Hikes in Victoria
Victoria Hikes
Victoria hikes are surprisingly diverse. While Victoria is a charming city on the Ocean, the hiking trails etched around Victoria’s backyard offer a jumble of unique, exciting, adventurous explorations. The paths carved into mountainous slopes and forested groves surrounding the capital of British Columbia often lead to panoramic views of the verdant landscape cradling the Pacific Ocean or straight to the glimmering shoreline. Victoria hikes are the perfect way to get immersed into nature, no matter how easy or hard the trek.
People love to flock to Vancouver Island for outdoorsy adventures, but for many, Victoria may seem like a great city to stamp the beginning and end of a trip to the island rather than a place for hiking.
However, not only does Victoria have some of the best architecture in Canada (which definitely makes for charming town walks), but it also features an abundance of parks that sit super close to Victoria that are exploding with trails. If you are looking to get acquainted with all of the outdoor opportunities that the city has to offer, then Victoria hikes are a great place to get started.
Locals love jetting off to Goldstream Provincial Park, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, East Sooke Park, Mount Work Regional Park, and more, for either quick but strenuous jaunts or long meanders amid Victoria’s natural playground.
After a half or full day of hiking, you can enjoy the fusion of cuisine, trendy bars, and quirky cafes scattered across Victoria.
Are you interested in hiking in Victoria? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered information on the best 10 Victoria hikes, so lace up your boots and get ready to explore the trails spanning this loveable Canadian city.
Types Of Hiking In Victoria
Victoria offers a range of hikes suitable for all fitness levels! However, most hiking trails around Victoria are short, but rewarding hikes and strolls. The half-day meanders definitely do not compromise on views.
Expect to admire coastal vistas, images of rolling landscapes, blanketing in various hues of green, or thick forest scenery with tumbling rivers curling through the trees on each hike, no matter the level of difficulty or length.
Easy Hikes In Victoria
Thetis Lake with McKenzie/Phelps: This 10.4 km circuit douses you with nature’s soothing ambiance without triggering your sweat glands! Meander along a pleasant loop that carries you along the ever-so shimmering Upper and Lower Thetis lakes.
Ogden Point via Dallas Road: The relatively flat paved route from Clover Point to Ogden Point explodes with character and charm. Breathe in the sea-scented air, admire the windsurfers and paddle boarders dotting the water, and enjoy refreshing dips at the array of beaches spanning the walk. It eventually leads to the lively, attractive Ogden Point.
Family Hikes In Victoria
Witty’s Lagoon with Tower Point: This hike encompasses the magical power to entertain parents and children alike! Encounter an array of coastal viewpoints, spend some time playing in the water at the beach following Beach Trail, and admire Sitting Lady Falls.
Day Hikes In Victoria
Jocelyn Hill from Caleb Pike: Stitched with epics views of Saanich Arm, this 10 km hike packs a punch when it comes to vistas and undulations. Be prepared to encounter some steep sections, but the hardest climbs always lead to the most remarkable views! This hike begins from numerous spots, but the route from Caleb Pike carries you to and through more breathtaking vistas than any other starting point.
Challenging Hikes In Victoria
Mount Finlayson hike: Get ready to sweat! Most locals seeking a combination of outdoorsy adventure and heart-rate-increase type exercise flock to this trail. This classic Victoria hike boasts of a challenging scramble, which requires you to use hands and feet to crawl up certain sections. It’s an ideal hike for those who prefer a jolt of adrenaline to accompany their workout.
Best Hikes In Victoria
East Sooke Coast Trail: The 13.0 km East Sooke Coast Trail packs total adventure into one remarkable trek. Expect to breathe in the scent swirling off the Pacific Ocean, to wind through lush woodland, to meander along the shoreline, and to enjoy the adrenaline spike as you do some Class 2 scrambling. This hike may only be 13 km, but the rugged terrain cloaking this one-way route can add some hours, resulting in a 5-8 hour trek.
