Best Museums in Sooke

"​Become inspired and visit the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria—British Columbia’s largest public collection of art. Located in the historic Rockland neighbourhood, and nearby the famous Craigdarroch Castle, the Gallery houses over 20,000 pieces of historical and contemporary art and contains a renowned collection of Asian art and artifacts. Just as stunning as the artwork is the 1889 Spencer Mansion that serves as an exhibition space and mini-museum for the Spencer family’s former home."

"One of Canada’s finest art galleries is home to nationally important Oriental, European, Canadian and Inuit art collectors. The Gallery has a permanent display of works by Victoria’s renowned artist, Emily Carr. Opened in 1951 as a result of Sara Spencer’s donation of the Spencer Mansion, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria offers exhibits of all sorts, year round."

"Granted, it's not the Louvre, or even Vancouver Art Gallery for that matter, but this east-of-downtown art nook does harbor one of Canada's best Emily Carr collections. Aside from the Victoria-born painter's..."

"Colonizing part of the Inner Harbour's landmark Steamship Terminal building, this gallery showcases the photo-realistic work of Canada's most celebrated nature painter, the eponymous Bateman, along with a..."

"Opened in 2013 in a historic waterfront structure, this small but impressive gallery displays more than 100 works—from etchings to…"

"Just a 2-minute walk from Alexander’s, and you will arrive at Sidney Museum where you can discover the natural history of the area. There are over 8,000 artifacts and a rotating monthly display in the museum. Admission is by donation and you can book your visit on their website as entries are by timed admission only."

"One of our summer students has been hard at work transforming our parlour exhibit. The final product... Treat your eyes and mind with some local and brand new information while you walk around exploring the artifacts at Sidney Museum."

"Now turn around and go back down Moss Street and Rockland Avenue. Turn left at Royal Terrace and follow the map to Craigdarroch Castle. Then walk down Joan Crescent, named after Joan Dunsmuir, whose husband Robert, the coal baron, built Craigdarroch Castle."

"A weather station for 75 years, the observatory now stands as a scenic heritage building in the Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Toward sunset, make the quick walk up to the top for a breathtaking waterfront view."

"A taste of East Africa located in Esquimalt; Blue Nile offers plenty of flavourful vegan dishes and meat dishes alike. One can choose from a selection of vegan dishes from the buffet ($14.95), or enjoy vegetarian menu items (all of which are vegan) including the Vegetarian Combo (a mix of lentils, cabbage, and vegetables $10.95), Bursen Tumtumo ($10.95), Ater Tumtumo ($10.95), and Hamli Zebhi ($10.95). Blue Nile Restaurant"

"The fried, battered cauliflower wings tossed in maple sriracha at Very Good Butchers might be the single tastiest vegetarian appetizer I had in 2019. Washing down my Very Good Burger – featuring a spicy, BBQ-flavoured bean patty – with peach mint kombucha made this a lunch to remember. You can also devour a seitan bacon (made with gluten) and deli fowl (chicken flavour without actual chicken) charcuterie board at this hotspot in the bustling Victoria Public Market on Douglas Street."

"With so many reasons to go vegan — from environmental to ending cruelty to animals – many people are choosing a plant-based diet. Vegan butcher shops are like rare gems waiting to be found in select urban centres around the world. Lucky for me, we have the Very Good Butchers  take-out counter right downtown, located in the Victoria Public Market."

"Making their own excellent plant-based 'meats', The Very Good Butchers are definitely worth a visit. Despite the name, everything is vegan. You can buy burgers and sausages from their store counter, or stop by their restaurant for a BLT or burger."

"Fern is the spot to indulge in fabulous vegan cinnamon buns and doughnuts. Aside from baked goods and Discovery coffee, they also offer a full food menu with fantastic options such as the Buttermilk Pancakes or the Buffalo Chickun Burger (best accompanied with a side poutine). Having only recently celebrated their second anniversary last fall, Fern’s menu has continued to evolve with exciting dishes and features."

"First and foremost, let’s start off with my favorite café, Fern Café and Bakery. Serving up organic award-winning coffee from Fresh Cup Roastery Café, this newcomer just opened up shop a couple of weeks ago. In that short amount of time, the local community has embraced Victoria’s first all-vegan café with open arms."

"It's not often you find a fully vegan bakery with gluten-free options, but Fern Cafe is just that. Offering such delights as this Black Forest cake and mint macaron, the surroundings are cool, casual and relaxed. You can either stop by for lunch (try the burgers and sandwiches) or grab a treat (or several) to go."