Victoria is one of the best cities in the world for it’s abundance of places to get out into nature whether it be on a bike … or your own two feet!

Here are some of the many, many great parks & trails for you to check out!

Biking in and around Victoria

You can pretty much bike on most all of the trails in Victoria, but here are some that are designed with biking in mind.  ** IF YOU DIDN’T BRING YOUR OWN BIKE … NOT TO WORRY!  CHECK OUT OUR PAGE WITH BIKE RENTALS INCLUDED.

  • Biking Victoria

BIKE SHOPS IN VICTORIA

Bike Shops in Victoria Victoria is Canada's cycling capital!  If you're traveling with your bikes, you won't be disappointed with the number of dedicated bike paths and the beautiful scenery riding around Victoria.  In fact

  • Lost Airmen of the Empire Memorial, Victoria BC

LOST AIRMEN OF THE EMPIRE MEMORIAL

Lost Airmen of the Empire Memorial The “Lost Airmen of the Empire” memorial commemorates and acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of the 179 people who perished while posted to or were working at the Royal

  • The Flight Path - Victoria Int'l Airport Walking and Biking Trail, Visitor in Victoria

VICTORIA AIRPORT PATH

The Flight Path A 9.3km bike and walking trail around the airport.  Bring the whole family to explore this unique recreational facility! Located around the perimeter of the pastoral Victoria International Airport, come for a

  • Kinsol Trestle

HISTORIC KINSOL TRESTLE

For a unique biking or walking experience, I suggest you drive up to see the amazing century old Kinsol Trestle which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail.  It's about an hour's drive up

  • Galloping Goose Trail Sign

GALLOPING GOOSE AT SOOKE POTHOLES

A Short History of the 'Goose' Part of the Trans Canada Trail which traverses the country, the Galloping Goose and Peninsula Trails form one of the most picturesque trail systems in Canada Dedicated in 1989,

  • Mountain biking

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN VICTORIA

Victoria has many mountain biking trails - from moderate to challenging.  Check out these ideas: WESTIN BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT Highlands Valley Loop This family­-friendly loop is perfect for the intermediate rider to get out and

  • Colquitz River Trail

COLQUITZ RIVER TRAIL

The Colquitz River Trail is perhaps one of Saanich's least-known public trails. Starting roughly at the western corner of Interurban Road and Burnside Road West, Colquitz River Trail was envisioned as early as 1967 and

  • E & N Trail

E&N RAIL TRAIL IN VICTORIA, BC

E & N Rail Trail - our newest Regional Trail! A new cycling and pedestrian trail is being constructed largely within the E&N rail corridor. It is being built in phases over a number of

  • bikes in victoria, BC Visitor in Victoria

BIKE TOURS IN VICTORIA, BC

There are several ways to tour around Victoria by bicycle or pedicab: Pedicabs Love the vantage point that being on a bicycle provides, but maybe don't want to break a sweat? Try a pedicab tour

LOCHSIDE TRAIL

The Lochside Trail The Lochside Trail is a scenic multi-use path that stretches all the way from Swartz Bay in North Saanich to the 'Switch Bridge' (the pedestrian overpass crossing highway #1 at Uptown)  where

GALLOPING GOOSE TRAIL

Victoria is a biker's paradise!  Many streets have dedicated bike lanes so getting around town is fast and convenient. If you'd like something different - to get you out of downtown - this is a

Hiking/Walking in and around Victoria

These are trails right in the Greater Victoria area – within about a 20-minute drive or so.  Check the section below for some great trails a bit further afield – well worth the drive!

These trails range from flat, easy paths to more challenging climbs (but not technical rock climbing!).

Make sure you wear appropriate clothing & shoes – and it’s always advisible to bring water (and possibly snacks!).

