10 replies to this topic

[sebberry]

I don't get out walking much, mostly because around here it's all busy city streets and I prefer quieter walking trails.

Anyone know of any good "off the beaten path" walking trails around or within a 20 min drive of Vic? Preferably some ones with good scenery for photography, etc...

[VicHockeyFan]

Mt. Doug Park.

http://www.saanich.c...rk.jsp?mapNo=87

[Lover Fighter]

Some of my favourite spots for a walk (as opposed to a hike) would be Tod Inlet (which is on your left heading up Wallace Drive just before Butchart Gardens), Witty's Lagoon Regional Park (off Metchosin Road) and Thetis Lake Regional Park (not the beach part, but the north half of the park, accessible from Highland Road at the end of Watkiss Way).

These locations could take up to half an hour to reach depending on where you live in Vic and what time of day it is.

[Kikadee]

I am an avid trail runner, and there are a number of amazing trails within 20-30 minutes drive of Victoria (as Lover Fighter points out, it entirely depends on traffic conditions, as well as your original starting point....)

I recommend using the CRD Parks website, first of all, which has a select-a-park features and maps of each park (including "how to get there from Victoria"). But don't forget to search for municipal parks in the Saanich, Langford, Colwood and Metchosin areas, too!

But I most highly recommend investing in a book published by the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society: "Hiking Trails I: Victoria and Vicinity." They've basically collated all the regional, provincial and some municipal parks information into one useful resource.

When I'm pressed for time, and don't want to drive far for a beautiful, scenic mountainous run, you'll find me at:
Francis-King (especially good for out-of-town guests, they're usually impressed);
Upper Thetis Lake (McKenzie Creek, Stewart Mountain; Scafe Hill);
Mount Work (both south and north approaches);
Gowlland Tod (up Jocelyn Hill from the south, up Squally Reach from the north, or down to Mackenzie Bight);
and sometimes Metchosin Wilderness Park.

Of course there's Mount Doug, but don't forget Swan Lake-Christmas Hill (gorgeous view), and Bear Hill, which can be accessed from a point close to the boat launch on Beaver-Elk Lake.

I avoid places such as Goldstream and Mount Finlayson like the plague, because I'm into getting AWAY from people!

On that note ... I'm going for a run!

[Bob Fugger]

I don't get out walking much, mostly because around here it's all busy city streets and I prefer quieter walking trails.

Anyone know of any good "off the beaten path" walking trails around or within a 20 min drive of Vic? Preferably some ones with good scenery for photography, etc...

Seb - thanks for the laugh re: busy streets. I live on a bus route, and it'd be a real stretch to even call that busy. There are many, many quiet streets within the core, especially Beacon Hill, Rockland, Oak Bay and Elk/Beaver Lake.

Doesn't it defeat the purpose if you have to jump in your car and drive 20 minutes to get some walking done?

[Lover Fighter]

Seb - thanks for the laugh re: busy streets. I live on a bus route, and it'd be a real stretch to even call that busy. There are many, many quiet streets within the core, especially Beacon Hill, Rockland, Oak Bay and Elk/Beaver Lake.

Doesn't it defeat the purpose if you have to jump in your car and drive 20 minutes to get some walking done?

Well, I can't speak for sebberry, but I personally don't walk for the sake of walking. I quite enjoy the scenic beauty of Victoria's surrounding natural areas and one must walk through them (or cycle / ride a horse through in some cases) to experience them. Some locations (Thetis, Mount Doug) are easily accessible by transit and bike routes, while others (such as my personal favourite local park, East Sooke) are not.

[LJ]

I have a book called " The Best Dog Walks on Vancouver Island", and it has all kinds of info, such degree of difficulty, length of time etc.

We go to a different one every week.

[Savannah]

I have a book called "The Best Dog Walks on Vancouver Island", and it has all kinds of info, such degree of difficulty, length of time etc.

We go to a different one every week.

Neat! I had to Google it. If I see it, I might pick up a copy for me and Clover. http://www.sandhillb...ooks/00164.html

I also sometimes drive to get to a walking destination for me and the dog. You can only go around your neighbourhood so many times, before the urge for a little variety sets in. I also like to practise my photography skills and get away from people.

So if I see a lone walker with a camera on a scenic walk, I will leave you alone.

That being said, I like to go to Royal Roads, and park down by the boathouse and walk along what I see is "Cottonwood Creek Road" and then turn left and there's a walking path in the woods ("below" the parking lot visible in the map). I'm sure there's a name for that part of the university property, but I don't know what it is. I don't see a whole lot of other people around there, and it's a change from the Lagoon walk. Map.

[Barra]

I like going to Goldstream. The salmon are about to come back - if you go on a week day, it is not too busy. If you go thru the underpass under the highway, you get to a very quiet area - with a waterfall!

A friend of mine is working with the municipalities of Victoria and Oak Bay to develop a walking path that connects Victoria and Oak Bay by means of various rights of way and mid-block connectors through residential areas so that you can do the walk without walking on major roads. Its fun to see if you can find this route on your own. Start in Fairfield and head east.

[D.L.]

I like going to Goldstream. The salmon are about to come back - if you go on a week day, it is not too busy. If you go thru the underpass under the highway, you get to a very quiet area - with a waterfall!

From that underpass there is a steep trail which leads up to one of the E&N rail bridges in the Malahat.

[gumgum]

There be gold mines of theer in them heels.