Whiffin Spit, Sooke
Ruddy Turnstones along Whiffin Spit during fall migration.
Type:
LandmarkSeason:
All SeasonsWeather:
All WeatherTime:
1 hourCost:
FreeWhat to bring:
Camera, Binoculars, Sense of Curiosity, Bird BookType:
LandmarkSeason:
All SeasonsWeather:
All WeatherTime:
1 hourCost:
FreeWhat to bring:
Camera, Binoculars, Sense of Curiosity, Bird BookExplore Sooke's Whiffin Spit throughout the four seasons - enjoy storm watching in the Winter, migratory birding in the Spring and Autumn, and spectacular views in the Summer. Offering a 1.1 kilometre walk to the lighthouse at the end of the Spit, this unique locale is the perfect place to enjoy the windswept beauty of the edge of the Pacific Ocean with views of the Olympic Mountain range, Juan de Fuca Strait and Sooke Village, harbour, inlet and mountains.
Take a 1.1 kilometre walk along Whiffin Spit in Sooke, British Columbia. This natural sandy spit protects Sooke's inner harbour from the open ocean and provides spectacular views of the Juan de Fuca Strait, the Olympic Mountain range in Washington State and the village of Sooke. The trail ends at a white and green lighthouse established in 1906 which marks the entrance to the channel into Sooke habour.
Whiffin Spit was named for a clerk on the British Royal Navy ship "Herald" which surveyed the Sooke region in 1846. The narrow channel into Sooke Harbour was frequented by tall ships which would pick up loads of lumber to deliver to coastal settlements from the Muir Mill built by brothers John Junior, Robert & Michael Muir in 1855.
Whiffin Spit also attracts bird watchers from across British Columbia as it one of the region's most popular stops along the Pacific Flyaway for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The crashing waves from the open ocean and Juan de Fuca Strait stir up an abundance of food and sea kelp, attracting a wide range of creatures from sea otters to birds.
Located adjacent to Quimper Park, Whiffin Spit is a interesting and scenic walk. Seasonally, there are much to discover along this narrow strip of sandy land. In Spring, the high tides leave less than two meters of land, narrowing the spit considerably. As well, in Spring and Autumn the migration sees thousands of birds stopping along the Spit to rest during their journey along the Pacific Flyaway. Also, in Winter, storms offer spectacular viewing opportunities. It is advisable to stay off the spit as the turbulent ocean can be extremely dangerous. Be sure to bring a jacket - even on sunny days the wind can be quite brisk as the Spit is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and there is little vegetation.
Be sure to take a walk along Whiffin Spit Park when visiting Sooke, a scenic locale on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Photo and Image Gallery
![Signpost on Whiffin Spit in Sooke, British Columbia: Named for a clerk on the Royal Navy's vessel "Herald" which surveyed Sooke Harbour in 1846, the spit protects the harbour from the breakers coming from the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the Pacific Ocean. Tall ships sailed through the far channel to carry lumber from the Muir mill to distant ports during the latter half of the 19th century.](http://media.venturevancouver.com/whiffin-spit-sooke-information-sign-thumb.jpg "Signpost on Whiffin Spit in Sooke, British Columbia: Named for a clerk on the Royal Navy's vessel "Herald" which surveyed Sooke Harbour in 1846, the spit protects the harbour from the breakers coming from the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the Pacific Ocean. Tall ships sailed through the far channel to carry lumber from the Muir mill to distant ports during the latter half of the 19th century.")
Location of Whiffin Spit | Sooke, British Columbia | Vancouver Island
Use the interactive map below to locate and explore the areas around Whiffin Spit | Sooke, British Columbia | Vancouver Island
Whiffin Spit is located at the end of Whiffen Spit Road at Sea Lion Way.Map of Vancouver Island
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