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© Stephen Matthews

Whiffin Spit Park

48.35860 , -123.72341

Canada

Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both the harbour and ocean sides of the spit.

The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows on migration.

As an attractive destination in easy reach of Victoria, the site is correspondingly well watched, with some 224 species recorded as of August 2023, including almost all of the region's shorebirds.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.3586/-123.7234 (2022-08-04 05:17:04 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.3586/-123.7234 (2022-08-03 23:27:44 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 48.3586/-123.7234 (2022-08-03 22:55:26 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 48.3571/-123.7227 (2021-05-12 14:46:35 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Whiffin Spit Park" (2021-05-12 14:46:35 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 10:49:23
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows on migration. As an attractive destination in easy reach of Victoria, the site is correspondingly well watched, with some 224 species recorded as of August 2023.2023, including almost all of the region's shorebirds.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 10:12:26
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows on migration. As an attractive destination in easy reach of Victoria, the site is correspondingly well watched, with some 224 species recorded as of August 2023.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-07-25 03:21:29
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows on migration. As an attractive destination in easy reach of Victoria, the site is correspondingly well watched, with some 223 224 species recorded as of August 2022.2023.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-04 05:17:04
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows on migration. In As an attractive destination in easy reach of Victoria, the site is correspondingly well watched, with some 223 species recorded as of August 2022.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-04 05:16:31
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. Harbour. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows on migration. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on In easy reach of Victoria, the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. It site is correspondingly well watched, with some 223 species recorded as of August 2022.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:27:44
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows outside summer and rarer sparrows such as Golden-crowned Sparrow on migration. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. It is correspondingly well watched, with some 223 species recorded as of August 2022.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 22:55:26
Whiffin Spit is a must-visit location on southern Vancouver Island, very close to Sooke and easily visited from Victoria. Geographically, it is a shingle spit at the entrance to Sooke Harbour. The wider outer part of the spit has scrub with conifers supporting various passerines. Tame White-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees inhabit the spit, along with rarer sparrows such as Golden-crowned Sparrow on migration. Seabirds and shorebirds can be seen on both on the harbour and ocean sides of the spit. It is correspondingly well watched, with some 223 species recorded as of August 2022.

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala)
Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)
Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni)
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica)
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)

Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-08-13 00:38:35)

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-08-11 10:55:12)

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-08-11 10:54:01)

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-08-11 10:53:45)

Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:20:51)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) was deleted by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:20:07)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:19:33)

Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:19:13)

Common Loon (Gavia immer) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:18:51)

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:18:02)

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:17:38)

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:17:23)

Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:16:59)

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2022-08-03 23:16:43)

The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings a wider range of waterfowl, while migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time.

Due to the popularity of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided. 

Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it. 

A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines.

Apart from the spit itself, the shoreline south and west of the car park can hold shorebirds such as turnstones and oystercatchers. Sometimes the most interesting birds are visible from the car park!

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-13 00:33
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and a wider range of waterfowl, while migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. Due to the popularity of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines. Apart from the spit itself, the shoreline south and west of the car park can hold shorebirds such as turnstones and oystercatchers. Sometimes the most interesting birds are visible from the car park!
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 10:48
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. Almost all of the region's shorebirds have been recorded here. time. Due to the popularity of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines. Apart from the spit itself, the shoreline south and west of the car park can hold shorebirds such as turnstones and oystercatchers. Sometimes the most interesting birds are visible from the car park!
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-04 03:24
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. Almost all of the region's shorebirds have been recorded here. Due to the popularity of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines.passerines. Apart from the spit itself, the shoreline south and west of the car park can hold shorebirds such as turnstones and oystercatchers. Sometimes the most interesting birds are visible from the car park!
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:43
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. time. Almost all of the region's shorebirds have been recorded here. Due to the popularity of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:15
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. Due to the popularty popularity of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:14
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird wfor for dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. Due to the popularty of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:14
The park is worth a visit at any season. Winter brings waterfowl and migration periods are best for waders as well as passerines (check eBird wfor dates). In summer the species diversity is lower, but some birds of interest can expected at any time. Due to the popularty of the park with visitors, an early start is preferred, while weekends and holidays are best avoided.  Walking to the end of the spit and back would take around an hour, extending to at least an hour and a half if the birds warrant it.  A single gravel path leads to the lighthouse at the end of the spit. Half way along the path, the spit widens. At this point, side tracks appear to the right which are quieter and allow exploration of the scrub, which should reveal additional passerines.

The park is just five minutes' drive from central Sooke. Take West Coast Road towards Port Renfrew and turn left on Whiffin Spit Road, following signs for Sooke Harbour House Hotel. The car park is straight ahead, just after the hotel.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-04 03:32
The park is just five minutes' drive from central Sooke. Take West Coast Road towards Port Renfrew and turn left on Whiffin Spit Road, following signs for Sooke Harbour House Hotel. The car park is straight ahead, just after the hotel.

