The best hiking trails near Victoria
Vancouver Island has some of the best places to hike in British Columbia.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk in the wilderness or a challenging uphill trek, there are many amazing hiking and walking trails around Victoria to suit all levels and abilities.
And the best part is, it won't take all day to get to your favourite hiking spot!
Many of the best places to hike are only a 30-minute drive or bus ride from downtown Victoria.
So read on to find out our picks for the best places to hike near Victoria, BC!
Mount Doug Park- With its close proximity to town and some of the best views on the island, Mount Doug is a popular spot.
There are several signed trails that lead up to the summit, with some a little more challenging to navigate than others.
Thetis Lake Regional Park- An outdoor mecca in both the summer and winter. This park offers a variety of trails great for walking and hiking, although some sections can be a bit steep.
The best time for hiking this trail is during the fall and winter. Thetis Lake can be extremely busy during the summer and it can be tough to find parking.
Mount Wells- This is a challenging hike at the gateway to the Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve. Cross over the old flow line and make your way up the steep and rocky trail to the summit – the view is worth the hike.
Mill Hill- This is a good, steady uphill route that winds around arbutus and Garry oak trees until you reach the spectacular view of the Westshore at the top.
For a more challenging route, take the Calypso Trail and continue on to Thetis Lake Park.
The Galloping Goose Trail & Lochside Trail- Start at Johnson Street Bridge downtown and walk this flat, easy route west towards the Westshore or east down the Lochside Trail towards Sidney.
To see the most scenic parts of the trail, take the bus or drive to one of the many parking lot access points along the way - Swan Lakein Saanich and Roche Covein Sooke offer some of the prettiest scenery.
Gold Mine Trail- Part of an extensive trail network in Goldstream Park, this route will take you through lush temperate rain forest and up past abandoned gold mines to the E&N railway trestle over Niagara Creek. Walking on the trestle can be dangerous and is not encouraged.
Mount Finlayson- This is one of the most challenging hikes in the Westshore, but well worth the climb. After 20 minutes of hiking through old growth cedars and lush green ferns, you will find yourself climbing up tree roots, loose rocks and large boulders.
Orange and blue arrows help guide you on the safest path to the top. Note that you will probably have to use your hands to make it up safely, and that proper footwear is required (no flip flops!).
For a more detailed list of the hiking trails in the Westshore, check out the WalkRun Westshorewebsite. To learn more about hiking in Victoria, check out the Victoria Hiking guide on HelloBC.com.