*See post on City Parks for parks with playgrounds, beaches etc.*

  • Layritz Hill Park entrance sign, Saanich, BC

LAYRITZ PARK

Layritz Park Layritz Park is located in a beautiful rural area of Saanich area near the Vancouver Island Tech Park. This 29 hectare park is perhaps best known for its sports interests, which includes 7

  • Witty's Lagoon Beach, Witty's Lagoon Regional Park

WITTY’S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK

Witty's Lagoon Regional Park is One of Victoria's Real Gems! Witty's Lagoon is located in Metchosin, one of Victoria's Westshore communities. This sea shore park encompasses 58 hectares (143 acres) of very diverse landscape with

  • Finlayson Arm from Jocelyn Hill, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

JOCELYN HILL HIKING ADVENTURE

Hiking to Jocelyn Hill in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park On the slopes of Jocelyn Hill there are absolutely stunning views of Greater Victoria, Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Peninsula. To the west you

  • Views of Saanich Inlet from Squally Reach Viewpoint, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

SQUALLY REACH VIEWPOINT, GOWLLAND TOD PARK

Hiking to Squally Reach Viewpoint in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park The hike to Squally Reach Viewpoint in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park is rather challenging but well worth the effort for the stunning views across Squally

  • Mount Wells

HIKING MOUNT WELLS REGIONAL PARK

HIKING MOUNT WELLS REGIONAL PARK Mount Wells Regional Park is a massive 123 hectare wilderness park located on the eastern edge of the Sooke foothills. Being a wilderness park there aren't a lot of amenities,

BEAR HILL REGIONAL PARK

Exploring Bear Hill Regional Park Bear Hill Regional Park is located on the Saanich Peninsula just north of Elk Lake. It is a small park covering approximately 49 hectares with an elevation of 220m (720’).

HIKING MILL HILL REGIONAL PARK

Hiking Mill Hill Mill Hill Regional Park is an isolated gem located in Langford just off Atkins Ave. The park encompasses 60 hectares with loop trail up and around the south side of the hill.

DURRANCE LAKE

Durrance Lake - Mt Work's Hidden Gem Durrance Lake is part of Mount Work Regional Park. The lake is located along Willis Point Rd with an accessible parking area located off Durrance Close. It is

MOUNT WORK REGIONAL PARK

Exploring Mount Work Regional Park Mount Work Regional Park is one of the largest regional parks in Greater Victoria. At 536-hectares, the park borders Gowlland Tod Provincial Park in the Highlands area of Saanich Peninsula.

ADVENTURE AT THE MALAHAT SKYWALK

The Malahat Skywalk The Malahat Skywalk is one of Vancouver Island’s newest attractions, located about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria near the summit of the Malahat Drive. The Malahat Skywalk Spiral Tower Is

  • Giant Trees at Avatar Grove

AVATAR GROVE – PORT RENFREW

Avatar Grove and "Canada's Gnarliest Tree" Avatar Grove is one of the highlights of a visit to the Port Renfrew area and well worth a visit whether you decide to make the 2 hour drive

  • Cordova Spit Vancouver Island BC

CORDOVA SPIT

Cordova Spit (TIXEN) Cordova Spit is located on the Saanich Peninsula and extends northward from Island View Beach pushing into Haro Strait and the waters of Saanichton Bay like the prow of a giant ship. 

  • Kinsol Trestle

RAILWAY TRESTLES AROUND VICTORIA, BC

Exploring Victoria's Abandoned Railway Trestles We are very fortunate in Victoria and on Vancouver Island, that many of the old railway lines have been preserved and converted into amazing biking and walking paths.  As well

  • The Flight Path - Victoria Int'l Airport Walking and Biking Trail, Visitor in Victoria

VICTORIA AIRPORT PATH

The Flight Path A 9.3km bike and walking trail around the airport.  Bring the whole family to explore this unique recreational facility! Located around the perimeter of the pastoral Victoria International Airport, come for a

  • Coles Bay Regional Park, Victoria, BC, Visitor in Victoria, Parks in Victoria

COLES BAY REGIONAL PARK

A small park in a quiet neighborhood leading down to the Saanich Inlet - that's Coles Bay Regional Park! At just under 9 acres, this park is the perfect place for a short stroll, or

  • One of the Sculptures on Sidney Waterfront Walk, Sidney, BC Visitor in Victoria

