Mount Douglas Park is the largest and most fascinated park in the Saanich area, which offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic mountain, island, and ocean. Spectacular scenery for miles and miles expanded through the area around Victoria, including east to the Haro Strait, north and west to Saanich, and south towards downtown Victoria.
Douglas Park inspires and delights thousands of visitors each year with its year-round activities and experiences. The park provides hiking for all levels—flat hikes for beginners and a full mountain hike for the experts.
Find Mt. Doug Lookout Point in the park, which gives you a fantastic view of the city, Victoria Harbour, and the Gulf Islands or enjoy watching sunset and sunrise. It is the sight you may hardly find anywhere else in Victoria. The peace of the ocean that can be sensed from the summit (or the beach) with Mount Baker's perspective is desirable.
The long sandy beach is located in the area, and you can access it via a trail from the Beach Parking Lot; it is near the Cordova Bay/Cedar Hill/Ash intersection.
Stroll along the shores of Cordova Bay, hike trails lush with plenty of ferns and wildflowers; they towered by Douglas fir and Cedar trees.
Mount Douglas Park is in Cedar Hill Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada.
The park includes the largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula, with 188 hectares (464.5 Acre). You can explore this forest on more than 21 km (13 miles) of trails.
The trails lead you to the summit elevation of 698 ft (213 m) that faces a magnificent view described above, and also you can find Seals, Orcas and Waterfowl while watching the ocean.
You can be pleased to watch the marine life on the beach, the wildflowers, birds and animals in the forest, fishes in the creek, lizards and lichens among the rocks.
Restrooms, playgrounds and picnic areas are available on this site.
There are two large picnic areas near the parking lot down at the beach area parking lot. The first one is near the playground, and the second one is located in the treed area above the ocean.
From Victoria:
The Fastest route from downtown Victoria is via Cedar Hill Rd, which is only 10.3 km (6.4 miles) and takes about 19 minutes.
Take Cedar Hill Rd to Churchill Dr in Saanich. After 8.8 km (5.4 miles), turn left onto Churchill Dr. Drive for 1.5 km (0.9 miles), and you get to Mount Douglas Park.
From Nanaimo:
Nanaimo's fastest route is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, which is 116 km (72 miles) and takes about one hour and a half.
Take Wallace St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804.4 ft) and follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to Admirals Rd/McKenzie Ave in Saanich. Take exit six from Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. Drive for 105 km (65.2 miles), and continue on McKenzie Ave. Take Cedar Hill Rd to Churchill Dr. You will reach Mount Douglas Park after 9.9 km (6.1 miles).
Several trails lead you up to George's view at the mountain summit or down to the sandy beach or through the forest.
1. "Mt. Douglas Churchill Drive" is the paved road near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It leads to the summit and keeps closed to vehicles on holidays and the rest days until noon to provide a more active, pleasant leisure experience for pedestrians and cyclists. It's a 3.1 km (1.9 miles) out and back trail. The elevation gain is 159 m (521.6 ft).
2. The longest trail is "Mount Douglas via Whitaker Loop," which is 5.5 km (3.4 miles) and is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It's rated as moderate and offers the chance to see and enjoy wildlife. Fortunately, dogs are allowed to use this trail. Hiking, walking, and running are the primary usage of this trail, and the best time to use is from April until October. The elevation gain is 213 m (698.8 ft).
3. One of the easy trails that is good for all skill levels is "Mount Douglas via Whittaker Trail," located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It is a 2.7 km (1.67 miles) out and back trail and offers spectacular views, and is used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Be glad that dogs are allowed to use this trail. The elevation gain is 174 m (570.8 ft).
4. "Mount Douglas via Blenkinsop Trail" is an out and back trail that features the forest and is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. The trail is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. That's a moderate trail that is 2.6 km (1.61 miles) out and back. Dogs are also able to use the trail. The elevation gain is 198 m (649.6 ft).
5. Another trail for all skill levels is the "Mount Douglas via South Ridge, Harpop and Norn" trail, which offers many activities. It's located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada and is 2.6 km (1.61 miles). The elevation gain is 175 m (574.1 ft).
