Experiences
Discover unforgettable experiences at Ocean Wilderness Inn, from exploring scenic forest trails and secluded beaches, to unwinding in the tranquility of Vancouver Island’s West coast
Experience Nature At Its Finest!
Enjoy spectacular views of Salish Sea/Juan de Fuca Strait, majestic old growth trees, lush gardens and the private beach on our 5 beautiful acres. Trek the rustic trail that meanders along the freshwater stream that ends at the ocean. After your hike or ocean adventure, come back and soak in our cliff-side, ocean view hot tub. Enjoy your privacy as each suite has its own a private entrance and en-suite bathroom.
Close to French Beach, Mystic Beach, China Beach and Botanical Beach. Only 10 km to award-winning local restaurants, world-class hiking, surfing, whale watching, Provincial Parks, fishing, the Galloping Goose Trail, golfing, zip lining, kite surfing, and tons of local art and crafts.
West Of The West Coast
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a place to gather with loved ones, Ocean Wilderness Inn provides the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and charm.
Adventure In The Forest
Wander through the mossy rainforests of Vancouver Island’s West coast, where each step reveals towering cedars, hidden waterfalls, and the rhythmic crash of the Pacific Ocean. Mist clings to ferns along mushroom dotted pathways, leading down to beaches strewn with driftwood, where the scent of salt and earth is in the air. Breathe it in!
Visit Local Spots
View the rugged beauty of the wild coastline from Sheringham Point Lighthouse.
Enjoy forest bathing on a walk through the Sooke Potholes park and enjoy the river pools and beautiful trails that surround it.
The serene trails of East Sooke Park are well maintained and connect with the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Explore The Beaches
Choose a beach walk and a forest walk – you can combine the two! Heading West on Highway 14 from Ocean Wilderness Inn, French Beach is the first one you will find.
Next is Sandcut Beach which has a lovely waterfall.
China Beach is a favourite, and has a large beach with some soft grey sand at the end of a gorgeous hike through the forest. Pack a lunch and go for the day!
Sombrio Beach is another favourite. Bring your surfboard or just enjoy watching the surfers, seals and sometimes killer whales!
Botanical Beach is up at Port Renfrew and well worth the drive. Try to plan your visit to be there at or around low tide, where you can see multitudes of sea life in the tide pools. If you are already here, you could keep driving across to Cowichan, and complete the beautiful Pacific Marine Circle Route.
Local Restaurants, Groceries & Supplies
The Sooke to Port Renfrew region is graced with an amazing, world-class, and locally-sourced selection of eateries. From fine dining to casual, you are sure to find something that tempts your tastebuds.
Local Restaurants
- Point No Point
- Shirley Delicious
- The Sooke Harbour House
- Wild Mountain
- Stoked Wood Fired Pizza
- Sooke Brewery
- The Lazy Gecko
- Bad Dog Brewery
- Hara Sushi
- Route 14
- Stickleback Eatery
- The Stick in the Mud Coffee House
- Village Food Market
- Sooke River Hotel & Castle Liquor
- 17 Mile Pub, Ale House & Liquor Store
- My Chosen Cafe
- Cold Shoulder Cafe
- Hide & Seek (Asian Food Truck in East Sooke)
Local Events & Artists
Sooke has become quite famous as an artist enclave so please come and experience the works of artisans throughout the region: at local events, private studios, and showcased (and available for purchase) throughout the region in restaurants hotels and shops. Many artisans offer tours, and classes.
Explore The Outdoors
Adventure choices are numerous and varied, on the water, in the water, on the ground or in the air.
Local Adventure Choices
Local Beaches
Vancouver Island’s west coast is home to stunning beaches!
Ocean Wilderness Inn Beach
We have a wonderful beach just at the bottom of our private hiking trail here at OWI – with spectacular views of the Olympic mountains, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where you can walk along the beach to Kirby Creek (5k round trip). Locally known as Muir Creek beach
China Beach
22.4 km North of Ocean Wilderness Inn on Highway 14.
Please see this AllTrails link to map, details & difficulty
French Beach
The park is located about a 10 minute drive further west along HWY 14 from Ocean Wilderness Inn
Jordan River
17.2 km from Ocean Wilderness Inn
This is a beautiful spot, just off the main road, with some popular surfing breaks to take advantage of. The delicious Cold Shoulder cafe is right across the street!
Please see this AllTrails link to map, details & difficulty.
Mystic Beach
23.6 km from Ocean Wilderness Inn on Highway 14.
Please see this AllTrails link to map, details & difficulty.
Sombrio
The beach can be accessed from British Columbia Highway 14 via the Sombrio Beach Trailhead, and is a popular surfing spot.
Botanical
Botanical Beach and nearby Botany Bay can be accessed at the end of Cerantes Road from the large roundabout parking lot in the Juan de Fuca Provincial Marine Park.
Sandcut
Sandcut Beach is situated between French Beach Provincial Park and Jordan River, just 31 kilometres west of Sooke on Highway 14. Access to the beach is clear with a gravel parking lot and it is only a 15 minute hike from the parking area along a rugged wooded trail leading to a stone and pebble beach with sandstone and waterfalls.
Hikes & Scrambles
Explore the diverse trails of Vancouver Island’s west coast, from scenic forest walks to rugged coastal scrambles. Whether you’re trekking through mossy rainforests, climbing rocky bluffs, or following winding paths to secluded beaches, every hike offers a new adventure in nature’s wild beauty.
Whiffin Spit
Whiffin Spit is situated between the Sooke Harbour and Juan de Fuca Strait and offers a scenic coastal walk along the shoreline. The area is popular with dog walkers and nature enthusiasts as wildlife such as shorebirds and sea lions can often be spotted during your walk.
East Sooke (around Sooke Basin)
East Sooke Regional Park offers a true West Coast wilderness experience. Hike along the rugged, windswept coastline, traverse dry hilltops, and wander through dense rainforests to discover sheltered coves.
Sooke Potholes (& Galloping Goose)
The Galloping Goose Trail is a scenic and popular cycling route that stretches over 55 kilometers (110 km round trip) from Victoria to Sooke. Riding along this trail, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from verdant forests and rolling hills to sparkling rivers and tranquil lakes.
Sheringham Point Lighthouse
This Vancouver Island Lighthouse, located in Shirley, BC, can be viewed a short drive off the highway, making for easy access and perfect for taking in the ocean air and the fantastic photo opportunities.
Langford Walks
- Hatley Castle
- Esquimalt Lagoon
- Goldstream
