Sooke to Jordan River, Canada: 12 Beautiful Experiences with Your Family
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Sandcut Beach in Jordan River Regional Park
Sandcut Beach is one of our favourite beaches as the walk to the beach is relatively short and the waterfall is fun to explore. There is a signed small parking area off the highway that holds about 8 cars, from there it is about a 30 minute walk through the forest that ends in a big staircase to reach the waves. Once on the rocky beach turn to the left and about 10 minutes further you will find a waterfall that makes its way down to the ocean. There is a path to the left of the waterfall to head up and explore the source of the water or you can stick to the beach and walk on the stone ledge behind the falls. The water level varies significantly during the year; the waterfall is spectacular in the spring when it cuts its way to the ocean, at this time it can be tricky to jump across without getting wet. Bring a picnic or better yet a snack from Shirley Delicious and spend the afternoon.
French Beach Provincial Park
Follow the signs off the highway for French Beach (separate exit for the campsite), there is a large parking lot, pit toilets, and a playground and picnic area just off the car park. In less than 5 minutes you can be enjoying the views from the rocky beach or sitting on a piece of driftwood trying to spot a whale. This is one of our favourite beaches to hunt for rocks; it is often windy so bring an extra layer.
China and Mystic Beaches
Follow the signs on the highway for China and Mystic beaches, there are two good sized parking lots with maps to both beaches. Mystic Beach is about a 2km walk (50 minutes) each way that includes a suspension bridge and ends in a pretty sand and pebble beach complete with caves and a waterfall, best seen at low tide. It is well worth the walk in but is a harder hike than many of the other local beaches. Mystic Beach is on the Southern tip of the Jaun de Fuca trail and is popular with hikers who make their way North to Port Renfrew. Camping is first come first serve with backcountry camping fees paid at the start of the trail. China Beach is a much shorter walk, about 30 minutes (1km) from the lower car park to the beach with lots of huge trees as you make your way through the forest to the beach.
Wiffen Spit
Wiffen Spit is a popular spot for a pretty walk that takes less than an hour. Parking is quite limited but is available on the street in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
East Sooke Regional Park – Aylard Farm
While there are many places to explore in East Sooke Park, our favorite is the Aylard Farm walk to the white sand beach and petroglyphs, which usually includes some type of wildlife sighting-eagles, otters or seals. Depending on the route you choose, the walk takes about an hour.
Muir Creek
There is a small pull out at Muir Creek to park and a path that takes your out to the beach in about 10-15 minutes. Take in the views and search for fossils among the sandstone cliffs.
Sheringham Lighthouse (Shirley)
Just down the road from Shirley Delicious, you will find a car park and walk that takes you out to Sheringham Lighthouse with lots to explore. It took us about 20 minutes with the family; it was windy once we got to the lighthouse, so bring an extra layer to keep warm.
Ed Macgregor Park (Sooke)
Ed Macgregor Park is a pretty park in the centre of Sooke, with art and flowers and a boardwalk that takes you down to the pier. Parking is just before the park in a separate lot.
Foggy Mountain Forge (French Beach)
When we saw the beautiful black iron gate of Foggy Mountain Forge complete with fire breathing dragons we had to check it out. We had an interesting tour from the blacksmith Marty and his apprentice and found some fantastic souvenirs to take home. Sadly it looks like the Forge is no longer open to the public but check out the website if you are interested in some amazing metal work. Shirley Delicious also sells their work.
Sooke Potholes
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park has lots to explore, whether you are walking the dog, hiking, or swimming in the rock formations.
Sooke to Sidney Rock Hunt
My family loves hunting for treasure and with a rock hunt that spans the entire greater Victoria region-from Sooke to Sidney-we often find and hide painted rocks when we are out exploring. There is a Facebook page dedicated to this effort that describes how you can leave, re-hide or take home your treasure. This idea has since spread to many communities on Vancouver Island and we often take our paint pens with us on weekend getaways to leave rock art for the next family to discover.
Get Out on the Water
Check out a fishing charter or book a whale watching cruise to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
Pro tip: Pick your favourite spot on Vancouver Island and book a Flytographer photo shoot to capture the magic of your holiday. This will be the best souvenir of your entire trip and is a great way to make sure the whole family gets to be in your holiday photos. Plus, you get to meet an amazing local photographer who can share all their favourite spots in their city. Learn more about our first experience with Flytographer here.
