The Sooke Harbour House is taking a measured approach to its official relaunch and grand opening following a change in who's at the helm.
Manfred Agath, general manager of the Sooke Harbour House, said the oceanfront boutique resort now offers 28 thoughtfully renovated rooms, unparalleled outdoor spaces, and the signature Copper Room Restaurant, serving locally inspired, made-from-scratch cuisine.
Local and regional Ingredients are underlined, including Fanny Bay oysters, Metchosin area farm-fresh vegetables, and Two Rivers meats. The restaurant also offers an expanding, signature cocktail menu utilizing international and locally sourced spirits with a focus on creativity.
The Copper Room is open Wednesday to Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. for happy hour, and from 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner.
'"We’re still in the process of building the right team to offer the level of fine dining service we envision for our dining room, so we don’t have a firm opening date just yet," Agath said. "I can assure you that we’re working diligently to make this a reality as soon as possible. When it does open, guests can expect a menu that celebrates the best of the Pacific Northwest, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a carefully curated selection of seasonal dishes. Our goal is to create a refined yet approachable dining experience that highlights the unique flavours of the region."
Sooke Harbour House has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, and through its recent transformation, it continues to honour its legacy while embracing a fresh, modern approach, Agath noted.
The $14 million in renovations, which began in 2021, include a state-of-the-art kitchen, redesigned grounds, and updated rooms that will help create a new level of service and hospitality for both local guests and travellers from around the world, Agath added.
The renovation emphasizes the use of local materials, including live-edge wood and hardwoods that reflect the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
Rooms feature a uniquely designed West Coast-style fireplace with available fireplace service. Each room showcases carefully curated artwork from local and regional artists that celebrates the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, and a private balcony or terrace with ocean views. Guests can enjoy modern conveniences such as voice-activated controls and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The resort also has a new outdoor patio seating area for up to 125 people, and a wedding pavilion just steps from the ocean.
“Sooke Harbour House has always been ahead of its time, and now we are taking it forward into a new era," Agath said. “We’ve built on the past, but we don’t live in it.”
