Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Adjacent to the park is the Sooke River, where there exists a series of deep, naturally carved and polished rock pools and a small parking area with facilities that is managed by the District of Sooke. This area is a favourite day-use destination for many local and regional residents.

Glacial action during the last ice age 15,000 years ago is responsible for the formations, as the moving, melting ice packs stripped the surface area and carved a path deep into the natural bedrock. Huge boulders carried along by the rushing river became lodged, were swirled against the canyon walls and consequently carved out the potholes that can be seen today.

The nearby Sooke River (not within the park) is an important coho and chinook salmon spawning river, and opportunities exist for catch and release fishing. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park provides an ideal location to view the annual salmon spawning run.

Park Size: 7.28 hectares
Date Established: September 7, 1972

Special Notes

• Day-use only

• There are no facilities available in the park

  The District of Sooke provides parking, toilet and garbage can facilities on land within their jurisdiction, adjacent to the provincial park.

• Location Map

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park is located near Sooke on southern Vancouver Island. The park is accessed via Sooke River Road, 5 km north of West Coast Highway 14.

• Conservation: Located within the Leeward Island Mountains Ecosection, the park protects remnant old-growth Douglas fir and associated sensitive plant communities that line Sooke River. The Sierra wood fern, a red-listed plant, is found in the park. The river itself is an important wildlife corridor for all species, including black bear and roosevelt elk, as it connects the Sooke Hills and Capital Region greenbelt.
• General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

• Management Planning Information
• Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF]

Pets on Leash

Wildlife Viewing