SIDNEY WATERFRONT WALKWAY

When arriving and departing Victoria, BC either by air or a BC Ferry to the mainland, you'll pass by the quaint city of Sidney (or Sidney-by-the Sea).  I strongly urge you to make the short

  • Tod Inlet-gowland tod park Visitor in Victoria

TOD INLET: A HIDDEN GEM

Tod Inlet in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park One of our favourite spots in Victoria is tucked in behind Butchart Gardens where thousands of people visit every year, but have no idea that this hidden gem

  • Horth Hill Park, Victoria, BC, Visitor in Victoria

HORTH HILL REGIONAL PARK

After moving to Central Saanich recently I've enjoyed searching out new parks to walk and hike in the area. Today we explored a small-ish park (about 36 hectares/90 acres) in North Saanich called Horth Hill.

  • Albert Head Lagoon Regional Park looking towards the Olympic Peninsula Visitor in Victoria, YYJ

ALBERT HEAD LAGOON REGIONAL PARK

This small lagoon serves as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge for a variety of birds. Features A protected lagoon that attracts local ducks, geese and swans, as well as many varieties of migrating birds A

  • View of Victoria from Mt. Tolmie

MT. TOLMIE – BREATHTAKING VIEWS!

Right in the heart of the city lies one of the most breath-taking views along with some of the most beautiful trails - that's Mt. Tolmie! I hadn't been there in some time and when

  • Lone Tree Hill Regional Park, Victoria, BC

LONE TREE HILL REGIONAL PARK

Lone Tree Hill Regional Park is located in the Highlands of southern Vancouver Island, a municipality of Greater Victoria.  It is a small park but the views from the  364 meter (1200') summit are well

  • Mt. Doug Summit Victoria BC Linda Holland Visitor in Victoria

MT DOUGLAS (MT. DOUG) PARK

A very popular hiking spot as well as a magnificent view of Victoria can be found at Mt. Doug Park. Mount Douglas Park Mount Douglas Park has something for everyone With year-round activities and experiences,

  • Mt. Doug Summit Victoria BC Linda Holland Visitor in Victoria

5 BEST OVERVIEWS OF VICTORIA

Victoria is a beautiful place and walking or driving around can certainly give you a flavor of the city.  But sometimes it's nice to get up high and get a larger view!  Here's some spots

  • Westbay Walkway

5 BEST WALKS IN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Victoria, BC is a walking paradise.  There are so many great walks and so many interesting things to see, but here are my  picks for the 5 best walks in downtown Victoria.  There are many

MACAULAY POINT PARK

Macaulay Point Park - Esquimalt's Hidden Gem Macaulay Point Park is located in Esquimalt just a short distance from downtown Victoria. It is a hidden gem of a park that even most locals don't know about. Indeed,

  • Colquitz River Trail

COLQUITZ RIVER TRAIL

The Colquitz River Trail is perhaps one of Saanich's least-known public trails. Starting roughly at the western corner of Interurban Road and Burnside Road West, Colquitz River Trail was envisioned as early as 1967 and

  • E & N Trail

E&N RAIL TRAIL IN VICTORIA, BC

E & N Rail Trail - our newest Regional Trail! A new cycling and pedestrian trail is being constructed largely within the E&N rail corridor. It is being built in phases over a number of

  • Swan Lake Logo

SWAN LAKE CHRISTMAS HILL NATURE SANCTUARY

Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary This park consists of two distinct areas:  marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake; and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The 12,000 year-old-lake is a rich habitat for a variety

Hiking/Walking outside of the city

These are generally either regional or provincial parks.  Many lead to either a lake, the ocean or stunning views.  Some are more strenuous than others, please read the post to decide if you want to/are able to tackle it or not.

  • The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific presents Arts & Music in the Gardens, taking place at 505 Quayle Road on August 10 from 9am-4pm. Admission is $12. A family-friendly festival, Arts & Music in the Garden aims to connect our community with local artists and local plants - come join us for art, live music, food trucks, and more!

