Sooke Harbour House has been owned and operated by Sinclair and Frederique Philip since 1979. It has been their desire to offer “luxury with a conscience” to visitors. The Innkeepers have worked to incorporate the environmental practices important to them into the daily routine of all areas of the Inn. From nontoxic cleaning products to substantial composting programs to a grass paved parking lot, the environmental impact of such is of utmost importance. 28 luxurious guestrooms, an on-site restaurant, edible organic gardens, an unconventional art gallery and spa services together provide a memorable experience for guests. Sooke Harbour House continually demonstrates that strong business and sustainable environmental practices definitely go hand in hand.
Watch this slide show and interview with the co-owner Sinclair Philip that covers much of the history and philosophy of the Inn:
Sooke Harbour House, Organic West Coast Gardens.
The gardens of Sooke Harbour House are, modestly put, an edible paradise. We grow naturally, organically and seasonally. The plants we have in the garden all have an edible part. It may be a leaf, a flower, a root, a tuber, a stem, the fruit or the bulb.
The garden is very attractive in all seasons, but more colourful in the Summer. Spring, Fall and Winter, all have their own charm and beauty. The purpose of the garden is to grow interesting and delicious products to use in our kitchen. Our favourable climate allows us to do this year round.We do not separate the garden into herb, vegetable or flower section. Everything is planted where it will grow the best. That may mean the roses are interplanted with herbs and edible flowers or fuchsia and tuberous begonias thrive under similar conditions There are challenges to growing by the ocean, but the natural beauty makes it all worthwhile.
If you have questions about kitchen gardens, herbs, salad greens, or edible flowers please feel free to email inquiries to gardens@sookeharbourhouse.com. Please state where you live, so we can take your climate into consideration.
Sooke Harbour House Herb Garden:
Usually a herb garden will contain edible plants with a culinary use, that will be harvested fresh everyday or dried for future use. They may also contain medicinal herbs or dye plants and that is their original use. Some plants will have both culinary and medicinal use, such as sage and lavender and may be both useful and beautiful.
A herb garden can be arranged in formal beds, like a knot garden or parterre or informally put into a mixed border with ornamental plants. The garden may contain annuals, biennials, and perennials with both shrubs and trees. Our garden contains all these elements and are generally used throught out the property and as part of the landscape.
At Sooke Harbour House, we have created an edible landscape on our grounds of over 200 edible herbs, greens, edible flowers and vegetables.
Our garden design focuses on producing healthy, fresh and delicious food, which is both beautiful and functional.
Garden Tours
Join one of our experienced gardeners for an instructive stroll through our organic kitchen gardens. Learn what we are growing for our kitchen this season, discover edible plants, hear about our efficient composting system, the process of becoming certified organic, and take in the beauty of our grounds.
Complimentary garden tours take approximately 45 minutes, and are offered daily at 10:30 am. Please meet your tour guide at the front desk at this time.
The Vancouver Island region is best experienced out of doors. So much of it is protected, unspoiled wilderness that any visit here would be incomplete without an excursion to at least one park or nature reserve. Right accross the strait we have East Sooke Park full of trails with beach access, picnic areas and easy terrain for a visitor at any age.
Wildlife flourishes in abundance, making birding, whale watching and salmon fishing extremely popular pursuits for visitors and locals alike. Birders can check hundreds of species off their lists. Whale watchers regularly sight Orcas, humpbacks, greys and minkes. Anglers fish for all five species of Pacific salmon. Take a salmon charter and ask our chefs to prepare your catch for dinner, they will be happy to cook or even smoke your fish for you.
There is almost any kind of outdoor fun in the region – golfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, swimming and picnicking – and plenty to do indoors as well. Visit museums and heritage sites of Victoria, enjoy live theatre, browse art galleries, tour vineyards or stay indoors and be pampered in your room with our spa services.
Looking for the perfect romantic spot for an intimate wedding this summer?
Picture your seaside Ceremony under the shade of a giant alder with the Olympic Mountains as your backdrop, followed by a champagne toast and your photographs in our lush gardens. Then celebrate with a gourmet Four Course Dinner from our world famous kitchen in the Garden Room with the beach rock fireplace setting the scene. Our Pastry Chef will create your one of a kind wedding cake, and our in house florist will take care of the bouquet & boutonniere from our wild flower gardens.
A short drive from Victoria will bring you to another world where staying in one of our 28 unique guest rooms will make you feel pampered on your special day. And don’t forget to book a massage!
With the help of our on site Wedding Coordinator, we will make the experience of planning your wedding stress free and leave you with memories for a lifetime at our Little White Inn on the edge of the Pacific.
Start planning your event using our handy budget calculator
Call now to book your date for Summer 2012
1-800-889-9688 extension 307
functions@sookeharbourhouse.com
Only 25 miles from Victoria BC is one of Vancouver Island’s most unique luxury hotels and resorts- Sooke Harbour House.
All of our rooms have been designed for year-round comfort and charm.
Every one of our hotel rooms features ocean views, a balcony or terrace, private bath, wet bar and comfortable sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace.
Each has its own unique decor with decorative touches by Frederique, original artwork, antiques and books enhancing the theme. In any season, our rooms offer a cozy and spirit-renewing refuge. Sip a glass of wine and gaze into the flames of your own wood-burning stone fireplace.
Enjoy the beauty of the distant Olympic Mountains from the privacy of your balcony, or fall asleep to the lull of the ocean’s waves. Each of our 28 luxury hotel rooms is a gentle adventure of its own. Designed to embrace you with beauty, warmth and comfort, each room is richly decorated with antiques, unique amenities such as hand-crafted ceramic basins, and original West Coast paintings and sculpture.
All our luxury hotel rooms offer:
- A private balcony or terrace
- Striking views of the ocean and mountains
or the garden - A unique collection of antiques and original art
- A private bath (some rooms have a jetted tub
or a soaker tub for two) - Bath robes and hairdryers
- A bottle of Port
- A clock radio and CD player
- An iron and ironing board
- An umbrella and rain wear
- A stone fireplace,
well-stocked with wood and kindling, - Wireless internet connectivity
- New far infrared saunas, located in the
common areas on the bottom and top floors
Provided daily with your visit is a choice of a hot entreé or a continental breakfast served in the privacy of your room.
Visit our hotel guestroom gallery for individual descriptions, images, comments from our guests
