 Pacific Rim National Park
JF Bergeron photo
Southern Gulf Islands
The best views of the southern Gulf Islands from the water are from one of BC Ferries' "Super Ferries," which have large windows and high decks that provide clear, comfortable vistas of the islands and surrounding mountains. Narrow inlets and passes dominate the voyage; one of the narrowest, Active Pass, offers great wildlife viewing opportunities.
To access the islands from Vancouver Island, catch the ferry at Swartz Bay. Swartz Bay is a 30-minute drive north from downtown Victoria via Highway 17. If your destination is Salt Spring Island, you may also catch the ferry at Crofton.
To access the islands from the BC mainland, catch the ferry at Tsawwassen. Tsawwassen is a 45-minute drive south from Vancouver via Highway 99.
Long Beach
Long Beach offers superb views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky headlands and a variety of wildlife, especially birds. Many species of waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds winter here between November and March, while large flocks of migrating birds use the area in the springtime.
Long Beach is located in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which is a 108-km (65-mi) drive west from Pacific Rim Park website.
Malahat Summit
It's 352 m (1,155 ft) up to the Malahat Summit and its panoramic views of the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, Mount Baker and San Juan Islands. Trees cling to the steep granite cliffs of the mountain, while ferries look brilliantly white traversing the deep blue waters below it.
The Malahat Summit is a 30-minute drive north from Victoria via Highway 1.
Mount Washington
Mount Washington provides panoramic views of Strathcona Provincial Park, Comox Glacier, Coast Mountain Range and Strait of Georgia from its 1,588-m (5,210-ft) high summit. Interpretive signs identify the flora and fauna visible from walking trails around the viewpoint. Most people ride up and down on the chairlift but you can opt to hike down a rugged mountain trail to the base.
> Mount Washington website.
Mount Douglas
The summit of Mount Douglas can be reached by car or on foot. On foot, it's a steep climb to the 213-m (758-ft) top, but worth the effort. Once up, you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula and the Malahat. On clear days you'll also see the Cascade and Olympic Mountains as well as the Gulf and San Juan Islands. An indicator plate installed at the summit tells you exactly how far you are from various points of interest. During spring, enjoy wildflowers in bloom in the Garry oak meadow near the summit.
Mount Douglas is a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria.
> Mount Douglas Park website.
Dallas Road/Beacon Hill/Beach Drive
Take the popular Dallas Road/Beacon Hill/Beach Drive walk to enjoy beautiful views from the waterfront and elevated lookout points. Dallas Road offers unobstructed views of Juan de Fuca Strait, the Sooke Hills and Olympic Mountains. The southern point of Beach Drive commands stunning views of Trial, Discovery and Chatham Islands, Haro Strait and, on clear days, the Cascade Mountains. Mount Beacon in Beacon Park Hill presents elevated, panoramic views of the ocean, city and park.
Dallas Road is within easy walking distance of downtown Victoria.
Mount Tolmie
Climb or drive the 120 m (394 ft) to the summit of Mount Tolmie to be rewarded by a sweeping, 360-degree view of Saanich, Victoria, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker. On the way up, there are a number of manmade structures and natural pathways through rocky outcrops to explore. A Garry oak mountain meadow along the trail provides a perfect place for picnicking.
Mount Tolmie is a 20-minute drive north from downtown Victoria.
> Mount Tolmie Park website.
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