Neighbourhoods of Sooke, BC: A Local Guide to Where You Might Want to Live
Sooke, BC is more than just one town, it’s a community made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own personality, landscape, and lifestyle. Whether you're dreaming of ocean views, forested acreage, or a family-friendly cul-de-sac, Sooke has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the major neighbourhoods that make up the Sooke area with local insight, a point of interest in each, and Google Maps links to help you explore further.
All Google Maps links are for reference only, and may not encompass an entire neighbourhood.
Sooke Town Centre (Core)
What it’s like: This is the heart of Sooke — where you'll find shops, restaurants, cafes, schools, and the main bus routes. Living here means convenience. You’re close to everything, and many homes have harbour or ocean views just steps from the village vibe.
Local landmark: Sooke Region Museum and Lighthouse — A must-see for anyone new to the area and the symbol behind our own website favicon!
Whiffin Spit
What it’s like: Whiffin Spit is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Sooke. It’s quiet, walkable, and has some of the best waterfront properties in the region. The vibe is peaceful and coastal — great for retirees, couples, or anyone wanting to be close to nature.
Point of interest: Whiffin Spit Park — A long sand and gravel spit with a scenic walking trail surrounded by ocean on both sides.
Sunriver Estates
What it’s like: Sunriver is a planned residential community just outside the town centre. It's a popular neighbourhood for families, thanks to its newer homes, parks, walking trails, and community feel. Lots are generous, and there’s a mix of craftsman-style homes and townhomes.
Point of interest: Sunriver Community Gardens & Allotments — A local gathering place and one of Sooke’s best community-supported agriculture hubs.
Broomhill
What it’s like: Broomhill is a residential neighbourhood with homes built mostly in the 1970s through early 2000s. It’s hilly, treed, and very family-friendly with schools nearby. It also tends to be one of the more affordable areas in Sooke, making it a great place for first-time buyers.
Point of interest: Broomhill Park — A quiet community park with trails, sports courts, and forest views.
Otter Point
What it’s like: Otter Point is rural, serene, and filled with towering trees, private driveways, and ocean-view acreages. If you're looking for space and privacy — maybe for a hobby farm or a creative retreat — this is the place. It’s still close enough to town, but feels a world away.
Point of interest: Otter Point Park — A lesser-known oceanside spot with short trails and stunning west-facing views.
East Sooke
What it’s like: East Sooke is technically outside Sooke’s municipal boundary but often considered part of the greater Sooke area. It's very rural and rugged, with some of the most scenic landscapes in the region. Oceanfront estates, secluded cabins, and custom homes are common.
Point of interest: East Sooke Regional Park — One of the most stunning coastal parks on Vancouver Island, perfect for hiking, picnics, and whale watching.
Saseenos
What it’s like: Saseenos is the first neighbourhood you’ll hit when driving west from Langford into Sooke. It offers a mix of ocean-view homes, farmland, and older character houses. This area is ideal for commuters and folks who want the Sooke lifestyle without being too far from Victoria.
Point of interest: Billings Spit — A quiet and scenic beach access point where locals walk, fish, or enjoy sunsets.
17 Mile
What it’s like: Located near the iconic 17 Mile House Pub, this small rural area serves as a gateway into Sooke. With wooded lots, hobby farms, and proximity to nature, it offers a mix of convenience and country charm.
Point of interest: 17 Mile House Pub — a historic roadhouse built in 1894 that still serves great food and live music.
Becher Bay
What it’s like: A quiet cove community located in East Sooke, Becher Bay is known for boating, kayaking, and stunning waterfront views. It’s a hidden haven for nature lovers and those who love coastal solitude.
Point of interest: Becher Bay Marina — a small marina perfect for launching kayaks and accessing local waters.
Billings Spit
What it’s like: Tucked between Saseenos and Whiffin Spit, Billings Spit offers quiet streets, walkable beaches, and homes with views across the Sooke Basin. It’s popular with paddleboarders and locals who love life by the water.