6. "Mount Douglas via Norn-Irvine Trail" is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. This 4.5 km (2.79 miles) out and back features a great forest. This trail is used for hiking, walking, and running and is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed to use this trail. The elevation gain is 169 m (554.4 ft).
7. "Maddock, Glendenning, Harrop and Whittaker Loop" is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. It is 4.7 km (2.9 miles) and is suitable for all skill levels. A Nature trip, hiking and walking are the primary usages of this trail, and the best time to use it is from April until October. Dogs are allowed to use this trail. The elevation gain is 132 m (433 ft).
8. "Mount Douglas Summit Loop" via Glendenning, Whittaker, Mercer Trails is located near Saanich, British Columbia, Canada, rated as moderate and about 2.9 km (1.8 miles) is used for hiking and walking, and features a great forest. The elevation gain is 159 m (521.6 ft).
Local Songhees people have known the mountain as "Hill of Cedars" for a long time and have used the area in and around Mount Douglas Park for thousands of years.
In 1858 Governor James Douglas established this park as a Government Reserve. As you see, both the creek and hill are named after him.
In the depression years, the government started a project that led to the construction of Churchill Road. It also had a restroom, teahouse and "crew huts."
On September 30, 1889, the city of Victoria took over the area, and the Province changed to Mount Douglas Park. In November 1992, Saanich Municipality began managing the park. Mount Douglas has grown from 150 ha (370.6 Acre) to 183 ha (1.83 km2) over the years, and it will be protected as a natural area.
The Mount Douglas Park Charter, approved by Council in 1992, mentions that Mount Douglas Park should be protected by the Corporation of the District of Saanich for the enjoyment and usage of the public and the next generations.
Mount Douglas Park is known for its many trails and offers the best hiking experience that ends with George's view at the mountain summit. Walking through the sandy beach and the tremendous forest lets you experience peace and enjoy the wildlife.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to preserve intertidal and subtidal communities that became very rich due to strong tidal currents. It features marine mammals like whales, sea lions and seals, birds like ducks, cormorants, black oyster-catchers and bald eagles. Fish species, marine invertebrates, and animals like marine algae and seagrass are among other inhabitants.
If you are looking for a kid-friendly place in Victoria, Willows Park is an ideal option. The park has a stunning view of Mount Baker and features a lovely, soft, and sandy beach. Experience a great time swimming, sunbathing, reading books, picnicking, and kayaking. Walk, run, or relax on the sand and let your kids play on the beach or the playground nearby.
At the northwest shore of West of Shawnigan Lake, there is a dawn to dusk area, with a Douglas fir forest and a delightful beach known as Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park. Being there with your family and friends and spending your time swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, and windsurfing would refresh your body and soul. The park is a habitat for many animals.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, with a wide variety of species of flora and fauna, features two lakes, a forest, a playground for kids, and picnicking area. That is why you can do lots of water-based and land-based activities. Among them are swimming, fishing, paddling, windsurfing, waterskiing, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. This park is a birds' paradise.
Beacon Hill Park, a popular destination among locals and tourists, has spectacular views, charming woodlands, Rose Garden, roaming peacocks, many unique wooden sculptures, and facilities. It has four ponds famous for turtles, swans, ducks, blue herons, and Canada geese. River otters, raccoons, squirrels, and birds live here. A petting zoo, two playgrounds, two spray parks, and tennis courts are available.
Memory Island Provincial Park is one of the smallest parks in British Columbia. Its peaceful and beautiful nature makes it an excellent choice for picnicking. As it is placed in Shawnigan Lake, you can catch some fish like trout. Also, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are possible. In addition, the park is home to various birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and fungi.
Goldstream Provincial Park is an old-growth temperate rain forest with 600-year-old Douglas fir trees. It has magnificent waterfalls, giant trees, and a winding river, a perfect area for camping. Annual fall salmon that runs in the river and the bald eagles that gather at the park for feeding are some of the most exciting views. With a variety of trails, this park is an excellent place for hiking.
Mount Douglas Park is the largest and most fascinated park in the Saanich area, with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic mountain, island, and ocean. It is known for its age-friendly hiking trails lush with plenty of trees and wildflowers. Walking through its sandy beach and the tremendous forest lets you experience peace and enjoy the wildlife.
