For hundreds of years Sooke was a thriving settlement of the Coast Salish Indians who were dependent on plentiful supplies of berries, birds, clams and fish. In 1849, European settlers arrived and in 1864 the Leech River gold rush caused a population boom in Sooke. Today it's a pleasant community with a resident population of 11,600 which swells by the thousands in the summer months as vacationers enjoy the cottage-like outdoors focused setting. Accommodations range from bed and breakfasts of every style, to campgrounds and RV parks to cottages and vacation rentals to luxury hotel inns. The local museum depicts pioneer lifestyles of the 19th century, and some of the best year-round salmon fishing on Vancouver Island can be found here as well as fishing in the fresh water lakes.

Sooke is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Victoria. Drive west on Highway 1 and stay in the right lane and take the Colwood / Sooke exit to Highway 14 and follow the signs to Sooke. Sooke’s main attraction is the great outdoors. Sun, sea and scenery for every person. The Sooke region from East Sooke to Port Renfrew has a population of about 12,000, East Sooke over 600 and smaller communities of Jordan River (100) and Port Renfrew (400). See Map

Sooke enjoys one of the best climates on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Summers are warm and dry with winter being the season of rain and occasional snow. The traditional industries have been logging and fishing, but tourism has become an increasing factor in the area's economy. There are whale watching and fishing charters available along the way to Sooke as well as right in Sooke. There are cottage industries and light manufacturing in the area as well.

The selection of restaurants, retail stores and accommodation is quite good throughout the Sooke and Port Renfrew area. Sooke is home to the world famous Sooke Harbour House which has catered to heads of state and corporate VIPs from around the world. All Sooke Day is held annually on the Sooke River Flats on the third Saturday in July. It is the longest running loggers sports event in Canada. The event draws 10,000 visitors to its celebration.

Besides the calendar and difference in the sunlight, other indicators such as fewer tourists and less traffic along the West Coast Road on Vancouver Island point to the transition as well.

With fewer visitors, late summer or early fall is an excellent time to visit the southwest shore of Vancouver Island. With any luck, maybe some of the warm weather we've experienced this summer will translate into balmy conditions clear into October.