The Ultimate Guide to Hiking and Cycling in Victoria, BC

Finally. After a slow start, the warm days and endless nights of our cherished summer months have arrived! Our trails are beginning to dry out and there is an endless array of beautiful places to explore. While Victoria is often thought of as the urban hub of British Columbia, it’s also the gateway to a host of natural beauty.

Surrounded by massive waterfalls, dense forests and pristine waterways, the city is mere steps away from some of the most scenic hiking and cycling spots in the province. Whether you are looking for a route that is iconic or simply breathtaking, here are a few of our recommendations for where to spend your precious summer days.

Lone Tree Hill Trail

It’s a moderately challenging and short hike to the top of Lone Tree Hill, but the trek offers some of the most impressive views of the of the region around the area. As you journey up the trail, soak in the arid, rocky landscape, beautiful Arbutus trees and be sure to keep an eye out for ravens and bald eagles soaring overhead. At the hill’s summit, you’ll find a 360-degree viewpoint looking out toward Victoria’s Highlands, The Butchart Gardens, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and Malahat.

Galloping Goose Trail

Almost 40 miles of pathway make up the Galloping Goose Trail, which winds from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal in North Saanich all the way to downtown Victoria. The trail then travels west through Langford and Sooke, finally ending in Leechtown.

The Galloping Goose has both paved and unpaved sections, and welcomes walkers, hikers and bikers alike. The wide pathway allows cyclists to ride comfortably side-by-side, and the wide range of scenery provides trekkers with a complete picture of the region.

The West Coast Trail

If you are a more experienced and adventurous hiker, the West Coast Trail is a must. Located in Pacific Rim National Park, it’s Vancouver Island’s most well-known and expansive trail. The route itself is hewn between steep cliffs on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

The pathway is part of the ancestral home of the Ditidaht, Pacheedaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations people, and was created by these peoples as they traveled the land. Comprised of a constantly changing and winding path that takes six to eight days to complete, the West Coast Trail is not for the faint of heart. However, the stunning vistas of Canada’s West Coast make the trek well worth it.

Goldstream Railway Trestle

If you would like to stay closer to the city, one of the most popular hikes in the Victoria area is the Goldstream Railway Trestle. This trail starts in Goldstream Provincial Park and ends with an unparalleled view of the pristine forest from atop a train bridge high above Niagara Creek. Be ready to venture deep into the Pacific Northwest rainforest before arriving at your final destination.

Mount Work Regional Park Summit Trail

One of the largest parks in the region, Mount Work Regional Park is home to the 1,473-foot-high Mount Work, which can be seen from all over Saanich and Victoria. The trail runs for seven miles through the forest to the summit of Mount Work, creating a path for hikers.

Multi-use trails lie on the east slope of the mountain, welcoming mountain bikers to terrain that includes rolling hills and difficult grades for the more advanced. Looking to take it easy? Wander around Durrance Lake, the most accessible lake in the park and one of our favorite spots for a picnic.

A haven for nature lovers, Victoria can’t be truly experienced without getting out of the city and on the trails. With our ultimate hiking and cycling guide at your fingertips, you should have no excuse not to get to outdoors and enjoy the region’s beautiful scenery. See you on the trails!