Shirley, British Columbia

The adventure begins during the rugged wooded hike from the gravel parking lot to the stunning beach (10 minutes). Once you reach the stone and pebble beach, plant yourself down to enjoy the 180 degree view of the Juan de Fuca Strait (and a picnic lunch if you’ve come prepared!).Head east to find...

Located in Sooke, between the Sooke Harbour and the Juan de Fuca Strait is Whiffin Spit Park. An easy 2.4km out and back trail with minimal elevation gain that you can walk to the end and back in about an hour. The dog-friendly gravel trail takes you down the spit to the end where you will find a...

The Sooke Potholes seem to have something for everyone. Those seeking quick and easy beach access can enjoy short, well-groomed trails that lead straight to the pebble beaches from each of this spot’s multiple parking lots. There are also a number of paths leading to viewpoints overlooking the ri...

If you have your eye on Vancouver Island as an adventure destination - and we hope that you do - then you likely already know that our Island is not only home to a diverse and unique alpine hiking scene, but that it also offers 3 (+) world-class long distance hiking routes along our coastline. Fr...

Head west from Victoria along Highway 14 past Sooke and Jordan River until you see the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail - China Creek trailhead about 5km past Jordan River on the West Coast Road. Ample signage, parking, and outhouses are available here.The trail taking you to Mystic Beach is just one s...

The Sooke Hills is a geographic region of low hills with elevations between 350m (Mt. Wells) to a high of 682m (Mt. Empress), located in the area bounded on three sides by Highway 1 to the east, Highway 14 to the south and the Sooke River to the west. Though heavily logged 100+ years ago, in the ...

Sitting very close to the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, facing west towards the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the open Pacific Ocean, East Sooke Park is a unique and magical place for a hike or trail run. Your first visit will spark the desire to keep returning, to keep explor...

Goldstream Provincial Park is just a short drive from Victoria. Within 20 minutes of leaving the city center, you can be immersed in an old growth temperate rain forest.From Victoria, take the Trans-Canada highway to the start of the Malahat. The Goldstream day use area is well marked. Stop here ...

Mount Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park is 19 km north of Victoria on Hwy 1. The trail takes you up to a scenic lookout of Victoria. For the majority, this trail is quite easy, however, it gets slightly more challenging toward the end when the terrain gets steeper.Park at Goldstream Provinc...

This county park is great for day use or overnight camping. Half the campsites are about 20 feet from the water, so you can hear waves crashing on the rocks as you sleep.A short walk from all the sites going east, you will end up at a large field with picnic tables and a playground for kids (visi...

Heading west from Victoria, take the TransCanada Highway to Hwy 14. Continue past Sooke towards Port Renfrew. Look for the sign that reads Sombrio Beach Trailhead (approximately 45 minutes past Sooke) and take the left. Note that this dirt road can be incredibly rugged (aka full of potholes) and ...

I’m blessed with a husband who is crazy enough to agree to my endless adventures! When I suggested we go find the tallest Douglas Fir Tree in the world, and we happened to be in the area, my husband again said, “why not!”For anyone who just has to see it for themselves, here’s some directions:Fo...

Take Highway 1 west from Victoria. Turn onto Exit 10 (View Royal/Colwood) and continue on the Island Highway. Turn right at Six Mile Road, which leads straight to Thetis Lake Regional Park.Note that this park is also accessible by bike via the Galloping Goose Trail.With minimal elevation (~60m) a...

This versatile trail can adapt to your needs. It's can be an out-and-back hike, so you can make it as long as you like. If you do full distance, you are looking at an 8 mile day... OR, if you have two cars, you can park a car at either end of the trail and make it a 4 mile one-way hike. This des...

From the Log Cabin Resort located on the east shore of Lake Crescent, rent a kayak and spend the day on the water! My husband and I rented a kayak on our honeymoon for a day and explored half of the lake staying close to the east shore.You can see the bridge for the Spruce Railroad trail on the ...

The Kinsol Trestle is a highlight of the Cowichan Valley Trail, which travels from Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan and then onward to Duncan. The trestle is easily reached via a 1.3km, wheelchair accessible section of the CVT from the trailhead on Renfew Road. Originally built in 1911 for the r...