The landscapes of Vancouver Island are varied and beautiful, with mountains and meadows, rivers and beaches as well as cliffs and valleys. It's the perfect place for beach strolls, nature walks, forest trails and country rambles. Literally every community and provincial park in the region has a network of walking trails that range from easy half-hour walks to more challenging full-day outings. Guided walking tours are also available, where visitors can learn about the local history or wildlife.
Practical Points - Walks: - Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Galloping Goose Trail
Galloping Goose Trail follows an old railway line past farmland, a quiet cove and hidden lake, rocky outcrops, a Douglas-fir forest, marshland and more. The 55km/34mi trail links to several parks, with wildlife evident everywhere. From Victoria West, start out at the Selkirk Trestle and follow the trail west to Sooke. There, turn north and continue to the old gold mining area of Leechtown.
From downtown Victoria, cross the Johnson Street Bridge. Turn right onto the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail.
Galloping Goose Trail is multi-use, so be prepared to share the road with others from time to time. This walk is rated "easy" and the time required varies by route.
> Galloping Goose website.
Beacon Hill/Dallas Road/Ogden Point
This lovely, 6km/3.6mi city walk explores Beacon Hill Park, Ogden Point and the James Bay waterfront. Famous for its flower gardens, Beacon Hill Park also features duck ponds, playgrounds, a petting zoo, spray pools and tennis courts. Dallas Road, near Clover Point, is home to the cruise ship terminal and the breakwater, a popular spot for hang-gliding, windsurfing and kite flying. The James Bay waterfront borders one of Victoria's oldest neighbourhoods. Walk south through Beacon Hill Park, follow Dallas Road west to Ogden Point and then along the waterfront. It takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete the walk, which is rated as "easy".
Strathcona Provincial Park
At 250,445 hectares, Strathcona Provincial Park is huge and boasts an excellent network of hiking trails for all experience levels. Located in the Comox Valley and close to Campbell River, this park is one of our most popular recreation areas. The Cowichan River Footpath
A beautiful trail along one of Vancouver Island's most picturesque rivers (the Cowichan is a designated provincial heritage river), the Cowichan River Footpath stretches 20 km from just west of Duncan to Skutz Falls. Wild Pacific Trail
This spectacularly scenic trail in Ucluelet has two sections: an easy 2.5km section that includes Amphitrite Point and Lighthouse, and a more difficult section that traces the shoreline for almost 5km.