Take a Hike!

One of the many wonderful things about living in downtown Victoria is just how close we are to everything! Restaurants, movie theatres, book stores, heck, an ocean! There’s no denying it, we are pretty lucky. You are never more than a few minutes away from a waterfront stroll. Here are a few easily accessible and gorgeous destinations to spend a few hours.

Goldstream Provincial Park

Goldstream Provincial Park is home to Mount Finlayson and the Goldstream Trestle (pictured above). Mount Finlayson offers a satisfyingly challenging hike with a view that’s totally worth the muscle pain you’ll be feeling tomorrow. The Trestle, which you have to cross the highway to hike to, is a slightly shorter, and equally gorgeous hike. For anyone with a fear of heights the Trestle is definitely a great way to conquer those fears!

Moss Rock Park

Moss Rock Park wins points for both scenic views and it’s incredible literal name, it really is a moss covered rock. But not just any rock, it boasts sprawling views Oak Bay, Fairfield, and the Olympic Mountains. Don’t be surprised if you’re not the only one up there to catch the sunset. You might even run into some deer! You can find Moss Rock Park by walking along Fairfield Street. On your way past The Cottage Bakery (1267 Fairfield Road), stop in for a loaf of freshly baked bread!

The Ogden Point Breakwater

The Ogden Point Breakwater is one of our favourite spots to catch a breathtaking sunset and a pretty impressive view of the Olympic Mountains. At about a kilometre and a half out and back, it’s just long enough to work up an appetite for a snack at The Breakwater Cafe & Bistro, located conveniently at the entrance to the breakwater. Stop in for a pastry and a coffee, or enjoy dinner while watching the sun set. They even have live music! Here’s a fun fact: Ogden Point is the busiest cruise ship terminal in all of Canada! There’s plenty of parking along Dallas Road. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous make the 2.5km trek on foot from downtown.