emailRoche Cove Regional Park
Hike along a cool creek at midday or paddle still waters in early morning light at this serene West Coast park.
Park Features
- serenity and seclusion on a mossy slope or by a quiet cove
- seven kilometres of trails through cedar forest and along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
- hilltop views of Roche Cove and the Sooke Basin
- Trail Rating: Moderate
- Size: 162.59 hectares
- Location: Gillespie Road in East Sooke
- Established: 1985
- Hours: sunrise to sunset
)Things to Do
Roche Cove
Roche Cove and Roche Harbour in Sooke Basin are named for Richard Roche, 3rd Lieutenant on HMS Satellite, a British naval vessel stationed in Victoria from 1857-1860. Picnic at the protected cove after an easy walk from the parking area. The sand reveals little-neck clams and barnacles at low tide. At high tide, look for sea stars moving over broken shells in search of food. On the water, you might see migrating ducks, such as red-breasted mergansers, Barrow's golden-eye or buffleheads.
Matheson Creek Trail
This trail follows the creek through a forest lush with bracken fern and a grove of western red cedars. (Note: The trail may be impassable in winter.)
Cedar Grove Trail
For a more invigorating hike, try the Cedar Grove Trail. This hike will take you through classic temperate rainforest, with lush vegetation, old-growth cedar trees and moss-covered big leaf maples. Enjoy spectacular views of Roche Cove and look for huge banana slugs!
Galloping Goose Trail
Roche Cove is an excellent starting point for a day trip on the popular Galloping Goose Trail. This 55-kilometre multi-use trail passes through the park on its journey from downtown Victoria to Sooke. You can walk, cycle or ride a horse south toward rural Metchosin or north to Sooke Basin and beyond.
How to Get to Roche Cove
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take Exit 14 south to Langford. Follow Veterans Memorial Parkway, then turn right on Sooke Road. From Sooke Road, turn left on Gillespie Road, which leads to the park entrance on the left. Allow approximately 45 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Public Transportation
Take BC Transit #64 from the 17 Mile House to Gillespie Road. There is a bus stop close to the park entrance. Please note that BC Transit #64 runs Monday to Friday only, no weekend service. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.
