If you love swimming and are looking for a new place in B.C to check out this sunny season, we have one to add to your list. One of the best opportunities for freshwater swimming in the region and is on Vancouver Island. It can be found near Sooke, at the Sooke Potholes Regional Park.
Located on the banks of the spectacular Sooke River, this regional park on Vancouver Island has everything to plan some days away this summer.
You can explore trail, take in all the stunning vistas from one of several view points, camp under the stars, or take a dip in the freshwater on a hot day.
This park got its name from its “potholes,” which are described as “unique geological formations – deep pools in the river rock – that offer some of the best freshwater swimming in the region.”
Recent Posts:
These ancient caves in BC are connected by an underground creek
There’s a FREE suspension bridge in BC that leads to an enchanting waterfall
Besides swimming or having a picnic by the river, there are short forest trails, and Sooke Potholes Regional Park is known as a great starting point for a trip by bicycle or on foot on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
The different viewpoints can give you the local scenery that may include spotting of black-tailed deer, red squirrels or bald eagles riding the breezes overhead.
The Sooke Potholes is open sunrise to sunset, and note that pay parking is in effect for the summer season from May 1 to September 30. At Sooke Potholes, pay parking is at parking Lots 1, 2 and 3. The cost of parking is $2.25 per day, or $20 for a season’s pass.
For those looking to camp, there is a 67-site RV and tent campground is located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park and adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
The campground is described as a local favourite on Vancouver Island and “offers a high quality, self-contained wilderness camping experience.”
Ready for your next swim adventure?
Sooke Potholes Regional Park
Where: Sooke River Rd, Sooke, BC
