Whiffen Spit - Trees and the Seas

An inviting bench beside Whiffen Spit's largest tree

There are not really any big trees on Sooke's Whiffen Spit, a bit of land that separates Sooke Harbour from the Juan De Fuca Strait. Actually, there are very few trees on the spit, and the ones that have managed to take hold there are usually stunted due to the harsh, open exposure. Charlie Brown would love them, though, and you might, too.

Whiffen Spit's beaches collect some great driftwood

This is one of the premier walks in Sooke, and it gives stellar views of the surrounding area and its forested hills. Whatever the trees on Whiffen Spit lack in size, age, or vigor is made up for in their sheer tenacity and steadfastness in the face of wind driven salt spray and crashing waves. These trees are pioneers, individuals colonizing new ground without the support of a forest. They are hard-living survivors on a tree-challenged, ocean-dominated finger of land.

Getting There

Whiffin Spit is in Sooke, BC, about 35 minutes west of Victoria. Take Highway 14 to Whiffin Spit Road. Follow Whiffin Spit Road to the end where you will find the parking lot for Whiffen Spit Park. Wear appropriate clothing - it is often windy here.


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