Answer the call of nature and step into breathtaking trails while watching wildlife. Excellent hiking trails on the beach with a fantastic ocean view will get you to East Sooke Regional Park. With its 1,435 hectares of natural and protected coastal landscape, feel the real nature at the west coast of Vancouver Island, where all attractions await visitors.
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Wear decent hiking boots for a moderate hiking trail near Sooke. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an enjoyable trail that leads you to Grass Lake and featuring Monument Mountain makes it possible to have amazing views from the top. Doing the Grass Lake Trail overnight and camping by the lake turns it into a memorable trip. Enjoy the trail in warmer seasons and get a dip into the lake.
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It is time to put your heart into hiking and step into a moderate multi-use trail with some great views along the way and on top. Mount Manuel Quimper has a beautiful summit worth the climb, which gives you excellent vistas of Sooke Harbour and a chance to visit one of the last fire lookouts left on the island.
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Here is a highly recommended and well-marked trail for challenges enthusiasts. Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails offers you insane 360° views of the Sooke Basin, Victoria, and San Juan Islands.
Extraordinary opportunities to make your diving experience memorable in the heart of Greater Victoria, including high-ranked spots for diving. These spots provide you with inevitable diving opportunities which allow you to explore the alien underwater world of Victoria's waters saturated with magnificent creatures. Do not miss it for the world.
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Looking for a reliable place to go whale watching for the first time on Vancouver Island? Why not starting with Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club, one of the famous Yacht Clubs on the island. You will have the opportunity to observe these gigantic creatures and probably other sea creatures in the waters of the Salish Sea.
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Start your whale watching journey with Van Isle Marina, a critical marine zone on Vancouver Island, capable of serving 200 boats simultaneously, which has made it an ideal destination for the fans of whale watching. There is a high chance to observe other sea creatures other than whales.
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As one of the best tourist attractions of Sooke and Vancouver Island, West Coast comprises many outdoor excitements that cannot be denied. You are provided with different wildlife to watch and various food to eat, not to mention that you observe a rare nature that is outstanding. So, chances are high to see different whales and other marine creatures.
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You would better plan a visit to Cabin Point Coastline between April-September. It is the best time for those preparing for Sooke Whale Watching in one of the famous coastlines for it in the Salish sea. You are given adequate opportunity to gaze upon these marvellous sea creatures.
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Beechey Head and its loop are two of the hot spots for whale watching in Sooke. In addition to fantastic opportunities for whale watching, Beechey Head is a hiking and nature trip location that offers you excellent activities, such as birdwatching.
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Spirit Bay has a rich community offering settlings for whale watching lovers beside incredible wildlife; therefore, it would be an excellent point to start your Sooke Whale Watching. Plus, it has a cute beach. You cannot get over the beauty of it and its scenic views.
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Featuring wildflowers and fantastic sceneries, Creyke Point Trail is a suitable spot for whale watching, bird watching, and nature trips with splendid beaches and forests. So if you are having a great time in Sooke, remember to stop by Creyke Point to have more fun.
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Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.
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Due to certified whale watching agencies, Fisherman's Wharf Park is a significant place to visit for whale watching enthusiasts. As one of the most prodigious and phenomenal creators worldwide, whales are ample during specific whale watching seasons.
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Featuring Victoria Harbour and West Bay, Esquimalt could be your starting point for whale watching in Victoria. You can also have the pleasure of watching sea lions, seals, porpoises, and a wide variety of marine birds are other stunning creators that may be highly admirable to wildlife watching fanatics.
Cattle Point is a part of Uplands Park in Victoria, runs along the coastline of Oak Bay. During falls and winters, especially November through March, the Cattle Point Storm Watching is an exhilarating experience. Watch storms smashing from spectacular vantage points as dark clouds blanket the sky, rains whipping, gusts of winds making barreling high waves.
Spiral Beach in Victoria is where the blue of the sea and sky and the Olympic Mountains at a distance is situated in a perfect picture. There are hills along the beach to stand on for a wide view. Walk on the sands and pebbles with the driftwoods around on the beach. Listen to the waves, walk on the shoreline, and have the storm watching pleasure in the fall and winter.
