Sooke River - The Sooke is a good first river for teaching a small group of beginners, enough of a challenge but not overwhelming. The fairly short run and proximity to Victoria makes the whole trip very manageable for beginners, and can be completed a Winter afternoon. The river is runnable between November and March after a rain event, and is usually good if other rivers up island are running high. The level cannot be judged from the bridge on Hwy 14, as that area is tidal water. Suitable for tandem canoes at medium and above levels, otherwise you’ll be bouncing off the rocks.