JOHN DEAN PROVINCIAL PARK

ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱/John Dean Park is situated on top of Mount Newton, which overlooks the pastoral Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and the Cascade Mountains. John Dean Provincial Park is the only place left on the

  • One of the Sculptures on Sidney Waterfront Walk, Sidney, BC Visitor in Victoria

SIDNEY WATERFRONT WALKWAY

When arriving and departing Victoria, BC either by air or a BC Ferry to the mainland, you'll pass by the quaint city of Sidney (or Sidney-by-the Sea).  I strongly urge you to make the short

  • Kinsol Trestle

HISTORIC KINSOL TRESTLE

For a unique biking or walking experience, I suggest you drive up to see the amazing century old Kinsol Trestle which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail.  It's about an hour's drive up

  • Horth Hill Park, Victoria, BC, Visitor in Victoria

HORTH HILL REGIONAL PARK

After moving to Central Saanich recently I've enjoyed searching out new parks to walk and hike in the area. Today we explored a small-ish park (about 36 hectares/90 acres) in North Saanich called Horth Hill.

  • Sooke Potholes waterfall

SOOKE POTHOLES PARKS

The Sooke Potholes The Sooke Potholes are actually comprised of 2 different parks, Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and Sooke Potholes Regional Park. As you drive along Sooke River Rd, it is he provincial park the

  • West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, BC

WEST COAST TRAIL

One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island is the West Coast Trail. This is not a trail to be taken lightly - it's not a Sunday afternoon type of hike.  This is a major

  • Botanical Beach, Port Renfrew, BC

JUAN DE FUCA PROVINCIAL PARK – BOTANICAL BEACH

When visiting Victoria, a really nice day trip is out to Port Renfrew - there you'll find a wonderful place to explore, particularly at low tide - Botanical Beach. The drive to Botanical Beach is

  • BC Ferry Terminal at Lyall Harbour, Saturna Island, BC

SATURNA ISLAND

A SATURNA ISLAND DAY TRIP While you're in Victoria, you should definitely think about exploring some of the Gulf Islands.  If you want a quiet, outdoorsy get away, Saturna Island is probably your choice.  With

ROCHE COVE REGIONAL PARK

Roche Cove Regional Park Hike along a cool creek at midday or paddle still waters in early morning light at this serene 163-hectare park. You’ll find a secluded cove, ocean views and lush vegetation, including

  • East Sooke Park

EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK

East Sooke Park If you want to have a true 'west coast' experience - without going too far away from civilization, nothing beats East Sooke Park! East Sooke is the largest CRD Park, encompassing 1422

  • Pebble Beach at Devonian Regional Park Victoria, BC Visitor in Victoria

DEVONIAN REGIONAL PARK

Devonian Park Entrance and parking lot This great - tho small - park is about a 40-minute drive from Victoria and well worth it! Features include a gentle walking trail through mixed woodland

  • Matheson Lake

MATHESON LAKE REGIONAL PARK

Matheson Lake On a hot summer day, Matheson Lake is a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing dip and a picnic at the sandy beach area.  It's quite small, but nice. In any season, hikers

  • Thetis Lake

THETIS LAKE REGIONAL PARK

This regional conservation area was established as Canada's first nature sanctuary in 1958. The park offers outdoor activities in a natural setting. Thetis overview  Features Swamp and lake ecosystems for nature study Delicate

GOLDSTREAM PROVINCIAL PARK

Goldstream Provincial Park is one of the best known and most frequently visited parks on Vancouver Island. Just 16 km from downtown Victoria, Goldstream Provincial Park is a true local gem. Steep mountainous terrain, towering

  • Port Renfrew

PORT RENFREW

Port Renfrew is a Beautiful Drive and an Easy Day Trip Port Renfrew is situated near the entrance to the Juan de Fuca Strait and as such allows you to experience full exposure of the

  • Hatley Castle, Victoria, BC Visitor in Victoria

HATLEY CASTLE

HATLEY PARK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE AND ... A MOVIE STAR! Hatley Castle James Dunsmuir commissioned Samuel Maclure, a Victorian architect, to design the “Castle”.   Local stone, trimmed by Valdez and Saturna Island