Quick Facts · The Wild
Wildlife
Land, sea, and sky all converge here — which is why East Sooke is one of the best places on the south Island to simply watch nature.
Where forest meets open ocean, wildlife gathers. Spend a quiet morning on the East Sooke headlands and you can reasonably hope to see raptors overhead, marine mammals offshore, and signs of the larger animals that move through the forest behind you.
Eagles & raptors
Bald eagles are a near-daily sight along the shore, often perched in the tallest shore pines or working the wind off the headlands. Hawks and other birds of prey hunt the meadows and forest edges.
Seals & sea lions
Harbour seals haul out on offshore rocks, and sea lions are often heard before they are seen — their barking carries a long way across the water, especially in the cooler months.
Whales offshore
The Strait of Juan de Fuca is a migration highway. Orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales pass within view of the coast at times — bring binoculars and patience; sightings are a gift, not a guarantee.
Forest animals
Black-tailed deer are common, river otters work the shoreline, and black bears and cougars do live in the wider area. Encounters are uncommon but real — make noise and keep dogs leashed.
The autumn vulture migration
The signature wildlife event here is the turkey-vulture migration. Each autumn, large numbers of turkey vultures stage along this coast — circling up on the thermals at the headlands near Beechey Head before making the open-water crossing of the strait toward the Olympic Peninsula. On a good September or October day the sky can hold a swirling "kettle" of birds. It is one of the most remarkable free spectacles on the south Island, and East Sooke's headlands are among the best vantage points anywhere to witness it.
Watch responsibly
- Give every animal space — use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of getting closer.
- Never feed wildlife, and don't leave food or scented items out at trailheads.
- Keep dogs leashed and under control for their safety and the animals'.
- If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you're too close — back off quietly.