I’ve been wondering about this for years. Out by the Sooke Potholes is a big, very unfinished structure - I’m guessing it might have been intended to be a hunting or fishing lodge or something? I haven’t been out there in about 10 years so honestly I don’t even know if it’s still standing.
But I’m curious as to what the story is of this ambitious project. Anyone out there know? Thanks!
I’m from Calgary, but I know this one, so I hope it’s okay if I answer.
We were out there in October, and had the same questions. Apparently, back in the early 80’s, a developer (Albert Yuen) started to build what was supposed to be a huge lodge. The property itself was called Deertrail, but I don’t know if that was the name of the lodge as well. He ran out of money, never finished the building, and it was left to rot. It has since been fenced off, and the land surrounding it has been turned into parkland (funded by Shaw).
The only parts remaining are the stone fireplace, the stone foundation and steps, and a few bits of wall. The wood you see in the above photo is completely gone. I have some pictures if you really want to see them, but it was starting to get dark, so they’re not very good.
Speaking of getting dark, if you should ever go there in late October/early November (during the salmon run), and find that you’re the last people in the area as twilight hits, you may want to make some noise. Otherwise, you may find yourself meeting the same black bear we met. We’ve logged countless hours hiking in bear country and know everything we’re supposed to do, but we still managed to surprise him. Happily, he forgave us our stupidity, and went back to eating his salmon.
I missed the edit window, but I just took a closer look at the photos I shot, and there are more stone walls remaining than I had remembered. As well, on the cliff side, all of the stonework remains, along with some metal beams. I should have examined the photos more closely before I posted initially. Sorry.
As far as I know, spoike has it.
Stainz, if you’re in Victoria, or greater Victoria, have you been to VibrantVictoria.ca? The forums there would have people who would know all the details.
Forgot about this thread … thanks for the info!