The Gowlland Range is a small and low mountain range on southern Vancouver Island, south of Brentwood Bay and east of Saanich Inlet. The Gowlland Island, adjacent to the city of Victoria, has a 58 sq km (22.3 sq miles) area, and it is a subrange of Vancouver Island Ranges.
Portions of the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park along the Finlayson Arm embed parts of the Gowlland Range. The highest mountain of the Gowlland Range is Mount Work, 449 m (1473 ft.) in height. Another mountain within the Gowlland Range is Mount Finlayson, with 419 m (1374 ft.) height.
The Gowlland Range towers 430 m (1410 ft.) over Finlayson Arm and has spectacular views and varieties of animals such as blacktail deer, cougar, river otter, raccoons, black bear and birds as hawks, eagle, grouse, and owl.
Mountaineers would experience fantastic climbing and hiking trails passing through a beautiful forest ornamented with plentiful, stunning wildlife.
Ascending the Gowlland Range, the awe-inspiring views of the mountains surrounding the area, packed trees below your feet overlooking the Saanich Inlet are fascinating, garnished with colourful birds and wildlife creatures.
The Gowlland Range Trails offer fantastic hiking, winding around grassy meadows and rocky knolls through gorgeous Douglas fir trees and an old-growth forest. Rare species elsewhere flourish in this area, where a lot of wildlife and birds are living. The abundance of marine creatures attracts visitors worldwide and offers scuba diving and other marine activities such as boating seeking calm waters, and a peaceful environment.
The Gowlland Range is located south of Vancouver Island, 20 km (12.4 miles) northwest Victoria, between Saanich Inlet and Brentwood Bay. The Gowlland Range stretches west of the Saanich Peninsula. Finlayson Arm of the Saanich Inlet borders the southwest of the Gowlland Range to the northeast; the stretch finishes at Brentwood Bay.
Along the Finlayson Arm, portions of the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park encompass parts of the Gowlland Range. The park is a paradise for hikers offering 25 well-maintained hiking trails winding through packed with a variety of beautiful trees and wildlife creatures around grassy meadows and rocky knolls.
The Gowlland Range towers 430 m (1410 ft.) over Saanich Inlet near Victoria. There are several beautiful parks around the Gowlland Range, at which visitors can have some lovely recreational days and enjoy several activities.
Should you have time, check out the Goldstream Provincial Park within 5 km (3.1 miles) southwest of the Gowlland Range. Other nearby parks are Thetis Regional Park 5 km (3.1 miles) to the southeast, Mt Work Regional Park adjacent to the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and the Butchart Gardens.
Sooke Lake and Shawnigan Lake are located 10 km (6.2 miles) northwest of the Gowlland Range, having breathtaking views of the lake and ambiance. Visiting Elk Lake and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park would be fun, and you can have the pleasure of kayaking. Langford Lake and Glen Lake are two gorgeous lakes in Langford, about 10 km (6.2 miles) south of the Gowlland Range.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Gowlland Range from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is a 102 km (63.3 miles) route that takes about 1 hour 26 minutes to get there.
Head east on Wallace St toward Fraser St. 350 m (1148 ft.) further, Wallace St turns slightly right and becomes Victoria Crescent. Continue for 170 m (557 ft.), then turn left onto Esplanade. After 36 m (118 ft.), turn right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. Continue driving for 91.2 km (56.6 miles), then turn left onto Finlayson Arm Rd. After 5 km (3.1 miles), turn left onto Millstream Rd. Follow Millstream Rd for 4.4 km (2.7 miles), then turn left onto Martlett Dr. Continue for 350 m (1148 ft.) to reach the Gowlland Range.
From Victoria:
Getting to the Gowlland Range from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and Millstream. It is a 22.2 km (13.7 miles) route and takes about 26 minutes to get there.
Head west on Pandora Ave toward Government St. After 99 m (324 ft.), turn right onto Government St and continue for 1 km (0.6 miles). Slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and 72 km (44.7 miles) further, use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 10.9 km (6.7 miles) then use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Continue for 700 m (2296 ft.) and merge onto W Coast Rd/Millstream Rd/BC-14 E. After 9.1 km (5.6 miles) driving, turn left onto Martlett Dr. Continue 350 m (1148 ft.) to reach the Gowlland Range.
The Gowlland Range and its nearby area offer several hiking trails with beautiful scenery as the "Gowlland Range Trail." The Gowlland Range starts outside of the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park ends in the Gowlland Range. It is a 1 km (0.6 miles) out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 113 m (370.7 ft). The Gowlland Range Trail is primarily used for nature trips, hiking, viewing wildlife, and birdwatching.
The evidence of first nations' pre-contact use of the range's area exists at six archeological sites along the Gowlland Range shoreline. Also, there are reminders of pioneer activity such as the old logging and mining roads network, the homestead at Caleb pike, an early copper mine, and Vancouver Portland Cement Company, which was later developed as the Butchart Gardens adjacent to Tod Inlet.
Visiting the Gowlland Range induces a fresh sense besides its spectacular views. Mountaineers and visitors would enjoy several activities in the area and Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, such as climbing the mountains with awe-inspiring views.
Hiking the well-maintained trails with the beautiful scenery garnished by beautiful wildlife and vagrant birds as well as open meadows and beautiful trees induces a sense of freshness. Due to various marine creatures and marine activities, the area attracts scuba divers, kayakers, and canoers who seek calm waters and peace to spend even a whole day paddling and enjoying the pleasant atmosphere. Visitors would have fun cycling and horseback riding on designated areas through Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.
The Gowlland Range is a small and low mountain range. It has spectacular views and varieties of animals such as blacktail deer, cougar, river otter, raccoons, black bear and birds as hawks, eagle, grouse, and owl. Mountaineers would experience fantastic climbing and hiking trails passing through a beautiful forest ornamented with plentiful, stunning wildlife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in Victoria, Saxe Point Park has an area of Peninsula Seafront. Powerful barreling winds cause fierce waves to hit the coast during falls and winters, make Saxe Point Park a lovely place for Storm Watching. Witness the power of nature as waves crash into the beach with rain falling and the flashing sky making your soul stirred while enjoying Saxe Point Park Storm Watching.
Just a short walk from Victoria, Clover Point is hit by great storms, and there are fabulous opportunities to watch roaring storms. During falls and winters, protect and enjoy the fierce waves making up in the distance, rolling into the coast, battering against the rocks, whether staying at your car or donning in raingear.
If you happen to visit Victoria during fall and winter, do not hesitate to go storm-watching. It is a perfect place for brave souls seeking some exciting moments, watching the high waves making up in the distance, rolling into the coast, crashing against the rocks while rain's whipping. Protecting this natural phenomenon of nature is one of the most popular recreations at Victoria and exposed west beaches of Vancouver Island.
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.
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.
The most visited city on Vancouver Island, the capital of BC, the gardens city, the most romantic city in Canada, home to the world's tallest free-standing totem pole, and many other facts bring the name of Victoria to mind. It is considered a four-season destination with its mild climate and lots of trails made it a heaven for cyclists. Isn't it all enough for you to have a visit? Just read more.