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.
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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
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.*
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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: 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 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
MT. WORK REGIONAL PARK
Mount Work is one of the largest regional parks, and is the dominant hill on the horizon from many vantage points in Saanich, Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. This popular recreation spot offers a variety
MOUNT WELLS REGIONAL PARK
Mount Wells is a 123-hectare wilderness park of second growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops with spectacular views of the region and stunning spring wildflowers. It is located on the edge of an immense
BEAR HILL REGIONAL PARK
Bear Hill covers nearly 49 hectares of hilltop (220m) landscape, with some of the oldest rock on Vancouver Island and gentle forest trails. Features A profusion of wildflowers in the spring Mixed woodland of western
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
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
From the summit (364 m) of this small park, enjoy views of the Malahat, the Highlands, Victoria and the distant Olympic Mountains. Features Rare and beautiful plants nestled in steep, dry rock faces Bald eagles,
MILL HILL REGIONAL PARK
A little-known oasis of nature, this park exemplifies the exquisite beauty and ecological wealth of our region. Walk through cool woodland and climb to the summit (203m) for spectacular views. Features Delicate wildflowers and arbutus,
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,
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
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 5 picks for downtown Victoria. There are many more - see the
MACAULAY POINT PARK
A hidden gem of a park that even most locals don't know about is Macaulay Point Park in the community of Esquimalt (Esk-kwi-malt) which is only a short drive from downtown Victoria. Indeed it's so
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 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 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
FRANCIS/KING REGIONAL PARK
Exploring Francis/King Regional Park Francis/King Regional Park is a wonderful place to explore for people of all abilities, giving everyone, no matter their abilities or disabilities, a chance to get a little closer to nature.
Disability Access in Victoria, BC
Victoria strives to be a destination that is accessible to everyone. There are many things to do and places to see that are easily accessible to people of all disabilities. By law, all Canadian transportation
GOWLLAND TOD PROVINCIAL PARK
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park View from Gowlland Tod Trail provides excellent day-use recreation opportunities for hiking, nature appreciation and picnicking. More than 25 kilometres of trails, varying in degree of difficulty, offer spectacular
ELK LAKE/BEAVER LAKE REGIONAL PARK
Elk Lake and Beaver Lake are 2 'conjoined' lakes located just off the Pat Bay Hwy. in Saanich. (See map below) This is one of my favorite walks. You can walk completely around the 2
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
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.
JOHN DEAN PROVINCIAL PARK
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 Saancih
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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 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
WITTY’S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK
One of Victoria's gems is Witty's Lagoon Regional Park Witty's Lagoon is located in Metchosin, one of the Westshore communities in Victoria. It is a very pleasant drive through rural farm land to get here.
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 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
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