Guest comments about a stay at Beach Cabin Sept 2011

Hello Betty & Rob,

M and I wanted to thank you both, we were looking for total peace
and quiet and the cabin exceeded our expectations!

Initially when booking our holiday back in April we were torn between
the beach cabin and another B&B in the area; speaking with Rob and his
description of the beach cabin location helped to sway our decision
(great sales job).

As mentioned earlier today when I spoke briefly with you Betty, we
were very sorry to leave. We absolutely loved our stay from start to
finish and stayed exactly until our check-out time of 11:00 a.m.


M & T

Testimonial for Stone's Throw Cottage Sept 2011

We had a wonderful time at Stone's Throw Cottage! It is a beautiful home! The views are stunning - we watched a large pod of Orcas from the deck - and the art throughout the home created a peaceful retreat.

We really appreciate the ideas you gave us for hiking and eating. We visited most of the beaches - Sand cut, China, Sombrio and Botanical - had fun hiking and exploring. We also were able to do the zip-line and whale watching package - went on separate days, which allowed us to take our time.

I ended up cooking most of our meals with the exception of a lunch at the Edge, which was a fabulous choice. We picked up fresh greens and vegetables at the community market Saturday morning - fun to meet the farmers and having such fresh produce was a real treat.

Thanks for the quick response when the shower hose sprung a leak. It was so nice to find it magically fixed by the time we got back from our explorations that day. Amazing service!

Our experience with Island Vacation Homes was exceptional, from my first call to explore which month we might want to visit, to your guidance on places to go and things to do, to Stone's Throw Cottage itself. We're already talking about when we'll be able to save up for our next trip.


Thanks again and take care,
-E & J

Inexpensive Things to do in Sooke

• Walk on Whiffen Spit: Parking lot located at the end of Whiffen Spit Rd in Sooke. The April day I stood in East Sooke and saw someone walking their dog in sunshine drenched swirling mist on Whiffen Spit was the day I fell in love with Sooke. Whiffen Spit in all of its moods is beautiful.


• Galloping Goose Trail: http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/ This trail is built on an historic rail bed and runs from Victoria out to Sooke and along the Sooke River.
• Sooke River Potholes: http://www.sooke.org/potholes/index.htm The Potholes are accessible via Sooke River Rd. Go north (away from the harbour) on Sooke River Rd and drive about 4 km to the end of the road. At road's end there is a series of 3 parking lots. The parking lots are near good swimming and picnic locations. If you follow the Galloping Goose Trail further upstream, you can find less frequented places. This is one of my favourite things to do in Sooke! The Galloping Goose Trail is easily reached from the 3rd parking lot at the end of Sooke River Rd. There are other Goose Trail access points along Sooke River Rd. See the Galloping Goose website above for information on the access points. If you ride a bike to travel along the river, bring a bike lock, so that you can leave your bike near the trail and explore on foot.

Sooke's Coffee Shops (with internet access)

• Stick in the Mud. 6715 Eustace Rd, Sooke. Look for the sign at the corner of Eustace and Otter Point Rd., just one short block up from the Sooke Rd / Otter Point Rd intersection.
• Reading Room. Located in the Western Foods Shopping Centre in the far right corner as you face Western Foods.
• Serious Coffee. Located in the Village Foods Shopping Centre to the right of Village Foods
• Little Vienna Bakery Cafe. Located at 6726 West Coast Rd just west of the intersection of Sooke Rd / Otter Point Rd intersection. Look for the cat on the sign. This is an excellent bakery with fine desserts and breads. Inquire about the gluten-free breads. 250.642.6833 www.littlevienna.com

Fine Dining in the Sooke region

• Point-No-Point 250.646.2020. Waterfront with binoculars on the tables. Great sunsets. 20 minutes west of Sooke on West Coast Rd (beyond French Beach, but worth the trip). Try combining a hike (Sandcut Beach, Jordan River, French Beach, or China Beach) with lunch or dinner at Point-No-Point.
• Markus Wharfside 250.642.3596. http://www.markuswharfsiderestaurant.com/ Located at 1831 Maple Ave in Sooke. Has a view of the harbour.
• Sooke Harbour House 250.642.3421. Located at the end of Whiffen Spit Rd in Sooke. Gold Award for Best Out-Of-Town Dining, 1st Exceptional Eats Awards, Eat Magazine, February 2010. Gold Award for Best Vancouver Island Restaurant”, since 1989,Vancouver Magazine Grand Award”, One of the World's Best Wine Lists, Wine Spectator Magazine, August 2009.
• The Edge Restaurant 778.425.3343. http://www.edgerestaurant.ca/. Located at 6688 Sooke Rd, between Otter Point Rd and Townsend Rd, across from CIBC.

Things to do in Sooke

• Whale Watching http://www.sookewhalewatching.com/ call 250.883.3256 or 250.642.2343.
• Bike and pedal kayak rentals http://www.westcoastoutdoor.ca/ 250.208.0802.
• Kayak rentals and tours http://www.rush-adventures.com/ 250.642.2159.
• Fishing Charters http://www.markgrantfishing.com/ 250.744.0576 or 250.642.3904.
• Zip-lining http://www.adrenalinezip.com/ 250.642.1933.

Where to go Mountain Biking in Sooke

Sooke offers mountain bikers of all skill levels trails that will thrill and challenge. The primary locations are Broom Hill and Harbourview Rd. While it is legal to enter these areas, entering is done at your own risk. Please use common sense regarding your safety. Respect others using the area, and please respect wildlife.

Directions: Harbourview Road joins Sooke Road somewhere near the 5500 block of Sooke Road. Follow Harbourview Road to the end, where you will find a small parking lot. This land is maintained by TLC (The Land Conservancy) and the CRD (Capital Regional District). It is intended as a multiple use area, although the rules exclude motorized vehicles. Harbourview trails offer hikers access to the top of Mount Manuel Quimper, where there is an old fire lookout tower.

Directions: Broom Hill's best access is at the end of Blanchard Road. Starting at the Petro Can gas station in the Sooke town core, follow Otter Point Road to Burr Road. Burr Road will be on the left after Foreman Heights Road. Follow Burr Road to Petemar. Turn left on Petemar and go for a short block to Blanchard Road. Turn right on Blanchard and follow it to the end. Please respect the private property near the trailhead.

Sooke Mountain Cycle at 2075 Anna Marie Rd is your best source of information about Sooke mountain biking. A map is available at Sooke Mtn Cycle for the Harbourview trail system. Phone 250.642.3123.