Cowichan Bay, British Columbia

There is a reason the town of Cowichan Bay is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The town boasts stunning views across the bay, of the Cowichan River estuary, the beautiful marina, and has a variety of restaurants, a candy shop and bakery. Start off by grabbing a bite to eat at ...

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...

Gowlland Tod is a beautiful park, running along the Finlayson Arm fjord. Jocelyn hill is in the middle of the park, and can be accessed from the Caleb Pike access at the South end (along the Ridge trail) or from the McKenzie Bight access at the North end (along the Timberman trail). With planning...

This hike is only doable if you are already on Stuart Island! There is no public transportation to Stuart Island, so you must already be there or have a plan to be there in order to complete this hike.I frequent this island during the summer months and it is one of my favorites. I always stay in ...

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...

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...

From the main parking lot at English camp, follow the wide path east and cross West Valley road to the trailhead of Young Hill. The trail switchbacks several times and leads you past the English Camp cemetery. Continue left on the main trail through the forest of Pacific Madrone trees until you r...

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail connects downtown Victoria, Canada to the former town of Leechtown. Part of the Trans Canada Trail (which traverses the entire country) the Galloping Goose follows the path of the former Canadian National Railway passing through the communities of Sooke, Metchos...

Beacon Hill Park is the jewel of Victoria's crown. Spanning 200 acres and connecting Downtown to the ocean alongside Dallas Road, Beacon Hill Park is one of the highlights of visiting the Capitol city on Vancouver Islands southern tip. Every corner of the park features unique flora, fauna and p...

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 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...

You can walk on or take your car on the ferry. Either way gets you to the same views. Make sure you sit on the right side of the boat (and it sometimes turns around once leaving the dock). Set up on the upper deck, and prepare yourself for an unbelievable show. Make sure you check out the onboard...

For what was once a highly contested and disputed piece of land in the Pacific Ocean, now lays home to one of the most peaceful, tranquil, and historic hikes in the island chain. Start the hike at the parking lot of the San Juan Island National Historic Site American Camp Visitor Center. Proceed ...

No visit to the San Juan Islands is complete without taking a whale watching tour and Rosario Harbor on Orcas Island is uniquely situation to allow for trips east into the Rosario Straight, south into Lopez Sound, or west into the Haro Straight. Such flexibility is useful when on the looking for ...

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 ...

Moran State Park is an true gem within the beautiful San Juan Islands. The park takes up a large portion of the East side of Orcas Island, the largest of all the San Juans. There are multiple campgrounds within the park along the shores of Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake. For the most relaxing exp...