According to my (10-minute) research, Empress Mountain, sitting at 682m, is the highest peak in the Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park, the Sea to Sea Regional Park, and Sooke Mountain Provincial Park. This hike was the perfect Saturday activity.

Summary:

Length: 14.2km
Elevation: 649m
Time: 4 hours
Starting point: Sooke Potholes Parking Lot 2

We started hiking on Peden Lake Trail, which meant we got to enjoy the peacefulness of Peden Lake about 2.8km in. Then, we walked along the Lakes Connector Trail, followed by Empress Mountain Trail, and finally Empress Mountain Summit Trail. Along the way, we saw a small wooden sign on a tree with a Dr. Seuss quote:

“Oh the places you’ll go, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”

The last few hundred meters of the trail are steep cliffside switchbacks. I had to stop and catch my breath a few times, but the view from the top was so worth it! We could see all the neighbouring Sooke mountains, as well as the Sooke Basin in the distance. 

This is a great day hike and one of many in the Sooke region. Don’t forget a jacket for the summit, since it can get pretty windy (even in June)!