Discover Victoria's Top Hiking Trails

Victoria, nestled between ocean and mountains, is a hiker's paradise, offering a variety of trails that showcase its stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a seaside stroll, a forest adventure, or a mountainous hike, Victoria has it all. Trails are well-marked, maintained, and pet-friendly. Here's a guide to the best hikes around Victoria.

1. Coast Trail, Sooke

The Coast Trail near Sooke offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and beautiful beaches. This 10-kilometer trail, often hiked in shorter sections, starts at Aylard Farm and features petroglyphs along the way. The trailhead is in East Sooke Regional Park, a short drive from Victoria.

2. Mount Work Hiking Trail

Mount Work's 4.5-kilometer trail leads to two lookouts with views of the Olympic Mountains and Saanich Inlet. The hike is a steady climb with a 230-meter elevation gain, starting from the Ross Durrance Road Parking Lot.

3. Thetis Lake Hiking Trail

Thetis Lake Regional Park offers a five-kilometer loop trail around Upper and Lower Thetis Lakes, featuring warm waters for swimming and scenic lookouts.

4. Mount Doug Hiking Trails

Mount Doug provides panoramic views of Victoria and the surrounding mountains. Multiple trails lead to the summit, or you can walk up Churchill Drive. The Irvine trail is a popular route through the forest.

5. Niagara Falls Hiking Trail, Goldstream Provincial Park

This 1.3-kilometer trail leads to a 47-meter waterfall. The hike is accessible from two parking areas and includes a tunnel walk.

6. Mount Finlayson Hiking Trail

Mount Finlayson's four-kilometer hike is steep and challenging but rewards with 360-degree views. There are two main routes to the summit, each offering a unique experience.

7. Kinsol Trestle Bridge Trail

This easy three-kilometer hike leads to one of the world's tallest free-standing timber trestle bridges. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages.

8. Mount Tolmie

Mount Tolmie offers cityscape views and a 1.2-kilometer loop trail, perfect for those seeking a less rugged hiking experience within the city.

9. Mystic Beach and Sandcut Beach Hikes

Near Jordan River, the hikes to Mystic Beach and Sandcut Beach offer coastal beauty. Mystic Beach features a four-kilometer round-trip hike to a waterfall, while Sandcut Beach has a two-kilometer trail leading to a beachside waterfall.