Nestled along the Sooke River, just a short drive from Victoria, the Sooke Potholes are one of Vancouver Island’s most accessible and breathtaking natural wonders. While they are best known for providing refreshing swimming holes in the summer, this stunning area is worth visiting any time of year.
With well-maintained trails, scenic viewpoints, and easy road access, Sooke Potholes is perfect for a day trip or weekend adventure. Whether you’re looking to hike, photograph the rugged rock formations, spot wildlife, or enjoy the peaceful riverside setting, this area offers an unforgettable outdoor experience in every season.
Ready to explore? Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.
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Key Takeaways for Visiting Sooke Potholes
- A Year-Round Destination – While summer is popular for swimming, Sooke Potholes is worth visiting in every season for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning scenery.
- Easily Accessible – Located just 45 minutes from Victoria, this natural gem is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
- Hiking & Outdoor Activities – Explore scenic trails like the Sooke Potholes Riverside Trail, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, or take a short hike to Mary Vine Falls.
- Incredible Swimming Spots – Deep, polished rock pools make for some of the best freshwater swimming on Vancouver Island.
- Wildlife Watching – In the fall, you can witness the salmon run, attracting bald eagles, river otters, and even the occasional black bear.
- Camping & Picnic Areas – The Spring Salmon Place Campground offers a unique riverside camping experience, and there are multiple picnic areas throughout the park.
📍 How to Get to the Sooke Potholes
Both parks and the campground are off Sooke River Road. The drive from Victoria takes approximately 45 minutes (traffic dependent).
- From Victoria: Drive 45 minutes west on Hwy 14 (Sooke Rd).
- From Sooke: Take Sooke River Road north for 5 km.
- Parking: Paid parking available from May to September.
- Access: It is a short walk from the parking lots to the swimming areas
Best Time to Visit
| Best Time to Visit | Activities Available |
|---|---|
| Summer (June-Aug) | Swimming, Hiking and Camping |
| Fall (Sept-Nov) | Salmon Run Viewing, Wildlife Spotting |
| Spring (March-May) | Full Waterfalls, Less Busy |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Photography, Peaceful Walks |
The Natural Wonder of Sooke Potholes
The Sooke Potholes are a series of deep, polished pools carved naturally into the river's bedrock and are undoubtedly the town's most famous attraction.
Glacial action during the last ice age is responsible for the pothole formations. Moving, melting ice packs stripped the surface area and carved a path deep into the natural bedrock. The river that followed carried huge boulders, which became lodged against the canyon walls, carving out the potholes seen today.
The protected area surrounding the potholes consists of two parks offering something unique.
Whether you visit as a day trip or overnight camping adventure, when in Sooke, don't miss this incredible gem.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
The Provincial Park is the first park you visit while driving along Sooke River Road. This 7.28-hectare day-use area protects old-growth Douglas fir and associated sensitive plant communities that line Sooke River. The park lies on both sides of the river and extends just past Todd Creek.
Todd Creek offers a waterfall and the recently restored Todd Creek Trestle along the Galloping Goose Trail. Over 100 years old, this 4-story wooden trestle is a historic landmark of the former rail line that ran from Victoria to Leechtown.
Take the Todd Creek Connector trail within the park to access the trestle.
The calmer waters, shallow gravel beds and crystal clear emerald pools make the Provincial Park a fantastic spot to watch spawning salmon in the fall. The rocky beach offers a great place to soak in the sun or picnic along the river.
Several short trails lead down to river viewpoints within the park. Although short, some are steep with rock stairs that can be slippery when wet. Extra caution is advised.
The Provincial Park offers no facilities except pit toilets near the parking area. As it's a park, dogs must always stay on a leash.
Sooke Potholes Regional Park
The Regional Park is 63.5 hectares and a bit further along Sooke River Road. This park is the best spot for viewing the famous potholes. The river here plunges through narrow rock canyons over a series of waterfalls. And the deep, crystal-clear pools offer some of the best freshwater swimming in the region. The large, warm rocks provide a spectacular place to sunbathe during the summer.
Trails to the potholes can be steep at times and slippery when wet. The canyon rocks can also be extremely slippery. Please use caution. While the deep pools are a popular and inviting place to swim, the river has strong undercurrents. There are also many hidden rocks underneath the surface, making it unsafe for diving.
Pay parking is in effect in the Regional Park from May 1 to September 30. The cost is only $2.25 for the entire day, or you can get a season pass for $20. The ticket dispensers accept loonies, toonies, quarters and credit cards.
📌 Best Swimming Spots at Sooke Potholes Regional Park
- Upper Potholes: Deep pools, fewer crowds, but slightly trickier access.
- Found near Parking Lot 3
- Lower Potholes: Easy access, sandy areas, and calm pools.
- Located near Parking Lot 1
- Middle Potholes: Natural rock slides, scenic views.
- Between Parking Lots 1 and 2
The Ruins
Nestled in the Regional Park, one can find the abandoned Deertrail Resort. These remains are what's left of an extravagant resort that never was.
In the early 1980s, Victoria developer Albert Yuen purchased a 160-acre parcel of land along the Sooke River. His vision was to build a luxury resort for those seeking adventure, wellness, and ecotourism. The centrepiece of this resort was to be the Timber Lodge, which included Canada's largest log-burning fireplace.
Shortly after purchasing the land, construction began; however, it only happened sporadically over the next 20 years. In the end, a lack of money prevented Yuen from bringing the ambitious dream to fruition, and what had been built fell into disrepair.
The Regional District acquired the land in 2004, and the partially constructed buildings were torn down to the stonework, which one can view today.
Over the years, however, it's been defaced by many graffiti artists, prompting the Regional District to place fencing and security onsite. Despite this, it's still a draw for curious onlookers.
