Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In addition to luxury accommodations, one of Canada's finest dining experiences can
be had at Sooke Harbour House. The decor is country-style simple, not that anything
could possibly take away from the food and ocean views. The menu changes daily, but
most dishes feature local seafood, prepared to perfection with vegetables and herbs picked
straight from the surrounding garden and specialties such as sea asparagus harvested from
tidal pools below the restaurant. The four-course option is usually around $75 per person.
The cellar is almost as renowned as the food—it holds more than 10,000 bottles. Reserva-
tions are essential at this restaurant, which opens daily at 5pm.
17 Mile House Pub (5126 Sooke Rd., 250/642-5942, 11am-11pm daily, $13-25) is a
charming relic from the past. It dates from an era when travelers heading to Sooke would
stop for a meal 17 miles from Victoria's City Hall. The walls are decorated in a century's
worth of memorabilia, and there's still a hitching post out back.
CONTINUING ALONG HIGHWAY 14 TO PORT RENFREW
The road west from Sooke takes you past gray pebbly beaches scattered with shells and
driftwood, past Gordon's Beach to French Beach (about 20 kilometers/12 miles from
Sooke). Here you can wander down through a lush forest of Douglas fir and Sitka spruce
to watch Pacific breakers crashing up on the beach—and keep an eye open for whales and
eagles. It's a great place for a windswept walk, a picnic, or camping ($15 per night, pit toi-
lets provided).
Continuing west, the highway winds up and down forested hills for another 12 kilomet-
ers (7.5 miles) or so, passing evidence of regular logging as well as signposted forest trails
to sandy beaches. Along this stretch of coast are two great accommodations. The first, loc-
ated three kilometers (1.9 miles) beyond French Beach, is Point No Point Resort (10829
West Coast Rd., 250/646-2020, www.pointnopointresort.com , $215-280 s or d), which fea-
tures 28 cabins, each with ocean views, a full kitchen, and fireplace. The in-house restaurant
serves lunch daily and dinner Wednesday-Sunday (mains $26-29).
Two kilometers (1.2 miles) farther west, high upon oceanfront cliffs, Fossil Bay Resort
(11033 West Coast Rd., 250/646-2073, www.fossilbay.com , $239 s or d with a two-night
minimum on weekends) offers six modern cottages, each with a hot tub, private balcony,
wood-burning fireplace, king-size bed, full kitchen, and wireless Internet.
Jordan River
When you emerge at the small logging town of Jordan River, take time to take in the smells
of the ocean and the surrounding windswept landscape. The town comprises only a few
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