The ancient temperate rainforest around the sheltered cove offers a perfect chance for solitude and a connection with nature. You can hike along a cool creek during the day or paddle on calm waters in the early morning light at this serene West Coast park.
Trail Rating: Moderate
Size: 162.59 hectares
Location: Gillespie Road in East Sooke
Established: 1985
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Roche Cove
Enjoy a picnic in the protected cove after an easy walk from the parking area. At low tide, you can find little-neck clams and barnacles in the sand. At high tide, look for sea stars moving over broken shells in search of food. You might also see migrating ducks, like red-breasted mergansers, Barrow's goldeneye, or buffleheads on the water.
Matheson Creek Trail
This trail follows the creek through a lush forest filled with bracken ferns and western red cedars, connecting to nearby Matheson Lake Regional Park. (Note: The trail may be impassable in winter.)
Cedar Grove Trail
For a more challenging hike, try the Cedar Grove Trail.
Galloping Goose User-Friendly Trail
Roche Cove is a great starting point for a day outing on the popular Galloping Goose Regional Trail. For a shorter hike, consider walking from Roche Cove to Rocky Point Road, which is 4.7 km one way. The Goose is a multi-use trail with a smooth gravel surface and a gentle slope, offering ocean and lake views at various points along the way.
To help preserve the park:
Amenities
There is an information kiosk, bike rack, accessible picnic area and accessible toilet off the parking lot. The parking has space for 12 vehicles and room for mid-size buses.
How to Get There
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take Exit 14 south to Langford. Follow Veterans Memorial Parkway, then turn right on Sooke Road. From Sooke Road, turn left on Gillespie Road, which leads to the park entrance on the left. Allow approximately 45 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Public Transportation
Take BC Transit #64 from the 17 Mile House to Gillespie Road. There is a bus stop close to the park entrance. Please note that BC Transit #64 runs Monday to Friday only, no weekend service. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.