Point of interest: Billings Spit Beach — a calm inlet perfect for paddling and shoreline walks.
French Beach
What it’s like: French Beach is a rural area known for its namesake provincial park, a spectacular place to relax, camp, or walk along driftwood-strewn shores. Homes here are often larger lots and acreages tucked into the forest.
Point of interest: French Beach Provincial Park — popular with families for day trips and camping.
John Muir
What it’s like: Named after the elementary school in the area, this neighbourhood is close to the town core and offers modest homes, newer construction, and walkable access to schools and recreation.
Point of interest: John Muir Elementary School — a central hub for families with young children.
Phillips North
What it’s like: A newer residential development just north of Phillips Road. It’s close to the Sooke River, forested trails, and offers convenient access to local recreation and shopping.
Point of interest: SEAPARC Recreation Centre — a community favourite with an indoor pool, gym, rink, and more.
Port Renfrew
What it’s like: Located farther west along the coast, Port Renfrew is known for surfing, tidepooling, and towering trees. It’s a peaceful, off-grid-friendly village for adventurers and nature lovers.
Point of interest: Botanical Beach — a world-famous marine ecosystem with remarkable tide pools.
Sheringham Point
What it’s like: Set along the rugged coast near Shirley, Sheringham Point is a scenic cliffside area with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. A haven for artists, writers, and those seeking inspiration.
Point of interest: Sheringham Point Lighthouse — beautifully restored and open to visitors with interpretive signage.
Silver Spray
What it’s like: Silver Spray is an upscale oceanfront development bordering East Sooke Park. Properties here are known for dramatic views, custom architecture, and direct access to coastal trails.
Point of interest: Silver Spray Coastal Trail — stunning viewpoints for hikers and whale watchers alike.
West Coast Road
What it’s like: West Coast Road follows Highway 14 and is dotted with waterfront properties, vacation cabins, and rural homes with sweeping views. It links Sooke to Jordan River and beyond, making it ideal for weekend escapes or year-round coastal living.
Point of interest: Sandcut Beach — a hidden beach with a scenic waterfall, accessible via a short forest walk.
Kemp Lake
What it’s like: Kemp Lake is a semi-rural area just west of Otter Point. Homes here range from modest cabins to large custom estates, many with water access or lake views. This neighbourhood is quiet, peaceful, and great for anyone who loves wildlife and a slower pace.
Point of interest: Kemp Lake — A freshwater lake popular with locals for canoeing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Shirley
What it’s like: About 20–30 minutes west of downtown Sooke, Shirley is a quiet, forested area with ocean views and off-grid potential. Properties here are often larger, more private, and perfect for those seeking an unplugged lifestyle. You’ll find creative folks, homesteaders, and adventure-seekers living here.
Point of interest: Shirley Delicious Café — A local institution and favourite stop for baked goods, coffee, and art-filled vibes.
Jordan River
What it’s like: Technically not part of Sooke proper, Jordan River is about 45 minutes away, but it’s often considered part of the lifestyle region. It’s a tiny surf town with a cult following. People come here for the waves, the peace, and the off-grid cabins nestled between forest and sea.
Point of interest: Jordan River Surf Beach — One of the South Island’s top surf spots with gorgeous sunsets and raw Pacific beauty.
Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
When people ask me where the “best” neighbourhood in Sooke is, I always say it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want walkability and community events, the town centre or Sunriver might be your spot. If you’re after space and seclusion, Otter Point or East Sooke will feel like home. For water views, Whiffin Spit, Saseenos, and Kemp Lake are hard to beat. And if you’ve got a surfboard in the back of your van, we'll see you in Jordan River.
Thinking of Buying in Sooke?
Living in Sooke means more than just owning property, it’s about joining a community that values nature, space, and a laid-back coastal pace. Whether you're moving here for the first time, upsizing for your family, or searching for a quiet place to retire, I’d be happy to help you find the right neighbourhood to match your lifestyle.
Let’s connect and chat about what part of Sooke might be the perfect fit for you.