 Oak Bay, James O'Mara photo
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.
Inner Harbour and Westsong Way
The Inner Harbour and Westsong Way waterfront walks provide uplifting views of the Sooke Hills and Olympic Mountains. Boat and seaplane traffic plus grand buildings add an urban charm. The Westsong Way portion of the walk also includes views of quaint old houses.
The Inner Harbour is part of downtown Victoria's waterfront. Westsong Way starts at the Johnson Street Bridge and follows the waterfront on the west side of the harbour.
Mount Finlayson
You'll be richly rewarded for braving the rugged 200-m (656-ft) Mount Finlayson Trail with glorious views of Finlayson Arm, Victoria, Bear Mountain Golf Resort, the Olympic Mountains and Juan de Fuca Strait. The hike takes about three hours roundtrip, so you might want to consider a rest stop in one of the arbutus or oak groves along the trail.
Mount Finlayson is located in Goldstream Provincial Park, a 20-25-minute drive northwest from downtown Victoria via Highway 1.
> Goldstream Park website.
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