Whiffen Spit

At the entrance to Sooke Harbour lies Whiffen Spit, a natural protrusion of sand and rock jutting out from Quimper Park, which has been reinforced to create a breakwater protecting the inner harbor. Visitors will find a lighthouse and an easy, flat 1.25-kilometer walking trail leading out to its terminus. Dogs are permitted to be off-leash here, and with plenty of space for them to run around and play, it’s no wonder that it’s such a a popular spot for dog-walkers from Sooke and beyond. For anyone who is uncomfortable around dogs, it might be best to choose a different beach.

There are sections of rocky shoreline, pebbly beach, and some sandy beach areas as well, and there are many benches to rest on as you enjoy great views of the Olympic Mountains across the water, watch the boats passing through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re looking for seclusion, this is not the place. Being located within the municipality of Sooke and a quick drive out of Victoria, it’s often quite busy. It is worth the trek nonetheless, particularly for those who want to go for a beach walk but don’t have time for a longer drive or a proper hike. Whiffen Spit is also a popular place for birdwatchers, with plenty of shorebirds residing in the calm waters on the inside of the spit. Additionally, it’s possible to view harbour seals, sea lions and whales from the spit, the latter being most commonly seen during their spring and fall migrations.