Ocean Wilderness Inn
9171 West Coast Rd, Sooke, British Columbia V9Z 1G3 Canada
Full view
View all photos(87)87
Room & Suite (12)
Pool & Beach (10)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Avg. C$252 /night, 10/13 - 10/14
C$255
per night
C$253
per night
C$250
per night
Oct
Nov
Oct 13
Today
Oct 15
Oct 17
Oct 19
Oct 21
Oct 23
Oct 25
Oct 27
Oct 29
Oct 31
Nov 2
Nov 4
Nov 6
Nov 8
Nov 10
Nov 12
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#4 of 16 B&Bs in SookeLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Ocean-front Inn located on the Salish Sea (Strait of Juan de Fuca) overlooking the Olympic Mountains. Our unique six suite retreat is perfect for a romantic weekend, hiking adventure, or just a relaxing get a way from it all. Located about 60 minutes from Victoria on the Southwest coast of Vancouver Island. All rooms have refrigerators, as well as coffee and tea. Our lush garden is surrounded by majestic old-growth forest and a lovely stream that runs along our beautiful trail to a very private beach. Book your room overlooking the ocean or the rain forest. Our Inn is within the Pacific Marine Circle Route next to Muir Creek beach in Shirley. Lots of fun things to do here: hiking, birding, fishing, surfing, seaweed gathering, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, whale watching, and beach combing to name a few. Looking for lower key? Then soak in the hot tub, and gaze at the spectacular views!
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Hot bath
Beach
Diving
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Pool / beach towels
Hiking
Windsurfing
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Patio
Board games / puzzles
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Umbrella
Room features
Bathrobes
Private beach
Private balcony
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Private bathrooms
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Hidden Gem
Languages Spoken
English
Location
9171 West Coast Rd, Sooke, British Columbia V9Z 1G3 Canada
Getting there
6 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
119Reviews2Q+A26Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 91
- 18
- 6
- 1
- 3
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
Such a wonderful experience! My husband and I celebrated his birthday at the Inn. The proprietors, Rick and Karen, were so warm and welcoming. The room was exquisite with a tub boasting an ocean view. While enjoying wine in the front yard, we saw whales!! There is a path from the Inn leading to a private beach; so pretty. The location is close to fun boutiques, little restaurants, and, of course, beaches. A lovely location and delightful people. Highly recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Cute pizza place really close called Stoked Pizzeria.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rick Fonger, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Nov 22, 2023
Thank you so much for staying with us! We are so happy that you enjoyed your time here and that the whales did their part in showing up at the right time! We hope that you will come back again soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved our stay. We had a nice spacious room. The beds were very comfortable. I enjoyed watching the birds from the windows. The walk to the beach was so pretty with all the fall leaves turning colors. We saw seals and birds on the beach. Karen and Rick were so kind. I would love to go back.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rick Fonger, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Nov 22, 2023
Thank you for your lovely review! We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay with us. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year for a visit. Please do come back again!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Five of my friends and I just returned from 5 days of paradise at Ocean Wilderness in Sooke, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The rooms were simply beautiful and the surroundings were beautiful as well. The beach was just 3 minutes away down a charming path. Breakfasts were fine and the proprieter and her assistant were ever so helpful. I cannot wait to return with my entire family!
Read more
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am shocked at the rave reviews for this place as our experience was lacklustre in the extreme. Except for the loghouse reception/dining room, the place is a dump. I don't know how they justify their prices. The room decors are done by theme and would benefit from some serious interior design upgrades. The "theme" elements are just tacky.
Our room was quite bare bones with uncomfortable seating, but the bed was decent. The bathroom was Motel 6 quality. There is an ocean glimpse, but no views to write home about. The garden doesn't look like it has been tended to in ages and is messy/overgrown. Their wifi is totally hit and miss. The breakfasts provided no choice and were virtually inedible.
But the worst part is that the innkeepers make you feel like you are an imposition. We also felt eavesdropped on by the proprietress. They are in the wrong business, and apparently know it, as the place is for sale.
This place is NOT a hit, it is a total miss, and we recommend you give it a miss.
Our room was quite bare bones with uncomfortable seating, but the bed was decent. The bathroom was Motel 6 quality. There is an ocean glimpse, but no views to write home about. The garden doesn't look like it has been tended to in ages and is messy/overgrown. Their wifi is totally hit and miss. The breakfasts provided no choice and were virtually inedible.
But the worst part is that the innkeepers make you feel like you are an imposition. We also felt eavesdropped on by the proprietress. They are in the wrong business, and apparently know it, as the place is for sale.