The Best Hiking Trails
Beyond its famous swimming holes, Sooke Potholes Regional Park offers scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests, past rugged rock formations, and along the stunning Sooke River.
Whether you're looking for a short riverside stroll or a longer adventure, there’s a trail for every skill level.
Here are some of the best hiking trails near Sooke Potholes.
1. Sooke Potholes Riverside Trail
- Distance: ~8.9 km out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: ~235 m
- Time Needed: ~2.5–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Sooke Potholes Riverside Trail follows the Sooke River and offers stunning views of the deep rock pools, waterfalls, and forested cliffs that shape this unique landscape. The trail is well-maintained and has several lookout points where you can stop and take in the scenery.
Why Hike It?
✔ Offers some of the best views of the potholes
✔ Well-marked, easy-to-follow trail with gradual elevation changes
✔ Access to several swimming spots along the way
2. Galloping Goose Regional Trail
- Distance: ~57.5 km total (Sooke Potholes section ~6–10 km)
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Time Needed: Dependent on section chosen
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Regional Park is a great place to start on the Galloping Goose Trail. At almost 60 km long, this trail is a rail-to-trail conversion named after a 1920s gasoline-powered passenger car operated on the CNR rail line.
This historic rail trail stretches from Victoria to Sooke and beyond, offering a mostly flat and scenic hiking or biking route. The section near Sooke Potholes is particularly beautiful, with river views, towering cliffs, and remnants of old railway trestles.
Why Hike It?
✔ Ideal for hikers and cyclists looking for a longer trail
✔ Wide, well-maintained path with a gentle incline
✔ Connects to other trails for extended exploration
It's a wonderful trail to bike, hike or run.
3. Mary Vine Creek Trail
- Distance: ~1.4 km out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: ~39 m
- Time Needed: ~20-25 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
For those looking for a short but rewarding hike, the Mary Vine Creek Trail leads to a picturesque seasonal waterfall. The trailhead starts at Parking Lot 2 in Sooke Potholes Regional Park and features dense forest, moss-covered boulders, and occasional wildlife sightings. While the incline can be steep in some areas, the reward is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the woods.
Why Hike It?
✔ A quick yet scenic hike through the forest
✔ Features Mary Vine Falls, best seen in spring or after rainfall
✔ Less crowded than other trails in the park
Hiking Tips for Sooke Potholes
- Wear proper footwear – Trails can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring water & snacks – There are no food services nearby.
- Check the weather – The area is cooler and shadier than coastal trails.
- Respect the environment – Stay on designated paths to protect fragile ecosystems.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing riverside walk, a longer adventure on the Galloping Goose, or a hidden waterfall hike, Sooke Potholes offers some amazing hiking opportunities on Vancouver Island.
🔗 Ready to hit the trails? Find even more Sooke Potholes hikes on AllTrails!
Wildlife You Might See
Sooke Potholes isn’t just a scenic swimming and hiking destination—it’s also home to various wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers. The Sooke River valley provides a rich ecosystem that supports everything from majestic bald eagles to black bears.
Wildlife Sightings
🐟 Salmon (Fall Season) – From September to November, thousands of chum and coho salmon swim upstream to spawn in the Sooke River, creating an incredible natural spectacle. This attracts many other animals, making fall one of the best times to spot wildlife in the park.
🦅 Bald Eagles & Birds of Prey – Bald eagles frequently soar above the river, especially during the salmon run. Other raptors, including red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures, can also be spotted.
🦦 River Otters & Mink – Keep an eye out along the water’s edge for river otters playing or mink darting through the underbrush. They’re most active in the early morning and late evening.
🦌 Black-Tailed Deer – It’s not uncommon to spot black-tailed deer grazing along the trails or near the forested edges of the park.
🐻 Black Bears (Occasional Sightings) – While black bears are not commonly seen in busy areas, they frequent the more remote sections of the park, especially in fall when salmon are plentiful. Hikers should always stay alert, travel in groups, and properly store food to avoid bear encounters.
Camping at Sooke Potholes
The area has a private campground managed by the Capital Reginal District but run by the T'Sou-Ke First Nation for those who want to extend their stay.
Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground operates seasonally, from mid-May to mid-September, on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted.
The 67-site campground is a local favourite and can accommodate RV and tent camping. It's located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park and adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Some of the sites offer riverfront camping.
Facilities are limited, so you need to be pretty well self-contained. There are no electricity, dumping stations or showers. A few of the services that are provided are as follows:
- Garbage bins, including recycling and food waste
- Drinking water station
- Toilets
- Fire rings at each site (firewood can be purchased)
- Picnic areas
- Onsite caretaker
If this campground is full, another great nearby option is along the Pacific Marine Circle Route at French Beach.
RV Rentals
If you are looking for an RV rental, there are two sites I recommend. They run much like a vacation rental site (like Vrbo) but for RVs!
Between the two websites, there are many local options available. Just type in the location/area you want to rent from, and a list of options will pop up.
Plan Your Visit to Sooke Potholes
Whether you’re diving into the crystal-clear pools, hiking along the scenic riverside trails, or watching the incredible salmon run in the fall, Sooke Potholes is a destination that never disappoints.
This year-round natural wonder offers something for everyone—whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to reconnect with nature.
Thanks to its easy access from Victoria, well-maintained trails, and stunning landscapes, this area is ideal for a day trip, weekend getaway, or quick escape into nature.
Pack your hiking boots, bring a picnic, and don’t forget your camera—you won’t want to miss the beauty of this incredible Vancouver Island gem.
More Ideas
If you are looking for a few other ideas while in the area, you can read any of the following:
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