The Fundy Footpath is a rigorous multi-day hike along the Bay of Fundy in New…
Coast Trail East Sooke Park – A Memorable Hike
The 10 km Coast Trail East Sooke Park hike is a standout if you’re looking for a day hike near Victoria. The trailhead is only about a 45 minute drive from downtown Victoria.
The hike along the Coast Trail in East Sooke is a great one from start to finish. It’s a model in contrasts: spectacular and rugged coastal scenery is broken by temperate rainforest filled with massive cedars and firs, some draped in moss. Throw in pocket beaches, tide pools, views of the Olympic Mountains, windswept pines and red barked arbutus trees, as well as swaths of wildflowers in season and you’ll understand the appeal of this hike in East Sooke Park.
You might not see a soul either. I didn’t see anyone for the first 90 minutes on a glorious Sunday.
Coast Trail in East Sooke Park
Make no mistake. The Coast Trail not an easy hike. The 10 km (6 miles) takes a solid five hours. The trail moves between shaded valleys and narrow cliff-side paths.
In wet weather, the trail would be slick. Other than the flat walk in or out from the parking lot at the northern trailhead, the trail offers nothing but continuous ups and downs. Like many a coastal trail, its name belies the level of difficulty.
Watch your footing constantly. Near the end of the trail when I was busy taking pictures, I stumbled ass over teakettle as the saying goes, and ended up splat in the bushes – fortunately with only my pride wounded.
Coast Trail Hike in East Sooke Park Logistics
The hike requires some pre-planning with respect to transportation logistics. A car shuttle or a drop off is the ideal scenario so you only need to hike it one way. Otherwise count on a brutal 10 + hour day.
Your options include starting at either Pike Road at the northern end of the trail or Aylard Farm at the southern end.
If that’s not possible consider doing a loop beginning and ending at Aylard Farm. Take the interior trail out to Cabin Point and return to the parking lot via the Coastal Trail. Don’t worry about finding your way either. Signage is excellent with an easy to understand map at every intersection. The loop hike is probably not a full 10 km (6 mi) but it will still take you a solid three to four hours.
You can take your dogs on the trail – and there is cellphone coverage though you might end up paying US roaming charges. There are no charges to visit this park.
The best time to do the hike
In theory, you can do this hike at any time of the year but it’s particularly lovely in spring with the wildflowers emerging. Avoid the hike during high wind storms when the groaning trees are sure to unnerve you or worse topple over. You can’t camp overnight but the park is open from sunrise to sunset.
If you only have a day to hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island then this is the trail to do. And petroglyph seekers take note; check out the rocks at Aldridge Point along the coast.
For more information visit the East Sooke Regional Park website.
Aylard Farm
If part of your group isn’t interested in hiking, they can spend many hours enjoying the area around Aylard Farm. It’s a great spot for a picnic. Even better, there’s a short but steep trail down to a pocket beach where you can explore the intertidal life. If you’re lucky you might even see river otters.
Places to stay in Sooke
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One of the loveliest places in Sooke is the Sooke Harbour House. We splurged and stayed here after hiking the Jian de Fuca Trail. Enjoy beautiful gardens, nicely appointed rooms and delicious food. I highly recommend it.
The Prestige Oceanfront Resort is a great mid-price option – and I can vouch for delicious food in their restaurant. Otherwise check out what is called the exceptional Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort.
More Vancouver Island hikes you might enjoy
- A 4 Day Hiking Trip on the Juan de Fuca Trail
- Hiking in Victoria BC – A Couple of the Must Do Trails
- Everything You Need to Know to Hike the West Coast Trail
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I love the colour on those rocks. Such a contrast!
@Jill Hard to beat this hike for a coastal hike on the West Coast.
Looks like a gorgeous hike! I love those purple wildflowers and the beach coves look like great places to stop along the way for a break.
@Jennifer The pocket beaches are a real treat to come across and a place where you could hang out on a sunny day for hours – or until the tide came up.
What a lovely trail! I love woodsy trails that run a long the water; it’s like having the best of both world. The vegetation is spectacular. I love the color of the swath of wildflowers and the moss covered rocks. Beautiful photos; I feel I hiked the trail myself (without the sweat:)
@Marisol It’s one of the prettiest trails on Vancouver Island I’ve ever done – and spring with all the flowers seems like a perfect time to visit.
This looks like a beautiful hike, Leigh. “ass over kettle”…long time since I’ve heard that one! 🙂
@Nancie If you can’t do the West Coast Trail this makes an excellent one day alternative.
Love the trap shack with the bench out the front. What a great view. Those wildflowers are pretty amazing.
@Jan The Trap Shack was used by fisherman back in the early 1900’s. They’d stay in teh shack and set traps for spring salmon – catching thousands of pounds each season.
I can see why you like this hike, its beautiful! Everything is so green and colorful. Not sure I’m up for a 5 hour hike though – – eek 🙂
@Debbie The hike went quickly because it was so pretty – and actually I wish I’d had more time to explore. I did feel like I’d had a workout at the end.
This is such a beautiful spot, I’m surprised you saw no one for all that time.
Interesting that there are no charges to visit but you could end up paying US roaming charges. I didn’t realize that it was that close to the US border.
I think this is one of the prettiest and one of my favorite hikes you’ve ever done and shown un. I love all the wildflowers and the scenic ocean views here. Despite the long hike, this looks absolutely worth it (not without the kids though).
Great photos from a wonderful area in the world – visiting from Photo Thursday
@Eileen – It would be similar to the Oregon coast.
Looks like a pretty hike, but then most Canadian hikes do. Must admit I had to look up Victoria on a map, especially when you talked of US roaming charges – I see Sooke is very, very close to Washington. Love learning about new places in this way 🙂
@Sophie It seems that anytime we’re near the US-Canada border we’re more likely to get hit with US roaming charges so it’s worthwhile to pay attention. It can happen on some of the BC Ferries too.
My aunt leaves in East Sooke. I could do this! Looking at your images, I WANT to do this!!
@Jody This hike is so worthwhile and because you can do a loop it doesn’t have to be 10 kms long. In fact you get park at the farm and just walk to the beach – and outing I’m sure your daughter would enjoy.
My gosh what a beautiful hike. The variety and colours of the flora are just amazing 🙂
@JohannaI feel lucky to have done this hike. I loved the fact many of the native flowers were in bloom.
WoW this looks such a spectacular and stunning hike. I love hiking and would love to do this trail one day.
@Freya It was a superb hike!
We spent an awesome long weekend at Point no Point Resort in Sooke one time. Did some hiking, but don’t remember the name of the trails. Although they were good physical hikes, I don’t think they were as challenging as the one you were on. Beautiful area.
@Cathy This particular hike is close to Sooke but at a peninsula across from the main part of town. It was an outstanding hike and a great alternative for those short on time – but for people who wanted to get a west coast experience.
What beautiful pictures – I will have to make it there one day with my family!
@Kiera All the beach sections offer perfect family hiking -with more beach time than hiking.
This hike looks like it could really soothe the spirit. It seems so peaceful. I like the moss covered trees, the little island with the trees on it, the colorful sedum and how the trees reach high into the sky. I’ve only done a quick day trip to Vancouver Island. We didn’t get to see this park but your pictures remind me of how beautiful the area is.
@Michele Soothing the spirit is a very real benefit from a hike along this gorgeous shoreline.
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