This place is NOT a hit, it is a total miss, and we recommend you give it a miss.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ljlecount, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Oct 1, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We welcome all feedback on how to improve. I am sorry that you were disappointed in your stay. While we strive to provide a welcoming, comfortable and delicious experience for all our guests we obviously did not succeed in your case. I only wish you had made us aware of your disappointment during your stay so that we might have at least addressed resetting the wifi and the providing breakfast alternatives for you. Again, my apologies that we fell short of your expectations. Best wishes for future travels.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Isolated location in a big beautiful house. Clean and cozy.
If you want a chilled romantic time with your partner at an affordable price this is it.
Unfortunately our experience ended after 15min.
Lori (one of the owners) seemed surprised with my 7 month old baby girl.
Facts:
If you have kids you can only stay in the cheaper rooms that face the garden. (we paid for the room upstairs facing the ocean)
Kids are strongly discouraged from being upstairs (according to the insurance company) because there are stairs and it's a liability plus it disturbs guests downstairs.
The second sentence coming out of our potential hostess was: "I was not adviced that you were bringing a kid, we prefer not to have a kid upstairs."
If you're a parent... How would you feel about this sentence???
She "kindly" agreed to waive the $25 charge for a kid. After we left our two dogs with my sister in law so that we didn't pay $25 per dog I guess waiving that fee removed my baby from the same category than my dogs. However, why would you charge $25 for a baby???
Our potential hostess seems displeased, surprised and generally uncomfortable with my baby's presence. If this was not her intention, it was at least our perception and hence reality.
We left because we simply didn't feel welcomed and we felt, regardless of which room we were going to be put in, we would be a nuisance. It's not what she said it was how she dealt with the situation. She mentioned that kids running and crawling around upstairs was disturbing and coming up and down the outdoor stairs was not really safe with baby stuff. Although valid points... Our baby doesn't even crawl yet, we didn't bring any of her things that would require us to go up and down and there was no one else booked downstairs for the next two dates of our potential stay.
The website we bought this from ethicaldeals.com didn't say anything about kids. Also their refund policy is hard to find.
We left and went to the Sheraton instead. No regrets.
If you want a chilled romantic time with your partner at an affordable price this is it.
Unfortunately our experience ended after 15min.
Lori (one of the owners) seemed surprised with my 7 month old baby girl.
Facts:
If you have kids you can only stay in the cheaper rooms that face the garden. (we paid for the room upstairs facing the ocean)
Kids are strongly discouraged from being upstairs (according to the insurance company) because there are stairs and it's a liability plus it disturbs guests downstairs.
The second sentence coming out of our potential hostess was: "I was not adviced that you were bringing a kid, we prefer not to have a kid upstairs."
If you're a parent... How would you feel about this sentence???
She "kindly" agreed to waive the $25 charge for a kid. After we left our two dogs with my sister in law so that we didn't pay $25 per dog I guess waiving that fee removed my baby from the same category than my dogs. However, why would you charge $25 for a baby???
Our potential hostess seems displeased, surprised and generally uncomfortable with my baby's presence. If this was not her intention, it was at least our perception and hence reality.
We left because we simply didn't feel welcomed and we felt, regardless of which room we were going to be put in, we would be a nuisance. It's not what she said it was how she dealt with the situation. She mentioned that kids running and crawling around upstairs was disturbing and coming up and down the outdoor stairs was not really safe with baby stuff. Although valid points... Our baby doesn't even crawl yet, we didn't bring any of her things that would require us to go up and down and there was no one else booked downstairs for the next two dates of our potential stay.
The website we bought this from ethicaldeals.com didn't say anything about kids. Also their refund policy is hard to find.