Elk Lake: Meander through lush forested paths and along the shimmering Beaver Lake and Elk Lake. Enjoy a flat 10 km trail that loops around the two sparkling lakes, cradled by lanes of trees. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch for a mid-walk rest at Hamsterly Beach!
Goldstream Trestle Hike: Expect a collection of unique, stunning views on this hike through Goldstream Provincial Park. After meandering an underground tunnel, along a flowing creek and boardwalks, Victoria’s Niagara Falls will come into view. Once you’ve finished admiring the mighty falls plummeting through a vertical blanket of green, you’ll walk to the towering trestle!
Mount Work from Durrance Road: This hike may not be the longest one, but it sure knows how to pack in the views while also elevating your heart rate! The 8.0 km route snakes through the forest to breathtaking views of Saanich. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers all share this popular trail.
Mount Douglas: This 5.9 km hike may only take around 2 hours, but it grants you the perfect chance to escape Victoria and to let nature totally envelop you while working up a sweat. Families with older children flock to this hike as well, but parents with young kids may want to wait a few years before taking their little ones on this hike.
When Is The Best Time To Hike In Victoria?
Victoria has some of the best year-round weather in Canada! However, the best time for hiking usually falls between April and October.
From March to May, blossoming flowers take over the scenery, and the sun begins to show itself more. The weather averages between 10-18°C.
Meanwhile, the warm weather blanketing June-August tends to attract more crowds from Canada and all over the world. This is the busiest time of year to experience Victoria hikes, but also one of the most popular.
The crowds start to thin out between September to November, but this is also when the clouds take over the sky and the city experiences more rainfall. Some hikes can be dangerous to attempt during wet conditions, so be sure to look out for warnings written into hike descriptions before you go.
Best Regions For Hiking in Victoria
Those seeking a difficult hike will enjoy the East Sooke Coast Trail, while locals wanting a quick getaway from the city can meander to Goldstream Provincial Park, where family-friendly paths and strenuous hikes can be found. Trail runners wanting beautiful views can revel in the lush, sparkling views spanning Thetis Lake. For spectacular views and moderate trails, head to Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.
The bottom line: Victoria hikes are perfectly suited for anyone craving an outdoorsy escape.
Other Outdoor Activities in Victoria
Victoria encompasses a plethora of outdoor activities! Opt to kayak or paddleboard Harbour or Brentwood Bay or join the locals and cycle anywhere and everywhere. Try out Russ Hays Waterfront, the Pat Bay route, Land’s End route, and more.
Adventure Tours near Victoria
While all of these Victoria hikes are spectacular adventures in their own right, sometimes you just can't be bothered to go through the hassle of planning a big hiking trip. If you want to leave the details to the professionals and focus on enjoying an incredible trip, be sure to check out these adventure tours on Vancouver Island.
Best Hikes in Victoria
Gowlland Tod Trail
The Gowlland Tod Trail is a 19.5 km lollipop hiking route northwest of Victoria that will lead you through Gowlland Tod Provincial Park for some scenic views overlooking the Saanich Inlet. Along the trail, you will hike through a picturesque forest setting and uphill over some more rugged and exposed terrain to reach several scenic viewpoints. The real challenge of this hike is the overall distance, as opposed to any real difficult terrain; however, there are several steep inclines along the trail that could slow travel for some hikers.
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Maple Mountain Hike
The Maple Mountain trail is a 16.7 km lollipop hiking route that will take you on a forested route along the water’s edge to eventually arrive at the summit of Maple Mountain. From this scenic lookout, hikers will have an awesome sightline across the waters of Maple Bay. This route features a decent amount of elevation gain that is spread throughout the hike, so be prepared for a tough slog through some undulating terrain that will surely leave your legs a bit tired the next day.
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Mount Galiano Hike
The hike up Mount Galiano follows a 5.3 km lollipop route that climbs uphill to the summit for scenic views overlooking the nearby Gulf Islands. Along the trail, you will experience an amazing temperate rainforest setting before arriving at the lookout for views of the ferries motoring by. The trail features a loop around the summit of the mountain; however, if you would like to shorten your hike you can complete the route as an out-and-back to the viewpoint.
