PLEASE NOTE: Sooke Potholes Regional Park remains closed north of Parking Lot 2 due to the Old Man Lake wildfire. The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is also closed. This page will be updated when the park has reopened.
Sooke Potholes Regional Park sits along the beautiful Sooke River. The Sooke River is the second largest on southern Vancouver Island and is home to a salmon run every fall.
The park gets its name from unique rock formations created by glaciers about 15,000 years ago. As the ice melted, it left behind boulders that, along with fast-moving water, carved out "potholes" in the sandstone of the river valley.
You can picnic or swim in the river, explore short forest trails, camp under the stars, or enjoy beautiful views from several viewpoints. Keep an eye out for black-tailed deer, red squirrels, or bald eagles soaring overhead.
Trail Rating: Easy to Moderate
Size: 63.5ha
Location: Sooke
Established: 2005
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Riding the Goose
Sooke Potholes Regional Park is an excellent starting point for exploring the Galloping Goose Regional Trail by bike or on foot. You can head south toward Roche Cove Regional Park or enjoy the scenic wilderness all the way to the end of the trail.
Parking
At Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake regional parks, pay parking is in effect from May 1 to September 30. At Sooke Potholes, parking fees apply in Lots 1, 2, and 3. The money collected helps cover park services for visitors. Parking is free at all other regional parks and trails.
Daily and Seasonal Passes
Parking costs $2.25 per day or $20 for a seasonal pass, which is valid at both Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake parks. Ticket dispensers accept loonies, toonies, quarters, and credit cards. You can also buy a ticket or seasonal pass using the Honk Mobile system, either online or through the app.
The parking pass is linked to a specific vehicle, so you don’t need to display it in your car. Pay parking is managed by Robbins Parking.
Please remember that Sooke Potholes is open from sunrise to sunset. Parking is free from October 1 to April 30.
To help preserve the park:
The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground
This campground features 67 RV and tent sites at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park, next to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. It's a popular spot on Vancouver Island, offering a high-quality, self-contained wilderness camping experience.
The registration area is located just past Parking Lot 3. Vehicle access beyond this point is limited to registered guests of the campground.
The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is currently CLOSED due to the Old Man Lake wildfire. It normally operates seasonally each summer, from mid-May to mid-September, on a first-come, first-served basis. No online or phone reservations.
Services provided:
- Some riverfront views
- Public garbage bins, food scraps bins and recycle bins
- Toilets
- Drinking water station
- Picnic areas
- Individual fire rings, firewood for sale (except in case of fire ban)
- Caretaker on site
The campground does not provide hydro, dumping station or showers. Cellular phone service is limited.
Campground and Park Rules
- Campground operates on a first-come first-served basis
- Fees $25/night; $10 extra vehicle; all payable by cash only
- Tent pad for cyclists $15/night
- $9 firewood payable by cash only
- Stay is limited to 14 days a year
- Check in time 1pm, check out time by 11am
- Quiet time 10pm to 7am
- Generator use permitted 9-11am & 6-8pm
- No more than seven persons per campsite with a maximum of four adults
- Visitors must leave campground by 8:30pm
- Alcohol not permitted outside campsite
- Smoking prohibited
- Fires permitted in designated fire rings except in periods when fire ban is in effect
- Dogs must be on-leash in the campground area and on trails.
- Please pick up dog droppings and take it to the trash
Feedback
Tell us about your camping experience by filling out this quick comment form.
Campground Operation
The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is managed by the CRD and operated by T’Sou-ke Nation.
Amenities
How to Get There
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Millstream Road exit (Exit 14) to Sooke. Follow Veterans Memorial Parkway, then turn right on Sooke Road. Turn right on Sooke River Road and follow the signs. Allow approximately 45 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Public Transportation
Take BC Transit #61 from Victoria to Sooke River Road (ask the driver to let you off as close as possible), then a several kilometre hike along Sooke River Road. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.