Parks & Greenspaces

Updated May12, 2021

Sooke’s Marine Boardwalk connects the rainforest and sea, in the heart of the town centre. Parks Services maintains the space including gardens at Ed Mcgregor Park, which connects to the park.

With over 80 parks and greenspaces covering 287 acres of land, including over 40 kilometres of trails – Sooke is where the rainforest meets the sea and is framed by spectacular natural landscapes. Sooke’s parks and greenspaces range from neighbourhood areas to forested sites to waterfront access like Whiffin Spit and the Sooke Marine Boardwalk, there are always opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

District parks spaces are complimented by CRD Parks, like the Galloping Goose Trail and the Sooke Potholes (accessed via lots 1, 2 and 3 – as of April 2020, the District is now responsible for the lower lot of the Sooke Potholes). Use the Sooke Parks Finder to discover a new space to explore, using the DISTRICT OF SOOKE PARKS FINDER >>.


Learn more about District Parks

Parks Management

The District of Sooke Parks department is responsible for the general operation and maintenance of District parks, trails, boulevards, transit stops and the hazardous tree program.

Parks and trails owned and operated by the District of Sooke are established to provide local, publicly accessible green spaces for the people of Sooke. These sites often have a variety of purposes: sports or passive recreation, environmental protection, access to shorelines, or preservation of unique landscapes and historical features.

CRD Parks and Trails, Provincial Parks, TLC lands, Community Association Parks and other recreation areas are part of Sooke’s larger recreation fabric but are not operated by the District.

Learn more about District park planning through THE DISTRICT OF SOOKE PARKS & TRAILS MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SITE >>.

To view the Community Parks Regulation Bylaw, please click here.

To contact Parks, email parks@sooke.ca or call 250.642.1634.


Sooke Potholes

Sooke Potholes Regional Park is located on the banks of the spectacular Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the trails, camp under the stars, or take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day! Access via the lower parking lot is operated by the District of Sooke, access from lots 1, 2 and 3, and the campground are operated by the Capital Regional District.

Features

  • Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground
  • Spectacular views of the Sooke River
  • Freshwater swimming
  • Access to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
  • Hiking on forest trails

Trail Rating: Easy to Moderate

Size: 63.5ha
Location: Sooke
Established: 2005
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Parking

Pay parking at Sooke Potholes is in effect for the summer season from May 1 to September 30. The cost of parking is $2.25 per day, or $20 for a season’s pass. A seasonal parking pass is also valid at Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal. The ticket dispensers accept loonies, toonies, quarters and credit cards. You may also purchase a ticket or seasonal pass using the Honk Mobile system. You can pay online or download the app. The parking pass uses a pay-by-plate system whereby the parking pass is associated with a specific vehicle. You do not need to display a pass in your vehicle. Pay parking is operated by Robbins Parking. Parking is free during the off-season (October 1 to April 30).

Campground

The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground opens May 14 to Sept 13, 2021. It operates seasonally each summer, from mid-May to mid-September, on a first-come, first-served basis. No online or phone reservations.

Dog in Parks

Use your Petiquette…

  1. pick up after your dog
  2. obey leash regulations
  3. be mindful of the environment

We appreciate the efforts of all the responsible dog owners visiting our parks!

General guidance

Under Control

Please keep dogs in any public place on a leash or under effective control at all times. Not all park guests are comfortable around dogs. Please do not allow your pets to jump on or run up to other park users.

Dog Waste

Please be prepared to pick up after your dog and bring your own supplies.

Dispose of your doggy bags properly. This means follow a pack it in, pack it out process. You may need to bring filled waste bags home with you. Please, do not throw these bags along road or trail sides.