McNeill Bay has plenty of benches along the seawall to sit and enjoy the landscape of Trial Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Olympic Mountain. Do exciting water activities on McNeill Bay Beach and experience its wonderful esplanade and photogenic scenery. It is considered one of the fantastic off-leash dog beaches in Victoria.
Langford is a city on the south coast of Vancouver Island and heaven for golfers. You can stay at lodgings and play at challenging hillside courses and enjoy yourself at luxurious advantages like the Amatista Spa. Beautiful parks surround the city, so go hiking through scenic forests or have peaceful moments beside lakes. Langford offers shops, family activities, sheep farms, and a bike park.
Gonzales Bay is a small scenic bay with a crescent-shaped beach. Its sandy beach is often quiet and peaceful. Walking on the Gonzales Bay beach near the ocean can help to release the world's anxiety. Lie on the beach and see the peaks of Olympic Mountain and enjoy the Mediterrane climate. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach from September through May.
A trail leads you to Fisgard Lighthouse NHS, the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. This historic lighthouse is still operating, but the entrance is not allowed. The keeper's house is open to the public which comprises wonderful exhibitions. There you can see shipwrecks, far-flung lights, storms, and the working equipment the lightkeepers used about a century ago.
Sooke is known as the Tall Tree Capital of Canada. The area's popularity is mainly based on tourists visiting the wilderness parks, hiking the West Coast Trail and the extremely popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Sooke is also famous for its beaches and is a destination for cycling and mountain biking. The arts community of Sooke is vibrant and hosts the annual Sooke Fine Arts Festival.
Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens is a place for history enthusiasts and gardens and interior design lovers. It is a 19th-century Victorian home and garden full of everything nostalgic to you. As one of Victoria's oldest homes, it is located overlooking the scenic and historic Selkirk Water/Gorge Waterway. It includes vegetables, cut flowers, a small fruit orchard, and a greenhouse.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria or AGGV is home to artworks from talented artists of Canada and Asia. The building complex of the gallery includes the Spencer Mansion and the exhibition galleries. It also has gardens with a Japanese Shinto shrine. The art gallery is kid-friendly, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The gift shop has gorgeous merchandise.
Located in Victoria, the Royal BC Museum is one of Canada's most significant cultural and historical treasures. It showcases natural wonders and includes artifacts, documents, specimens, and everything slightly relevant to British Columbia's natural and human history. The museum also provides a dynamic forum and a safe space for discussion and reflection.
Miniature World is among the top ten attractions in Victoria. It is the World of Smallness, the World of Story Books, and the World of Fact, Fiction, and Fantasy. It presents villages with different themes such as Camelot or the World's Smallest Operational Sawmill or Space 2201 AD and Avian 1 Spaceship. Miniature World is so unique that you may want to visit it every time you're in Victoria.
If you are a fan of sun and beach, Victoria has the warmest weather in Canada to take a sunbath and swim, and Willows Beach is located in this area. This white sandy beach is south of Willows Park and has protected water suitable for a family vacation. Get the most out of your visit when you are at the park. Have a meal or drink in its cafe with a view of the sea.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve was established to preserve intertidal and subtidal communities that became very rich due to strong tidal currents. It features marine mammals like whales, sea lions and seals, birds like ducks, cormorants, black oyster-catchers and bald eagles. Fish species, marine invertebrates, and animals like marine algae and seagrass are among other inhabitants.
Sitting Lady Falls or Witty's Lagoon Falls with a wonderful forest around, and the moss-covered rocks is a magical place, something out of a fairy tale but near Victoria. The waterfall with 100 m (328 ft) height is divided into two parts, like a fork, making a unique shape worth visiting. The good thing about Sitting Lady Falls is the variety of birds living in the area.
Gallery Merrick is home to many native artists. The purpose of the gallery is to appreciate beauty everywhere we look. The priority of the gallery is to help working artists who make their livings out of their art. Many artists from Vancouver Island, surrounding islands, and across the country exhibit their talents here.
You may have limitations for yourself, but if you are not a beginner at cave exploring, overcome your own limits. Find a hidden gem in Langford, somewhere that few people know. Florence Lake Cave is a mystery waiting to be discovered for professional cavers. Some believe that it is the largest cave in Greater Victoria. Don't waste your time hesitating and pack your bag for a challenge.