Road is the most westerly access to the park, and to the Coast Trail. (This is the starting point we'd actually recommend).

NOTE: Since there's no public transportation between the Pike Road and Aylard Farm entrances, the best way to get back to the Pike Road starting point when you've finished the hike, is to leave a second car at the Aylard Farm parking lot. Better yet, arrange to be picked up if you can.

Here's Another Option: If you're short on time or would prefer a shorter hike, follow a portion of the Coast Trail, then return to the parking lot via an interior trail.

How To Get There

East Sooke Regional Park is located on the East Sooke Peninsula, roughly about 35 km (21 miles) west of Victoria.

Take the Old Island Highway (#1A) to Sooke Road. Follow Sooke Road (#7) to Happy Valley Road. Turn left and continue down Happy Valley. Turn right on Rocky Point Road, which becomes East Sooke Road. This leads you to park entrances at Aylard Farm, Anderson Cove, and Pike Road.

Although paved, the road has plenty of twists and turns, so keep it to the limit posted and give yourself about one hour to get there from Victoria.

So if you're looking for a challenging one day hike, then we definitely recommend the East Sooke Regional Park Coast Trail! You'll love this fantastic area as much as we do!

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