Parks & Greenspaces
Updated May12, 2021
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 >>.
- VIEW THE DISTRICT OF SOOKE PARKS & TRAILS MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SITE >>
- VIEW THE DISTRICT OF SOOKE COMMUNITY PARKS REGULATION BYLAW >>
Learn more about District Parks
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.
- May 4, 2021: Public Input on Fenced-dog Park Coming to Ponds Park Corridor: Provide feedback May 4-June 4
- March 31, 2021: District receives BC Hydro Community Regreening Grant
- January 20, 2021: Parks Notice: Environmental Sampling at Whiffin Spit January 25-29
- January 20, 2021: Whiffin Spit Clean up, see before and after of work completed
- January 15, 2021: Clean up from windstorm continues throughout the community: Access to Sooke Potholes via Sooke River Road now open
- January 13, 2021: Sooke Potholes Closed due to adverse weather conditions, downed trees throughout the community: Be cautious as winter storm hits region
- January 8, 2021: Staff tend to Whiffin Spit as winter weather makes a mark
- December 21, 2020: Community Story: Whiffin Spit Elves
- December 18, 2020: Site preparation for new Sooke community recreation facility begins
- December 7, 2020: Progress being made on Sun Run Trail, which aims to connect Sunriver to town core
- October 15, 2020: Stickleback Urban Trail officially opens (article), see trail map here.
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
Dog in Parks
Use your Petiquette…
- pick up after your dog
- obey leash regulations
- be mindful of the environment
We appreciate the efforts of all the responsible dog owners visiting our parks!
General guidance
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.
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.