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Killarney Lake Loop Hike
The Killarney Lake Loop is a 2.6 km lollipop hiking route northeast of Victoria, BC, that will take you through the temperate rainforests of Mount Work Regional Park to visit the tranquil shores of Killarney Lake. Along the trail, you will pass through a beautiful and unique stretch of rainforest filled with large moss-covered boulders that are popular with rock climbers. Although this family-friendly trail is short and relatively flat and the terrain is uneven, making it unsuitable for wheeled vehicles such as strollers or wheelchairs.
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Goldstream Falls
The trek to Goldstream Falls follows a 10.1 km hiking circuit through the dense forests of Goldstream Provincial Park that will allow you to experience that natural beauty of the landscape within the park. Along the trail, you will be immersed in a wonderfully atmospheric West Coast temperate rainforest with unique natural features, as well as those left behind as part of the region's gold mining past. This hike is the perfect accompaniment to a weekend of camping at one of the campgrounds within the park.
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Peden Lake via Mary Vine Trail
Peden Lake via the Mary Vine Trail is a 5.1 km out-and-back hiking route in the Seas to Sea Regional Park that traverses some undulating terrain through the forest on the way to the tranquil shores of the lake. Along the trail, hikers will be exposed o a breathtaking rainforest setting that borders the rushing waters of Mary Vine Creek and provides access to several scenic waterfalls. Don’t let the seemingly easy nature of this trail fool you, as there are a lot of ascents and descents along the trail that are sure to tire you out.
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Mount Manuel Quimper Trail
The trek to Mount Manuel Quimper is a 10.0 km lollipop hiking route that climbs uphill through the forest to reach a scenic vantage point at the top of the mountain. Along the trail, hikers will experience a tranquil forest setting and picturesque views that look to the south across the blue waters of the Sooke Inlet. With a moderate incline and well-maintained trail, this route is a perfect fit for both casual and experienced hikers alike.
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Centennial Park Loop Hike
The Centennial Park Loop is a 1.6 km lollipop hiking route north of Victoria, BC, that travels through an amazing stretch of old-growth forest. With well-maintained, wide gravel pathways and plenty of side trails to explore, this trail is perfect for a quick outing with the entire family. Make sure to keep an eye out on the trail and keep off to the side, as this route is also used by horseback riders that may need to work past you as they trot through the forest.
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Playfair Park Hike
The Playfair Park trail follows a 1.1 km hiking circuit in Saanich, BC, that traverses a series of paved pathways through a public park. Along the trail, hikers will make their way through scenic stretches of forest and open grassy areas that stand in contrast to the large rock formation in the centre of the park. With little elevation and some nice scenery, this is a fun nature walk that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy.
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Ogden Point Breakwater Hike
The Ogden Point Breakwater trail is a 1.8 km out-and-back route that allows you to stroll the length of a concrete structure that juts out towards the open waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait and features a lighthouse at the end. Along the trail, you will be able to take in the sights of ferries and other boats as they come in and out of the harbour, in addition to the various species of birds and seals that call the area home. This short walking trail is a perfect way to get out and explore the coastal landscape surrounding Victoria.
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Prior and Thetis Lakes Loop Hike
The Prior and Thetis Lake Loop will take you along an 8.0 km lollipop hiking route through a beautifully scenic stretch of West Coast temperate rainforest that features several charming lakes. Along the trail, you will be surrounded by a peaceful rainforest atmosphere, as you hike past moss-covered trees, bridged creek crossings, and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of this trail are a bit overgrown, so keep an eye on the GPS and follow the main trail unless you want to do some light bushwhacking.
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Macaulay Point Loop Hike
The Macaulay Point Loop is a 1.4 km lollipop hiking route west of Victoria, BC, that traverses the water’s edge and provides scenic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. In addition to the scenic views, hikers will also be able to explore the area around a number of historic military buildings that make up the Macaulay Point Battery. With a flat and easy to navigate trail system, this hike is perfectly suited for hikers of every skill level, as well as those with historical interests.