Hikes in Victoria

The Kinsol Trestle Trail is a 3.4 km out-and-back hiking route near Victoria, BC, that will allow you to visit the historical site of the British Commonwealth’s tallest railway trestle. Standing at 44 m tall and spanning 187.0 km across the Koksilah River, the trestle is a true engineering marvel that will surely leave you in awe. The trail leading to and across the trestle is well-maintained and surrounded by picnic areas, making it perfectly suitable for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy a fun day outdoors.

While the East Sook Coast hike is relatively close to Victoria, it still totally immerses you in the wild. Animals dot the land, the salty Pacific Ocean breeze is in the air, and the views stagger throughout the hike, whether you're snaking through the forest or walking along the rugged shoreline. You may have to do some Class 2 scrambling to get up some rocks, but it’s all a part of the adventure, right?

The Jocelyn Hill from Caleb Pike hiking trail ascends and descends through the hills, passing the ever-so stunning Holmes Peak before the scenery unfolds into the Ridge Trail. After a steep climb, Saanich Arm will emerge, granting a magnificent view and an epic picnic spot. You can start this hike from a few different places, but the trekking from Caleb Pike unveils the best scenery.

The Avatar Grove Nature Trail is a 1.6 km lollipop hiking route north of Port Renfrew on the west coast of Vancouver Island that will take you through a scenic stretch of old-growth forest. Along this two-part trail, hikers can expect to pass through breathtaking sections of forest with mammoth, moss-covered trees and a vibrant green forest floor covered with ferns. Don’t forget to explore the western half of the route for the chance to visit the knotty and twisted frame of a giant cedar known as ‘Canada’s gnarliest tree’.

This hike may be short, but it will have you working up a sweat! It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an afternoon amid fresh air, where a path twists through lush forest to remarkable views from atop Mount Work. Expect to encounter other hikers, joggers, and even mountain bikers as you meander this out-and-back route!

This pleasant half-day hike around Victoria, BC immerses you in nature without inducing buckets of sweat! Enjoy a charming loop—with a brief out-and-back jaunt along Phelps Trail—along Upper and Lower Thetis Lakes. The calming scenery paired with a low elevation tends to attract joggers, dog walkers, and hikers of all ages.

The family-friendly Witty’s Lagoon hike gives everyone a chance to enjoy a splendid, pleasant day outdoors! Not only that, but the gentle trail will keep kids entertained, thanks to the mighty Sitting Lady Falls and the low tide beach resting just outside the forested path. Bring a picnic, splash in the water, and enjoy basking in nature on this mild out-and-back route.

The Sombrio Beach Trail is a 1.4 km out-and-back hiking route in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park that is split up into two separate halves on either side of the Sombrio River. Along the western trail, hikers will pass through a beautiful stretch of West Coast temperate rainforest and cross over a swaying suspension bridge to arrive at a rocky beach with views of the Pacific Ocean. Taking the route to the east will lead you through the rainforest to another stretch of beach with a hidden waterfall. Hikers looking to stay the night can also camp on either one of the beaches for a fee.

Mount Finlayson is a steep, adventurous hike that will undoubtedly elevate your heart rate. Locals in Victoria, BC love this classic hike for the scramble—which can have you crawling on all four limbs—and decent views of the landscape layered in vibrant greens below.

The Goldstream Trestle hike is a pleasant family-friendly hike in Goldstream Provincial Park. It has you traversing through an underground tunnel, along creek beds and boardwalks until you reach Victoria's Niagara Falls, cascading down a carpet of flora, and later on, the photo-worthy trestle. Do avoid going on the trestle, though!

This walk to Ogden Point winds along the coastline, granting sea-scented smells, glimpses of paddle boarders and windsurfers. Every so often, opt to leave the path for a refreshing dip into the water. This hike perfectly blends a flavour of chill and relaxation with a sprinkle of shimmering scenery!

The Mount Douglas, also known as Mount Doug, will undoubtedly have you sweating, making it the ideal getaway from the city for those seeking adventure and a workout. Families with older children tend to flock to this area as well! Just be ready for the final steep climb to reach the pinnacle.

Looking for a walk that blends the fresh air exploding throughout forested land with glistening lake views? You’ve come to the right place! The Elk Lake Trail winds along Beaver Lake on a relatively flat path, passing through areas of charming woodland, before views of Elk Lake emerge.

The hike around Florence Lake follows a 3.1 km out-and-back route in Langford that travels around the southern edge of a quaint woodland lake. In addition to the nice scenery surrounding the calm waters of the lake, hikers will likely be able to spot the various bird species that call the area home. Made up largely of sidewalks and a boardwalk, this is an easy hike that can be utilized by hikers of every skill level.

The hike around Durrance Lake follows a 2.3 km hiking circuit that works closely along the edge of the lake for some scenic views across the water. Along the trail, you will experience a peaceful forest atmosphere that offers the chance to spot wildlife such as birds, fish, and mammals in and around the idyllic lakeside setting. This trail is fairly flat and easily accessible, making it perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

The Blinkhorn Lake Trail is a 1.3 km hiking circuit west of Victoria, BC, that loops around the shores of the lake within the Blinkhorn Nature Park. Along the trail, you will experience a tranquil forest atmosphere and some nice views across the calm water of the lake as you meander through the heavy cover of the forest along wide, well-maintained pathways. This trail is kid and dog-friendly, so make sure to bring the entire family along for this easy hike through a scenic forest landscape.

The Matheson Lake Loop is a 4.0 km hiking circuit west of Victoria, BC, that will take you through an amazingly scenic forest setting for some beautiful views across the lake. Made up of well-maintained pathways and varied terrain, this is a family-friendly trail that is perfect for a fun day of exploring the outdoors. Make sure to arrive early, as parking can be limited at the trailhead during peak times.

The Mount Finlayson Loop is a 2.1 km lollipop hiking route that climbs up to the summit of the mountain for some awesome views overlooking the rugged surrounding landscape and the open waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While the trail isn’t overly difficult, there is a short stretch that will involve some light scrambling to descend from the summit. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but make sure they are able to handle the technical scramble near the summit.

The trek up Old Baldy Mountain Trail follows a 2.4 km out-and-back route west of Victoria, BC, that traverses a mixture of terrain on the way up to the summit. While on the trail, you will hike along a wide gravel road through the forest, before making your way up a steep rocky stretch of trail on the way to the lookout at the top of the mountain. Once there, you will be greeted with some spectacular views looking out across the scenic landscape with the blue waters of Shawnigan Lake breaking up the vast green expanse below.

The trek up Mount Tzouhalem follows a fun hiking circuit through the forest that leads up to several viewpoints overlooking the beautiful waters of Cowichan Bay. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing forest setting and several steep inclines leading up the viewpoints atop the rocky bluffs. Due to a high number of intersecting trails in the area, navigation along this route can be difficult. Make sure to bring a GPS in order to remain on the correct path.