Eating (and Ziplining) on Vancouver Island

I’m not what you’d call an adventure-seeker. I haven’t sky-dived, and I don’t plan on doing a bungee jump anytime soon, but I would jump at the chance to get on zipline again, after my experience with Adrena Line Ziplines near the town of Sooke, about 45 min. from Victoria. You’re outfitted with a helmet and a basic harness, then, with the aid of two extremely knowledgeable and friendly guides (isn’t everyone in Canada friendly?) you’re taken through a course of about seven different ziplines, hooked up with clips and cables, then allowed to cruise through the trees at speeds reaching about 35 miles an hour. It’s exhilarating, but totally safe and great for the whole family (min. weight is 60 pounds, max. is 275 per person).

Adrena Line Zipline Adventure Tours
5128C Sooke Rd,
Located beneath the 17 Mile Pub Liquor Store
Sooke BC, V9Z 0E2
Phone: 250-642-1933
Fax: 250-642-1937
www.adrenalinezip.com

After your zipline adventure, head into the town of Sooke for a little eating.  We really enjoyed visiting these two places:

The EdGe
6688 Sooke Road, Sooke,
Phone 778-425-3343
www.edgerestaurant.ca

The EdGe restaurant is a new restaurant in town, and doesn’t look like much from the outside. Inside, Chef Edward Tuson, former Executive Chef of the Sooke Harbour House, turns out creative but totally approachable food with an eye on ingredients from nearby.‚  The tuna melt with havarti that I had was one of the best I can remember, due in part to the fantastic bread it was served on.

Over the past 31 years, Sinclair and Frederique Philip have developed Sooke Harbour House into one of the top small inns in the world by creating extensive organic gardens, an unconventional art gallery showcasing over 120 local artists, a wine cellar which is among the top 100 in the world, a restaurant serving only seasonal, regional, creative cuisine and 28 unique west coast inspired guest rooms.

Sooke Harbour House
1528 Whiffen Spit Road, Sooke
Phone: 250-642-3421
www.sookeharbourhouse.com

After lunch, go for a little swim in the Sooke Potholes, adjacent to a Regional Park that runs along the Sooke River.  The further up the river you go, the colder the water gets, and the more private it is. Near the top of the potholes is a double waterfall. ‚ Make sure you bring a towel and some water sandals for the kids though; the rocks can be menacing, especially if there is a current.