Sooke Potholes Regional Park is located on the banks of the spectacular Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the trails, camp under the stars, or take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day!
Features
- Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground
- Spectacular views of the Sooke River
- Freshwater swimming
- Access to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
- Hiking on forest trails
Trail Rating: Easy to Moderate
Size: 63.5ha
Location: Sooke
Established: 2005
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Things to Do
You can picnic or swim at the river, explore the short forest trails, camp under the stars, or enjoy the stunning vistas from one of several viewpoints. You may see black-tailed deer, red squirrels or bald eagles riding the breezes overhead.
The "potholes" are unique geological formations - deep pools in the river rock - that offer some of the best freshwater swimming in the region.
The Sooke River is the second largest on southern Vancouver Island and home to a salmon run every fall.
Riding the Goose
Sooke Potholes Regional Park is a great starting point for a trip by bicycle or on foot on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Travel south toward Roche Cove Regional Park, or through wilderness scenery all the way to the end of the trail.
Pay Parking
Pay parking at Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake regional parks is in effect for the summer season from May 1 to September 30. At Sooke Potholes pay parking is at parking Lots 1, 2 and 3. Revenue collected from parking fees helps to offset the costs of park services for visitors. Parking is free at all other regional parks and regional trails.
Daily and Seasonal Passes
The cost of parking is $2.25 per day, or $20 for a season's pass. A seasonal parking pass is valid at both parks. The ticket dispensers accept loonies, toonies, quarters and credit cards. You may also purchase a ticket or seasonal pass using the Honk Mobile system. You can pay online or download the app. The parking pass uses a pay-by-plate system whereby the parking pass is associated with a specific vehicle. You do not need to display a pass in your vehicle. Pay parking is operated by Robbins Parking.
The CRD reminds visitors that Sooke Potholes is open sunrise to sunset. Parking is free during the off-season (October 1 to April 30).
Campground
The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground opens May 14 to Sept 13, 2021. It operates seasonally each summer, from mid May to mid September, on a first-come, first-served basis. No online or phone reservations.
The registration area will now be located just past Parking Lot 3. This will mean that vehicle access beyond Parking Lot 3 will be for registered guests of the campground.
Some adjustments have been made in light of COVID-19:
- Sites will be cleaned between occupancies. Visitors should consider bringing a cleaning kit with them to clean amenities around their campsite such as picnic tables and to practice proper hand hygiene while camping.
- Bicycle tent pads have been reduced to two.
View the COVID-19 Safety Plans for CRD Campgrounds.
The 67-site RV and tent campground is located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park and adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The campground is a local favorite on Vancouver Island and offers a high quality, self-contained wilderness camping experience.
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
- $7 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 7 persons per campsite with a maximum of 4 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 on-leash, pick up dog droppings and take it to the trash
Feedback
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Campground Operation
The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is managed by the CRD and operated by T’Sou-ke Nation.
Questions? Call T'Sou-ke Nation at 250.642.3957 or CRD Regional Parks 250.478.3344
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.