We left and went to the Sheraton instead. No regrets.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OkamiLori, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Apr 2, 2012
I am sorry that you had this experience, and regret that I was not able to make you feel welcome at our Inn. If I “seemed surprised by the arrival of your 7 month old baby girl”, it’s because I was surprised. The voucher you purchased was for a two night stay for two persons; the room you chose has a maximum occupancy, as stated on our website, of two persons; and your partner booked for two persons. I was taken aback when you arrived with three persons. I was also caught off-guard when you declined my offer of an equivalent ocean-facing room with no extra charge for your child. I did not say, nor did I mean to convey, that we would ‘prefer no kids’ at Ocean Wilderness Inn. We welcome families with infants and children at our Inn. For the safety, comfort and convenience of all our guests, we offer two rooms (the Raven and the Carmanah) for such families. As with every room at the Inn, these spacious rooms offer premium beds and bedding, private baths, & private entrances. The Raven and Carmanah are safer & more convenient for families with children. They avoid most stairs and are closer to the common space. Parents can, for example, relax near the fireplace & still hear a young child that needs them. At the same time, these rooms are situated so as to minimize the impact of any noise for our other guests. We realize this may not be a perfect solution but it has been workable for the last 5 years. Again, I apologize for my part in this experience. I plan to modify our website to more clearly convey which rooms are appropriate for our youngest guests. Safe travels Lori
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have had two stays two years apart here with both of my sons.. I love staying at Ocean Wildnerness...the kind and gracious hosts Andy and Lori provide a quiet, restful oasis that is truly quieting for the soul...a great place to get away from the stresses of city life. The rooms are all beautifully appointed and unique.The breakfasts are superb, it is close to many scenic sites( beaches, fishing, wildlife and beautiful lush rainforests are all close by) or you can simply park yourself in the lovely garden for a few days and read a book or paint with an awesome ocean view with a private beach to enjoy surrounded by forest, flowers and hummingbirds zipping by.... A beautiful log dining and lounging area with a real wood burning fireplace is a great place to enjoy the hours after dark or in bad weather. I for one will be back!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A bed. A cold breakfast. No common rooms to use after breakfast. Pleasant grounds. Well off the beaten path, if that's your thing. For us it was a lot of money for a basic accommodation. The only hot thing at breakfast was the coffee.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rick F, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Sep 17, 2017
As a seasoned traveler we're discouraged by your experience with us but we do go to great lengths, on our website and in the confirmation we send everyone, to let folks know that we are in a remote location. No TV, no cell service. Some folks are sad about that. To some degree ones definition of "wilderness" depends a great deal on where they live. No doubt, to someone from Portland, we are exceedingly remote with no amenities within walking distance. To someone from Alert Bay we might seem almost metropolitan being just 14 minutes from town and two world class restaurants. And now this week, the new pizza restaurant and general store opened up just 5 minutes away! Things are looking up and getting better all the time. Thanks for staying with us. Safe travels, Rick and Karen
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I told the owners we would be arriving late - after 8pm and I spoke with the lady when I booked over the phone and I was told it would not be a problem and a key could be left out and we would talk in the morning.
However we had some delays in our plans and also heard the traffic is terrible and so we planned to arrive at 1030 pm. I called to say we would be late and requested a key be left out as I was previously told - and I was told by the man that answered the call - it was too late to even show up and to find somewhere else to stay. They then charged me for 2 nights stay, after being told not to come. We then had to find and pay for somewhere else to stay at 1045 pm.
While their policy states check-in time is til 8 pm- it also says you can check in late- just call to make arrangements, which I did. I was never told or is it in the policy =that there is some absolute cut-off time.
This is very poor business practice, poor customer relations, and almost criminal to charge me when I was told to NOT show up, as it was past 1030 PM.
The man I spoke with was incredibly rude.
However we had some delays in our plans and also heard the traffic is terrible and so we planned to arrive at 1030 pm. I called to say we would be late and requested a key be left out as I was previously told - and I was told by the man that answered the call - it was too late to even show up and to find somewhere else to stay. They then charged me for 2 nights stay, after being told not to come. We then had to find and pay for somewhere else to stay at 1045 pm.
While their policy states check-in time is til 8 pm- it also says you can check in late- just call to make arrangements, which I did. I was never told or is it in the policy =that there is some absolute cut-off time.
This is very poor business practice, poor customer relations, and almost criminal to charge me when I was told to NOT show up, as it was past 1030 PM.
The man I spoke with was incredibly rude.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rick F, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Aug 26, 2016
I'm not sure how to respond to this but everyone who reads these reviews likes to hear both sides of the story. When you booked your reservation you were notified of the arrival times (3 til 8) and our cancellation policy. The day of your arrival you called me ( I am "the guy" you talked to, my name is Rick and I am the owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn) and said you were with friends and family and you would be late, a bit after 8, maybe closer to 8:30 and I said that was ok. You told me you had spoken to a lady named Lucy about leaving a key outside. (We never leave keys outside and there is no one here named Lucy). Then you called at 8 and said it would be around 10, and when I said that would be ok, you said likely closer to 10:30. Even then, I said that would be ok and I would wait up for you. I waited up til 10:30 at which time you called again and said you were going to be later, you were still with your friends and family and if you left right away it would likely be 11:30 before you arrived, but if that was too late you could find another place. I agreed with you that it was too late and you should find another place. It was also too late for me to rent the room to someone else. I will say you were very pleasant during all our conversations. But each side has a story. Kind regards, Rick
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
we were quite disappointed with our stay, but we could see how it might be suitable for a different type of traveler. (i.e. relaxed older crowd who go to sleep early!).
i wouldn't recommend it to young travelers or young couples.
i found the breakfast disappointing and the room bare bones.
we felt it cost way too much for what we got, but we just stopped in while traveling through for a place to crash for the night and were desperate.
