Park Contact


Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
About This 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
Know Before You Go
Special Notes
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Day-use only
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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 and Maps
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.
Nature and Culture
- 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
Activities Available at this Park

Pets on Leash

Wildlife Viewing
This park provides wildlife viewing opportunities along an important coho and chinook salmon spawning river.