Sooke and Port Renfrew March 1, 2019

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Naturally Wild Sooke to Port Renfrew!

Up close and natural

Wild beaches, waves for surfers, big trees and rugged coastline. You’ll find this and much more when you visit the Sooke to Port Renfrew region.

Located on the Juan de Fuca Strait, the open waters of the Pacific Ocean are abundant with orca, grey and humpback whales. These are the same waters where Spanish and English galleons once explored the New World.

Bear, cougar and elk live in the shelter of the massive fir, cedar and hemlock trees which tower hundreds of feet above the moss covered forest floor. Their limbs reach out to the eagles and osprey that fly overhead.

A

s the marine eco-tourism and whale watching industries continue to grow throughout Vancouver Island, so with it comes increased awareness of the human impact on our natural environment.

With this growing awareness, we see a stronger demand for sustainable co-existence with our very delicate marine ecosystems. In recent years, we have seen populations of species like humpback whales, steller sea lions and elephant seals rebound from near extinction to healthy

sustainable numbers, thanks to public support for the regulation of fisheries and species protection acts.

Adventures By HIP has taken a leading role in fulfilling the demand for responsible eco-tourism in the Sooke to Port Renfrew region. Operating small vessels which utilize state of the art, ultra-quiet propulsion motors, owners Mike and Sarah expose hundreds of visitors and locals alike, to the beauty of our natural surroundings with minimal impact to the complex and sensitive ecosystems being viewed.

While on tour with this energetic couple, prepare to immerse yourself into a safari of marine mammals — just a stone’s throw from the shores of this quaint harbour community.

Conveniently located at the Sooke Adventure HQ, 6971 West Coast Rd., an Ocean Wildlife Tour ($94) with Adventures

By HIP is a perfect activity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Sooke region.

Book your adventure: 250-818-1093.

For details, visit: AdventuresByHIP.com

SOOKE Sooke is the beginning of the scenic West Coast Road (Highway 14), a beautiful coastal drive into Port Renfrew, and is the starting point for the world-famous West Coast Trail.

This is one of the Island’s most astonishing drives, leading through coastal rainforest along the rocky shores, past award-winning B&Bs and seaside cafés, leading gracefully to breathtaking beaches.

High praise for Shirley Delicious utilizing seasonal produce from their farming neighbours.

Their coffee is also very impressive.

Shirley Delicious pulls and brews their own organic espresso and filtre blends, specially roasted for them by Agro Roasters in Vancouver. It’s also available by the pound from the café.

Once you taste it, you may just want to take a pound or two home with you. Victoria’s JagaSilk chai blends and Honestly-T loose leaf teas are also on the menu.

Shirley Delicious Café is well-known for their effulgent atmosphere, which can go from calm and soothing to line-ups out the door in a matter of minutes, all the while delivering a thoroughly gregarious and entertaining experience.

2794 Sheringham Point Rd, Shirley. facebook.com/ShirleyDelicious

PORT RENFREW The small village of Port Renfrew is a community on the southern tip of the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and is a one and a half-hour drive west of Victoria. It is most famous as the trail head for both the West Coast Trail and the Juan de Fuca Trail, as well as for being home to some of the best salt water salmon and halibut fishing on Southern Vancouver Island.

You’ll LOVE their craft beer

Works of 95+ Local Artists 0011670342

Chalk Ch lk PPaintt & SSupplies l BARKING DOG We also buy & sell Vintage STUDIO BARKING DOG STUDIO Sooke to 250-642-6677 Port Renfre 2054 Otter Point Road, Sooke BC www.barkingdogstudio.ca

0011666800 Come Relax Wit h Us! Located in the beautiful Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke

www.lesookespa.com phone: 250-642-7995 | email: info@lesookespa.com

S.O.B.

is an award-winning 0011670803 indie brewery dedicated to the craft of BREWERY beer since 2016 SOOKE OCEANSIDE Sooke to Port Renfre 5 x 50 CMYK, , Renfrew Red Ale

Bear Beach Baltic Porter

Whiffen Weizen

778-352-2739 #1-5529 Sooke Rd.

sookeoceansidebrewery.com

Follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook @SookeBrew

contact Stephanie Conrad Phone: 250-812-6046 email: sconrad@timescolonst.com

Sooke’s original brewery SOOKE TO PORT RENFREW FEATURE

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LE SOOKE SPA Sooke to Port Renfre Le Sooke Spa 3 x 30

S

ooke Oceanside Brewery (SOB) was born from the desire to bring the love of craft beer to the West Coast community of Sooke. They are the seventh brewery in the capital region. The brewery is the brainchild of Sooke residents and husband-and-wife team Ryan Orr and Karri Jensen. Along with brewer Garritt Lalonde, they have established the brand and the beer as another reason for people to head to Sooke.

Founded in 2015, SOB has been a long standing labour of love. It has taken a lot of recipe development and planning to arrive where they are now and it has been time well spent. You will love their beer. The tasting room is up and running, so plan to visit for a flight — drop in and say ‘hello’.

SOB poured their brews at this year’s Island Craft Beer, Spirit and Cider fest in the Strathcona Hotel earlier in February. They offer their classic — Stiff Jab Pale Ale, their award winning Bear Beach Baltic Porter and a cask of oak aged Fight in the Dog. SOB will do their best to keep excellent beer coming your way. sookeoceansidebrewery.com

If you are interested in participating in the next

S

hirley Delicious opened their doors on March 8 in 2013.

