Plan Sooke Mountain Park near Victoria with undeveloped backcountry hiking, Shields Lake fishing, horseback riding, hunting, Charters River wading, and no camping.
Sooke Mountain Park was established in 1928 to protect wildlife, wilderness, and scenic values close to Victoria. BC Parks describes it as one of southern Vancouver Island’s earliest provincial parks and part of the extensive Sooke Hills greenbelt.
The park is undeveloped, has no road access, and has no maintained hiking trails.
Why Visit Sooke Mountain Park
Sooke Mountain is a rugged backcountry park within reach of the capital region. It protects rocky hills, lakes, forested slopes, and part of the Sooke River watershed, while offering wilderness hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding in a wild setting.
BC Parks also highlights threatened ecosystems such as Garry oak and rocky outcrops, moist valley forest, amphibian and bird habitat, and large predator and prey habitat. Visitors need to be prepared for bears, cougars, changing weather, and route-finding.
Things To Do
Hike or ride horses only with backcountry preparation, fish at Shields Lake with the correct licence, watch wildlife from a distance, mountain bike only where access and conditions allow, and hunt during open seasons where regulations permit.
Planning Notes
There is no road access or motorized vehicle use. Walking and hiking access is via Harbour View Road, and visitors must be prepared to wade across Charters River because there are no bridges. Overnight camping is not allowed because of fire risk and lack of facilities. Pets must be leashed, and self-sufficient weather, water, and navigation planning is essential. Start early enough to exit before darkness or rising water, and carry a map with a dry river-crossing backup plan.