We love to get out hiking! Lucky for us, Victoria and the surrounding area has so many incredible options to explore while getting a great sweat and quad burn. In this post we will discuss some of our favourite options that are not one of Victoria’s Big 3 most popular hikes: Mount Doug, Mount Fin and Mount Work. Without further adieu, here are 5 other amazing hikes for you to try:
Jocelyn Hill
This pleasant mountain trail offers gradual elevation gain with many viewpoints throughout. The trail is easy to follow with very good markings and directions throughout the route, and is also well-maintained by the city parks commission. Much of the trail runs through the thick forest with great overhead canopies, so this route is very doable even on a hot day or during the winter when it can be downpouring.
The areas higher in elevation have the best views of Finlayson Arm, and the tunnel is an interesting feature that makes this trail especially unique and fun for folks looking for variety. It can be common to see bears in between Holmes Peak and Caleb Pike, so make sure to hike in groups when venturing further out into the trails and make noise during the summer and fall.
Timberman Trail
Timberman Trail to Squally Reach Viewpoint is a well marked, 5.8km trail that begins in Mount Work Regional Park. Instead of taking the route over to Mount Work, you can set out to this less trafficked trail across the road. The route has a steady ascent about two kilometers in, that offers just enough challenge. At 1.6 kilometers you will pass the Saanich Inlet Viewpoint. Then at 3 kilometers you will reach Squally Reach. From there, there are gorgeous views.
If you want to push the distance further to 12km, this trail actually connects all the way over to Jocelyn Hill.
Manuel Quimper
Mount Manuel Quimper is known for its spectacular view. The trail itself has a good mix of sun and shade and it’s recommended you take it counter-clockwise. It would be good to consider appropriate gear in wetter and colder seasons as it can have some significantly wet and muddy parts. The trail begins off of Harbourview Road and has ample parking, as well as washroom facilities available. With a steady ascent and descent, this is a trail with just enough challenge.
Stewart Mountain
This is a nice and relatively short trail with a good mix of ups and downs. Heading in a clockwise direction will get the initial steep climb out of the way first. The trail up to Mount Stewart has some loose rocks but the views from both peaks are beautiful. From Scafe Hill there are views of the south Saanich peninsula, Victoria, and some Washington mountains. The way back from Scafe Hill is mostly an easy slow decline.
Mount Wells
This trail starts off on a moderate grade but gets steeper in the top half of the mountain. It becomes a bit more rocky with some steep ledges making it more technical, but there are chains in place to help with these sections. It’s all well worth the summit and beautiful view of the city, ocean, and snow capped mountains in the far off distance.
Where are you planning on doing your next hike? If you have not experienced all of these awesome hikes we highly suggest adding them to your list. Keep your eye on our Instagram for event updates on where we are going next!
Trail descriptions pulled from AllTrails.