Nature abounds in the waters of Canada’s South Pacific
SookePoint, Race Rocks, and East Sooke Wilderness Park are brimming with a diverse array of wildlife, making the region a haven for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike. The waters of Canada’s South Pacific between SookePoint and Race Rocks are teeming with marine biodiversity!
Marine Life
Common sightings include:
- Orcas (killer whales): Resident and transient pods are frequent visitors, often seen hunting or breaching majestically.
- Humpback whales: Known for their playful antics and tail slaps add further excitement to whale-watching.
- Seals and sea lions: Harbour seals, elephant seals, and Stellar sea lions are abundant, lounging on rocky outcrops or gliding gracefully through the waves.
- Porpoises and otters: Dall’s porpoises and playful sea otters enrich the marine experience.
- Intertidal life: Tide pools brimming with colorful starfish, anemones, and crabs make for delightful exploration.
Canada’s South Pacific is home to the majestic humpback whale.
Birdlife
The seas, skies and cliffs are alive with the calls and swoops of coastal birds. Many of these birds can be seen year-round, with some visiting seasonally for breeding, nesting, or wintering. These birds, alongside the stunning marine environment, create a perfect backdrop for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Bald eagles: Frequently spotted perched on treetops or diving for fish.
- Cormorants and herons: Graceful and ever-present along the shoreline.
- Seabirds like puffins and auklets: Adding charm to the rugged coastal scenery.
- Loons: Known for their haunting calls, they are expert divers often seen on the water’s surface.
- Grebes: Elegant swimmers that perform intricate courtship dances.
- Cormorants: Recognizable by their long necks and habit of spreading wings to dry after diving.
- Scoters: Sea ducks that gather in large flocks, especially during migration seasons.
- Alcids: Includes puffin-like birds such as murres and guillemots, adept at diving for fish.
- Gulls: Several species, from the common Glaucous-winged Gull to smaller Bonaparte’s Gulls, are abundant throughout the region.
- Red-Tailed Hawks: Large birds of prey, recognized by their broad wings and the characteristic reddish hue of their tail feathers – often seen soaring high in the sky, using thermal currents to survey their territory for prey.
- Turkey Vultures: Large scavengers with dark brown-black plumage, a small, featherless red head, and broad wings featuring light undersides. When in flight, they are easily recognized by their V-shaped wing position and teetering glides. These birds are known for their incredible sense of smell, used to locate carrion, and are often seen circling in groups as they scout for food.
Bald eagles make for a thrilling sight as they hunt along the coastline of Canada’s South Pacific.
Land Animals
East Sooke Wilderness Park which directly adjoins SookePoint is home to:
- Black-tailed deer: Often glimpsed grazing peacefully in the lush forests.
- Raccoons, river otters, squirrels, and mink: Frequently seen along trails or shorelines.
- Cougars and black bears: Though few and elusive, they underscore the wild, untamed beauty of the region.
Deer are common in the forests around SookePoint.
Scenic Highlight Locations
- Race Rocks Ecological Reserve: Beyond its currents and shipwreck history, it is a sanctuary for marine life and migratory birds, offering visitors and scuba divers an exceptional sense of awe and adventure.
- SookePoint: An ancient volcanic peninsula that is 84% surrounded by the Salish Sea. A special tourism exemption permits construction of ocean cottages and yacht suites as close as 5m or 15’ from the ocean. SookePoint’s unique location as a nature-focused destination resort appeals strongly to eco-conscious travelers and adventure seekers looking for an immersive coastal experience. Unique fully equipped private family space for memorable land-based whale, marine life and storm watching.
- East Sooke Wilderness Park: Follow the trail from SookePoint into a 50 km (30 mile) network of verdant pathways featuring rugged coastlines and dense temperate rainforest, perfect for healthy fresh-air hiking and wildlife watching.
Hiking in East Sooke Wilderness Park.
Why It Matters
The unique ecosystem of Canada’s South Pacific offers a rare chance to witness nature’s wonders up close, creating unforgettable memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Victoria – A Stone’s Throw From SookePoint Ocean Cottages & Resort
Victoria: the perfect day trip from SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort
Victoria, British Columbia, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure, making it an irresistible destination for travelers. It’s also the gateway to Canada’s South Pacific. Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, this charming city captivates visitors with its Victorian-era architecture, rich indigenous heritage, and access to pristine natural landscapes. Iconic landmarks like the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel anchor the city’s historic charm, offering glimpses into its storied past.
The distance between SookePoint and the Victoria Parliament Buildings is approximately 28.07 kilometres (17.44 miles) as the crow flies. The Royal BC Museum provides an enriching dive into local history with exhibits ranging from life-sized woolly mammoths to indigenous artifacts. For food lovers, the city delivers everything from jerk fish poutine at Red Fish Blue Fish to decadent brunches at John’s Place and gourmet Italian dinners at Il Terrazo.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with attractions like the beautifully abundant salmon runs in nearby Goldstream Provincial Park, biking the woodland Galloping Goose Trail that was once a railway route from Victoria to Sooke, adrenaline storm and whale-watching from SookePoint, and the spectacularly unique seashore views along the adjoining 10km Coast Trail in East Sooke Wilderness Park.
Whether you’re marveling at the world’s tallest totem pole in Beacon Hill Park or sipping Okanagan Valley wine at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria seamlessly blends relaxation with adventure.