Some comfortable "sports orientated" clothing ie: running or cycling clothes - relevant to the weather conditions for, and expected, for the day - including a jacket as the temperature out on the water can be somewhat cooler (or hotter!) than on land. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must and bring a change of clothes for later... although you shouldn't get wet - splashes occur and you will probably have a wet rear end.
On your feet, boat shoes or booties are good, failing these - old sneakers are fine, sandals or even barefoot for shorter trips - remember the coastal waters are cool year round and there are beaches and coves to explore - and these are mostly rocky.
Don't forget your camera and/or binoculars, something to eat and drink and phone to tell your friends what fun you are having!
Where to Go... self guided:
Route maps "coming soon"...
Route 1: Spits & Beaches! Wiffen Spit, Shingle Spit, Woodward Point. Time: 2 hours "Usual" Wildlife* (cannot guarantee and depends on season etc) Seals, Otters, Mink, Deer, Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Swans, numerous bird species, Jellyfish, Crabs, + other tidal life.
Follow the coast along Wiffen Spit, Shingle Spit, East Sooke Shoreline, Woodward Point Rocks and bays.
Route 2: 2 Sides of Sooke life! Government and fishing docks,
Sooke Boardwalk, Coastal Homes on the "Sooke and East Sooke" shorelines.
Time 2 hours: "Usual" Wildlife* (cannot guarantee and depends on season etc) Seals, Otters, Mink, Deer, Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Swans, numerous bird species, Jellyfish, Crabs, + other tidal life.
Follow the "Sooke Town" coastline taking in the "working side" of the Sooke Harbour, passing the Government dock, and Ed Magreggor Parks "Boardwalk" (public) before passing by numerous working and private docks (all private property). Witness the goings on - watching for other boat traffic - before crossing to the East Sooke to view the more wild coastline with private homes nestled in the forested shores - a rural oasis sandwiched between the Harbour and East Sooke Park! (many are tourist accommodation)
Route 3: Point to Point! Wiffen Spit Lighthouse to Billings Spit Point! All Harbour Highlights! Time: 2 .5 hours "Usual" Wildlife* (cannot guarantee and depends on season etc) Seals, Otters, Mink, Deer, Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Swans, numerous bird species, Jellyfish, Crabs, + other tidal life.
For the energetic! Kayak end to end of the Harbour passing by almost all from the above! Just not so much time to stop and "follow a jellyfish"!! Billings Spit Point is approx 40min away from the shop/dock. Wiffen Spit Light about 15-20... sounds easy enough - but you'll probably* have the tidal current to deal with - we suggest using the current to help you "get home"!
Route 4: 1-Way Anderson Cove, Sooke Basin* Pick-Up supplement applies. 2 pers. min. Time: 3 hours
Route 6: Roche Cove Ramble: Time: 5-6 hours (Day rate) Pick-Up Option available from Anderson or Coopers Cove! Supplement applies
Route 7: The "Long Way Round": Sooke Harbour, and the 4 Coves loop! Coopers, Hutchinson, Roche, Anderson and back! Time: 8 hours.
This kayak marathon will test your endurance. Approx 25 miles of coastline - a high level of fitness / endurance a must!
Sunrise Special!
Fancy
a change to your morning workout? Thinking about introducing one, or
you would like to soak up the peace and clam of the still morning air on
the Sooke River or Kemp Lake? Take advantage of our Sunrise Special
for $20.00+ for up to 2 hours, or bring a friend and pay just $15.00+
each! (on single seat kayak) Tandem $30.00+! - Between 7.30-9.30am every
day! Ph West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals 250-208-0802 or email info@westcoastoutdoor.ca to book! *conditions apply. June - Sept only! Booking Required - Must be returned by 9.30am!
Sooke is located on the south western tip of Vancouver Island...
... a scenic half
hour drive from BC's capital city Victoria. West Coast Outdoor Adventure
Rentals is located near the heart of Sooke, a short walk from the town
core with a private ramp and dock, cafe and washroom
facilities(including shower!). As a part of a temperate rain forest,
the Sooke district has one of the mildest climates in Canada. This
pleasant climate can be enjoyed while hiking, biking, or horseback
riding on some of the local trails, or kayaking or sailing in the local
waters of Sooke Basin and beyond. The area is world famous for its
marine ecology. Nestled in protective waters it is a kayaking
wonderland, and sports fishers come to enjoy the natural beauty and
abundant waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The Sooke area is a water lovers paradise! You will find
a wealth of discoveries within the sheltered Harbour and Basin area.
There the are many hidden coves and beaches not accessible to land
lubbers around its 25+km circumference. Although you probably won’t see
any bears or cougars (but not unheard of) within the Harbour and Basin,
with no paddles** to alarm the wildlife you are able to silently sneak
up on deer, seals or otters, perched eagles, cormorants, owls and other
birds. Depending on the time of year there is salmon and other fish and
crabs to catch. (licenses required – ask for details). Or you can
explore the area by Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) - the "Standing on Water"
feeling with the viewing advantage of seeing both under and over the
water is unsurpassed - oh, and you get a total body workout in the
process ;-)
Want something a little more adventurous!! We
can get you out into the wide open ocean (well Strait) on an organized
tour with a professional guide - habitat of Sea Lions, Porpoise and
Whales and more! Pick up a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) and head up to
Jordan River to experience the surf and see for yourself why this is one
of the fastest growing sports in the world! (some SUP or surf exp. req.)
Spend the day just cruising
one the vehicle accessible lakes in the area, from Kemp to Cowichan -
there is a destination waiting for you explore. Pick up a couple of
Hobie inflatable singles or a tandem, we'll give you a demonstration
here before you go, pack your car, truck or camper along with a picnic,
your camera or fishing gear and head out for a day on the water. Want a Hobie inflatable or 2+ bikes for a couple of days or more?
We can deliver to you or your accommodation and demonstrate the
inflation and deflation if required, or phone and we can demonstrate its
use on our private docks here at the Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina.