The only access point is from the car park at the end of Whiffin Spit Road.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-04 03:32
The only access point is from the car park at the end of Whiffin Spit Road.

Harbour Seals are often seen in the harbour, while Orcas might be seen on the ocean side. Both River and Sea Otters occur, though they are less easily seen. Black-tailed Deer are common in the area and might be seen from the road on the way to the park.

The views and the walk along the spit are popular with non-birders. 

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-09-10 06:52
Harbour Seals are often seen in the harbour.harbour, while Orcas might be seen on the ocean side. Both River and Sea Otters occur, though they are less easily seen. Black-tailed Deer are common in the area and might be seen from the road on the way to the park. The views and the walk along the spit are popular with non-birders. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:24
Harbour Seals are often seen in the harbour. Both River and Sea Otters occur, though they are less easily seen. Black-tailed Deer are common in the area and might be seen from the road on the way to the park. The views and the walk along the spit are popular with non-birders. 

Next to the parking area is the Sooke Harbour House Hotel. When open (in 2022-23 it was undergoing renovation) it provides luxurious accomodation and fine dining with ocean views, making an ideal spot for a birders' honeymoon. Bed and Breakfast and other forms of accomodation are available in the nearby town of Sooke. Also in Sooke are restaurants for all tastes and budgets, including the Happy Village (Chinese) and Hara Sushi (Japanese) as well as West Coast seafood restaurants.

Benches are provided at viewpoints along the path. An 'outhouse' toilet is provided in the middle of the spit. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 10:47
Next to the parking area is the Sooke Harbour House Hotel. When open (in 2022 2022-23 it was undergoing renovation) it provides luxurious accomodation and fine dining with ocean views, making an ideal spot for a birders' honeymoon. Bed and Breakfast and other forms of accomodation are available in the nearby town of Sooke. Also in Sooke are restaurants for all tastes and budgets, including the Happy Village (Chinese) and Hara Sushi (Japanese) as well as West Coast seafood restaurants. Benches are provided at viewpoints along the path. An 'outhouse' toilet is provided in the middle of the spit. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:21
Next to the parking area is the Sooke Harbour House Hotel. When open (in 2022 it was undergoing renovation) it provides luxurious accomodation and fine dining with ocean views, making an ideal spot for a birders' honeymoon. Bed and Breakfast and other froms forms of accomodation are available in the nearby town of Sooke. Also in Sooke are restaurants for all tastes and budgets, including the Happy Village (Chinese) and Hara Sushi (Japanese) as well as West Coast seafood restaurants. Benches are provided at viewpoints along the path. An 'outhouse' toilet is provided in the middle of the spit. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:04
Next to the parking area is the Sooke Harbour House Hotel. When open (in 2022 it was undergoing renovation) it provides luxurious accomodation and fine dining with ocean views, making an ideal spot for a birders' honeymoon. Bed and Breakfast and other froms of accomodation are available in the nearby town of Sooke. Also in Sooke are restaurants for all tastes and budgets, including the Happy Village (Chinese) and Hara Sushi (Japanese) as well as West Coast seafood restaurants. Benches are provided at viewpoints along the path. An 'outhouse' toilet is provided in the middle of the spit. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 22:59
Benches are provided at viewpoints along the path. An 'outhouse' toilet is provided in the middle of the spit. 

The main problem with this site is its popularity. The parking area is small and often fills up at weekends and holidays, which are best avoided. On any fine day, the spit is popular with walkers and families, many with dogs which are not conducive to birding. 

It is also worth noting that this is a windy spot: even on a fine summer's day, one might need to take refuge in the scrub or on the harbour side of the spit. 

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-08-11 10:52
The main problem with this site is its popularity. The parking area is small and often fills up at weekends and holidays, which are best avoided. On any fine day, the spit is popular with walkers and families, many with dogs which are not conducive to birding.  It is also worth noting that this is a windy spot: even on a fine summer's day, one might need to take refuge in the scrub or on the ocean harbour side of the spit. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-04 05:23
The main problem with this site is its popularity. The parking area is small and often fills up at weekends and holidays, which are best avoided. On any fine day, the spit is popular with walkers and families, many with dogs which are not conducive to birding.  It is also worth noting that this is a windy spot, spot: even on a fine summer's day. One day, one might need to take refuge in the scrub or on the ocean side of the spit. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:26
The main problem with this site is its popularity. The parking area is small and often fills up at weekends and holidays, which are best avoided. On any fine day, the spit is popular with walkers and families, many with dogs which are not conducive to birding.  It is also worth noting that this is a windy spot, even on a fine summer's day. One might need to take refuge in the scrub or on the ocean side of the spit. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2022-08-03 23:07
The main problem with this site is its popularity. The parking area is small and often fills up at weekends and holidays, which are best avoided. On any fine day, the spit is popular with walkers and families, many with dogs which are not conducive to birding. 
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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Whiffin Spit Park - Orniverse