About Sooke Harbour Resort &Marina
Vancouver Island is an angler’s paradise, from saltwater adventures that take you into deep waters to remote and untamed streams whose names are held in steadfast secret by local fly fishers. But sometimes it’s nice to pair the best elements of a fishing charter with the convenience of an urban getaway.
For those occasions, look to Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina.
Located in the picturesque coastal community of Sooke, just a 35-minute drive from Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this resort offers a variety of fishing charters (and wildlife viewing tours) from its 114-slip marina plus beautiful accommodations, so you can walk right out your front door and into an adventure.
Year-Round Fishing Charters
Sooke sits at the mouth of the Juan de Fuca Strait where the Salish Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Here the waters are teeming with wildlife: seals, sea lions, humpback whales, orcas, black oystercatchers, sanderlings, and other seabirds, are known to frequent the area. And where there are whales and birds, there are fish. Rockfish, halibut, and salmon are all concentrated around this tidal zone.
From the marina, you’ll find a dozen charter options that take you to some of the best fishing spots on the west coast. Both salmon and halibut charters are available year round though peak times vary for species. Peak season for halibut is March to June, while salmon are in abundance throughout the year (especially chinook), with coho from June to October, pink and sockeye from August to September, and chum from September to November. There is even a crabbing package where you can learn to drop crab traps and prepare and cook them too.
The marina is full service, meaning not only can you book charters at the front desk, but after a day on the water you can store your hard-earned prize in one of the deep freezers on-site. Or head to your room where there are well-stocked gourmet kitchens and private patios with outdoor grills for however you choose to sample your catch of the day.
Things To Do in Sooke
Those who aren’t keen to wrestle with a 200 pound-halibut will find whale watching or kayaking tours where you can still experience the joy of being on the open water. Prefer to keep your feet on terra firma? Sooke Harbour Resort &Marina is ideally located within easy distance of the area’s lush rainforest (East Sooke Regional Park is famed for its windswept rocky bluffs and trails at ocean’s edge) and countless empty beaches.
In summer, Sooke Pothole Provincial Park’s natural rock pools are the perfect way to cool down after time spent in the sun, while in winter, you can still enjoy a mild December day wandering the trails.
In downtown Sooke, you’ll find shops and galleries to browse, plus the Sooke Region Museum.
(To make things easy, the resort has a list of itineraries to suit any mood or day.)
Dining in Sooke, BC
While there is no restaurant on-site at the resort, a short five-minute drive will take you into downtown Sooke where you’ll find many excellent cafes and restaurants.
Treat yourself to a self-guided tasting tour of the area: from sampling the highest quality of gin and vodka at the local distillery, Sheringham, or a flight of European-style beers at Sooke Brewing Company (both located downtown) to a wonderful multi-course meal at the acclaimed Wild Mountain, which offers a seasonal menu using as many local ingredients as possible, your visit promises to be filled with good food and drink.
Before heading back to the resort, stock up on ingredients at one of the local farm stands or market. Opening hours may vary by season.
Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina: Boutique Accommodation
The resort features boutique two storey condominiums that come with modern touches and luxurious finishes. Steps from the marina, you’ll find one, two, three or four-bedroom units that all offer spectacular ocean views over the Sooke Harbour. The kitchens come with granite countertops (with plenty of space to fillet your fish) and a fully-equipped kitchen. On the private balcony, you’ll find an outdoor grill and table and chairs. The units’ master bedrooms feature ensuite bathrooms with soaker tubs. The resort is all about modern convenience, both in its location and amenities: each unit has high-speed wireless internet, in-suite laundry and flat-screen TVs.
Convenience is about choice, though. And for those who want to unplug, you’ll find a variety of board games to play, and two outdoor hot tubs where you can soak your muscles after a long day on the water.
If You Go
Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina is a ten-minute drive from downtown Sooke, and a 35-minute drive from downtown Victoria. You can make reservations for the resort online or by phone (it’s recommended to do this in advance due to popularity). In Sooke, you’ll find grocery stores, farm stands and markets where you can stock up on supplies.
If you’re eager to get out angling, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license in advance; you can do that by visiting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans website. There are half-day and full-day packages available. There is no need to bring your own gear; charters include bait, fish cleaning, tackle, reels, rods, safety equipment and guides. For what to bring, check out Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina’s list.
Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina offers seasonal packages and specials, so find out what’s currently available by visiting their website.
