Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
A string of rock pools carved by the Sooke River, where locals cool off, swim and jump in during summer.
Sooke Potholes lies about 40 km west of Victoria. On a sandstone riverbed left from the glacial period, the Sooke River has carved out a series of round deep pools and small gorges. In summer the water is cool and emerald-green, making it the favourite swimming and picnic spot of locals. Trails along the river lead to different pools, and salmon can be seen running in autumn. Some pools are deep and the rocks slippery, so check the depth before jumping in. Alcohol is prohibited in the park. Admission is free and parking is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends. You can easily combine a visit with the town of Sooke and East Sooke Regional Park.
Opening hours
Open during the day
Nearby sights
- Goldstream Provincial Park
- Malahat SkyWalk
- Hatley Castle & Park
- Fisgard Lighthouse & Fort Rodd Hill
- Butchart Gardens, Victoria
- Victoria Butterfly Gardens
- Dallas Road Waterfront & Ogden Point Breakwater
- Fisherman's Wharf