HIKING, BIKING AND WALKING TRAILS

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

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

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

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.