to be honest we didn't really feel that welcome when we walked in and felt more like a burden at somebody's home. we kept having to remind ourselves that we paid $200 to sleep there! in order to feel more comfortable.
the view from the grounds isn't that great, but once you take the short hike down the trail and get to the ocean, it is absolutely breathtaking! definitely the highlight of the stay.
it's got some pretty great reviews overall so again, perhaps it was just not the place for us.
i wouldn't recommend it to young travelers or young couples.
i found the breakfast disappointing and the room bare bones.
we felt it cost way too much for what we got, but we just stopped in while traveling through for a place to crash for the night and were desperate.
to be honest we didn't really feel that welcome when we walked in and felt more like a burden at somebody's home. we kept having to remind ourselves that we paid $200 to sleep there! in order to feel more comfortable.
the view from the grounds isn't that great, but once you take the short hike down the trail and get to the ocean, it is absolutely breathtaking! definitely the highlight of the stay.
it's got some pretty great reviews overall so again, perhaps it was just not the place for us.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ljlecount, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Jul 18, 2013
Thank you for the gift of this review. I regret that you were disappointed with your stay. We agree that we are not for everyone. Our younger guests sometimes tell us “our parents would love this place”. However, and just as often, our older guests buy a gift certificate for their “kids” to come and stay with us. Regardless of age, most of the guests who choose us come to the area to enjoy active days and quiet nights. We are not usually a party-till-the-wee-hours place (unless you rent the whole inn, then you can make your own rules). The rate on the room was $155 plus the $25 pet fee plus tax. There are places in the area to stay for less. We would have assisted you in finding somewhere else to stay had you let us know that you were not satisfied with the room you were shown or the rate you were quoted. Again, thank you for the feedback and we wish you satisfying stays wherever your travels take you.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I didn't feel very welcome although the owner/operator did let me check in early. The room was fine with a nice garden view but the noise from the guests over my suite this morning was disturbing and there was a lack of amenities in the bathroom. The continental breakfast was not very exciting but acceptable. Overall, it served my purposes but I would not chose it again as a getaway destination.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2012Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ljlecount, Owner at Ocean Wilderness Inn
Responded Dec 15, 2012
Thank you for providing me with feedback about your stay. We welcome the opportunity to improve. I was frazzled last Saturday. We had a full house of guests (15 people) attending a wedding next door. Everyone arriving on Saturday had requested early check-in. Also, the bride made a last minute request for space for 2 additional guests (so they did not have to drive after the planned late night celebrations) which meant setting up our overflow room also. I apologize that I was not at my serene, welcoming best. If you had let me know what you wanted by way of amenities I may have been able to assist you. Amenities in all our private, ensuite bathrooms include a hairdryer, towels, soft soap at the sink, bar soap and conditioning shampoo. There are also robes, and additional towels for the hot tub. We have a basket of additional amenities including shaving cream, razors, combs, brushes, toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton balls, facial cleanser, makeup removing pads, conditioner, tweezers, nail trimmer, emery boards, contact lens case and solution, slippers, a mending kit, and feminine products. We are often able to save guests a trip to town. The majority of the time we serve a full breakfast. We chose to serve buffet style to our guests last Sunday morning. Our previous experience has led us to understand that our guests (on the morning after a late night) appreciate more flexibility for time and more choice than a plated meal would have done. For the buffet we set out: Yogurt and house-made cranberry pumpkin granola (gluten free); Grapefruit halves; Bleu cheese filled dates; Smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers and onions; Toasted bagels; Gluten-free bread; Ham, Swiss cheese and cottage cheese; Hard – boiled eggs; Fresh baked banana chocolate chip muffins; Orange juice and Coffee/Tea. I regret that the stay was not everything you had wanted and hope that you will return to give us a second try.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are not so far distance-wise, 50 km away. We can see mount Olympus from our beach. But we are on the Canadian side of the Salish Sea outside of Sooke.
Hi James
We welcome young guests in the Carmanah room (queen bed/twin and child size cot) and Raven room (two double beds). They are both available August 4 & 5.
Lori
PRICE RANGE
C$284 - C$289 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaVancouver IslandVictoria Capital Regional DistrictSooke
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingOcean Wilderness Inn - UPDATED Prices, Reviews & Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Wilderness Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Ocean Wilderness Inn?
Nearby attractions include French Beach Provincial Park (5.5 km), Juan de Fuca Provincial Park (5.8 km), and Sheringham Point Lighthouse (3.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Ocean Wilderness Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and a hot tub.
Which room amenities are available at Ocean Wilderness Inn?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a view of the mountains.
What are some restaurants close to Ocean Wilderness Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Shirley Delicious Cafe, Stoked Wood Fired Pizzeria and Market, and 4 Beaches Streat Pizza.
Does Ocean Wilderness Inn have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.