Today, they are the gateway to the Pacific Circle Route. Praises won locally and abroad include mentions in the New York Times and the UK’s Guardian. This little café lives up to it’s name whilst providing a year-round summer vibe.

Located between Sooke and Jordan River, Shirley Delicious was launched by Salt Spring friends: Phillip du Preez, Sheena Mercer and Lou Ellis. Despite being in the “middle of nowhere”, the café offers an impressive selection of in-house made organic muffins, scones, croissants, savouries and desserts, along with their soup, sandwich and brunch menu. Many options are available in gluten-free and/or vegan. Shirley Delicious is a community-based café

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Keep th section h is a for your ndy ne adventu xt re!

Fun + adventure take you into nature

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EST COAST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE offers all the gear you need to experience Canada’s real West Coast beauty, including family friendly Hobie kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the Sooke Harbour and Basin. They have bikes available, too, that will get you up into the spectacular Sooke Potholes

Regional Park via the famous Galloping Goose trail. You’ll be “into” nature in a matter of minutes.

On a fast and stable foot-powered Hobie kayak, you can view and photograph the abundant wildlife with ease as you explore the spectacular coastline in the region.

You may even catch a salmon for supper!

Join West Coast Outdoor Adventure on an escorted tour, or if you prefer, rent and explore at your own pace. Within moments, the resident seals will ensure your adventure begins as soon as you leave the private dock.

Grab a stand-up paddleboard and paddle right from the dock. Or you can load the paddleboards up and

take them to the area of your choice.

With West Coast Outdoor Adventure’s qualified dockside instruction, even first-timers will be confidently gliding along the water and peering down into the crystal clear depths at a world full of wonder and surprises.

All the bikes are ideally suited for the famous 56 kilometre long

Galloping Goose converted rail trail — the gateway to the Trans Canada “Great Trail”. You can take them on some of the more challenging local trails, too — ones that B.C. is so well known for all over the world.

What are you waiting for? Book online at WestCoastOutdoor.com or call: 250-664-7794.

PHOTO: SECRETARY ISLAND, EAST SOOKE PARK.

SEASIDE COTTAGES AND WEST COAST TRAIL LODGE BY THE SEA

Adventure Seekers Start Here

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EST COAST TRAIL LODGE AND SEASIDE COTTAGES are located in the heart of Port Renfrew. For all adventure seekers, the Lodge is the ideal place to position yourself for any leg of your journey on the wild coast.

The Lodge is especially convenient, with Wild Renfrew Fishing Charters right at your doorstep and operating at the government dock. Here’ you’ll find some of the best halibut and salmon fishing in North America.

The lodging is fashioned for families, fisherman and all explorers looking for an affordable getaway deep in the woods or on the open ocean. Lodge occupancy is for two to four people and is pet friendly. Check out the tide chart at the office and see the variety of guides and identification books before you set out to Botanical Beach or Avatar Grove.

Events Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra Songs & Psalms in April Saturday, Apr. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd. Conductor: Nicholas Fairbank.

Hear Bernstein, Mendelssohn, Fairbank,Brahms.

Sunday, Apr. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Roads University, Quarterdeck Ballroom, 2005 Sooke Rd. Details and tickets: sookephil.ca

Sooke Craft Beer & Spirits Fest Saturday, Mar. 9, 5 to 8 p.m.

A fundraiser to benefit the Sooke Minor Fastball Association at the Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Sheilds Rd. $35.

Visit: sookebeerfestival.ca for details.

0011671479 TRAILHEAD RESORT Sooke to Port Renfre 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

Opening in May this year, the Coastal Kitchen Café will offer speciality coffees, all day breakfasts and to-go fare to fuel you up.

The Lodge and Cottages are two kilometres from the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail and five kilometres to the West Coast Trail office. The Lodge is the natural starting point for people who are setting out on either of these bucket list hikes.

If you choose to take the bus to Renfrew, you’ll find the West Coast Trail Express Bus drop-off and pick-up conveniently located just a two minute walk away from the Lodge. A few more steps and you’re at Snuggery Cove, where The Renfrew Pub provides a selection of celebratory beers and burgers.

When planning your next excursion on the rugged Pacific Coast, visit: wildrenfrew.com or call: 250-647-5541 ext 1.

West Coast Outdoor Adventure @Sooke Harbour Resort 6971 West Coast Rd, Sooke BC 250-664-7794 www.WestCoastOutdoor.com

0011666878 EAGLE REACH Sooke to TOURS Port Renfre RENTALS SALES Bring this ad in for a 10% discount in April, May, or June 4 x 40 CMYK, ,

March 7, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Sooke Acoustic Open Mic Hosted by local musicians, Pamela Hardy and Matt Brett. Join an evening of acoustic music and enjoy a glass of craft beer at Sooke Brewing Company, 2057 Otter Point Rd. Limited space, solo and duo acts only. No amps. 15 to 20 minute sets. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. facebook.com/SookeAcousticOpenMic

ArtiFacts Show Mar. 22 to Apr. 30 Upstairs Gallery of the Sooke Region Museum, 2070 Phillips Rd. In its 5th year, this annual show garners accolades from the community for its innovative melding of art and museum style exhibition, including background details with an emphasis on local locations, native flora and fauna.

SookeCommunityArts.com

Shirley Community Association Spring Craft Fair Sunday, Apr. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Artisans, crafters, baked goods, food. Shirley Community Hall, 2795 Sheringham Point Rd.

You Deserve Luxury

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Eagle Reach - A West Coast Cottage Port Renfrew, BC

Book Your Stay With Us Today www.eaglereach.ca | 1-778-926-2974

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