Victoria 
Victoria is an all-around awesome city. It’s the perfect mix between big city with community vibes, friendly people, and exciting experienced waiting to be explored. The outdoor space is unlike most large cities with a stunning harbor, dense forests and historic buildings offering unforgettable views. Here are some the best nature attractions in the city.
1. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park is a stunning day-use recreation spot ideal for hiking. With more than 25 kilometres of trails each varying in degree of difficulty and all offering spectacular views, including a natural waterfall. Enjoy wildlife in all its forms including wild animals, birds and colourful, vibrant wildflowers.
Cost: Free
Address: Ross Durrance Rd, Highlands
Website
2. Elk Lake
Enjoy a popular lake side route for a walk, run, bird watching or just relaxing at Elk Lake. The route is a flat and rather simple 10 km trail which is easy to follow and provides significant scenic views. If you journey in far enough, you will come across a sweet fishing pier, perfect for taking in the sight or testing your luck with trying to catch a fish or two.
Cost: Free
Address: Patricia Bay HWY Victoria
Website
3. Rithets Bog
This 42-hectare nature sanctuary is the ideal destination to enjoy unique, rare, forest bog and to spot interesting plants and animals. It’s a peaceful place, ideal for a serene 2.8 walk, or run nestled amidst a developed area to reconnect with the unique nature.
Cost: Free
Address: Chatterton Way or Dalewood Lane, Royal Oak
Website
4. Butchart Gardens
Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Immerse yourself in the lush gardens that have been impressing locals for over a century. Enjoy 55 acres of gardens, 900 plant varieties and 26 greenhouses at this colorful destination, that you can enjoy a full day through.
Cost: $12 – 25.00
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay
Website
5. Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Prepare to be wowed at this beautiful lush, indoor garden that houses hundreds of free flying butterflies, parrots, chameleons, frogs and much more. Enjoy this beautiful, large facility that invites you to immerse yourself into nature.
Cost: 6 – $12.50
Address: 1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay
Website
6. Mount Douglas
For specular views of Victoria, including Haro Straight head to Mount Douglas – which you could hike up to or drive up and enjoy the network of trails that slope along the top. It’s a popular destination and if done right, can really get our heart rate up!
Cost: Free
Address: Mount Douglas, Greater Victoria Saanich
Website
7. Swan Lake
Credit: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society
As romantic as the name, Swan Lake is a peaceful oasis, hidden amongst urban landscape that offers an interesting marshland around Swan Lake and rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. Here you can enjoy exciting wild animals and ecosystems.
Cost: Free
Address: 3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria
Website
8. Abkhazi Gardens
Dating back to 1946, this intimate garden is home to 1.4 acres of of lush greenery including Garry oaks, rhododendrons, ponds and a serene teahouse for a light snack amidst the enjoyment of the views.
Cost: Free
Address: 1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria
Website
9. Mile Zero
The Mile 0 Momument is a must see, as its backdrop is the beautiful waterfront of downtown Victoria. This special Mile 0 Momument is the start of the 8,000 km Tran-Canada Highway that spans the entire length of the country of Canada! Mile 0 is also home to the iconic statue of Terry Fox, a Canadian legend who attempted to run across the country to raise money for cancer.
Cost: Free
Address: 18 Douglas St, Victoria
Website
10. Fishermans Wharf Park
Spend an exciting day at Victoria’s Inner Harbor, which is a great place to enjoy food kiosks, unique shops, float homes, and much more. This colorful spot is perfect to take in the expansive view of the ocean views and dig into some fresh fish and seafood dishes.
Cost: 0 – $50
Address: 12 Erie St, Victoria
Website
11. Clover point Park
Distinguished and highly favored as a ‘must see’, Clover Point park is a scenic place for panoramic views, windsurfers, picnics and just watching the day go by.
Cost: Free
Address: 1250 Dallas Rd, Victoria
Website
12. Beacon Hill Childrens Farm
Credit: Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
This special little spot is perfect for families to immerse themselves in sweet little animals including goats, chickens, peacocks and more. A piece of country snuggled perfectly in the city.
Address: Circle Dr, Victoria
Website
13. Uplands Park
Upland Park offers unforgettable views of the panoramic waters as far as the eye can see. You can enjoy the well-manicured park which includes a war memorial, benches and picnic tables so you can spend the day in this outstanding area.
Cost: Free
Address: 3040 Beach Dr, Victoria
Website
14. GoldSteam Provincial Park
Hiker and outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice. At Gold steam Provincial park, you can enjoy majestic waterfalls, flowers, birds, fishes and massive trees. There are many trails that visitors can enjoy and take in all the various sights. The trails range from wheelchair- accessible easy trails to steep and challenging trails.
Cost: Free
Address: Langford
Website
15. Lone Tree Hill
Once you reach the summit, be sure to bring your camera for the sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains. Its recommended to plan you visit for springtime, to take advantage of the exciting colours of the wildflowers such as fawn lilies, shoot stars and common camas.
Cost: Free
Address: 1450 Millstream Rd, Victoria
Website
16. East Sooke Regional Park
Credit: Capital Regional District
Plan for a day for a visit to East Sooke Regional Park, as like the locals, you’re not going to want to leave! Experience over 40 kilometres of trails that traverse marsh, field and forest and includes a 10-kilometre coast trail. Take in the beautiful sights of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, expansive beaches and tide pools perfect for scuba diving!
Cost: 0
Address: 6807 East Sooke Road, Sooke
Website
17. Ghostly Walking Tour
This is not a natural attraction, but an other-worldly tour. Uncover the secrets with a guided evening tour throughout the historic downtown area of Victoria. This 90-minute tour weaves you through allegedly haunted areas of Victoria with interesting tales bound to give you a spook! Enjoy the scenic, memorable buildings and stories!
Cost: $12 – 15
Address: Inner Harbour, Ghostly Walks Walking Tours
Website
18. Galopping Goose Trail
This former railway line takes you on a 55km adventure from Victoria to Sooke! This trail intersects with a few others so you can pick and choose the path you take to your liking, ability or timing. Enjoy the trail by foot, bike, even horse and take in the urban back streets, farmland and rugged wilderness all in one day.
Cost: Free
Google Map
Website
19. The Sea to Sea
The second-largest regional park, this impressive destination is just under 4,000 hectares and over 50 exciting kilometres for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. You can trek to enjoy the peaks of Mount Manuel Quimper and Mount Brule, if youre ready for a moderate to hard hike. Be prepared to share the space with bears, wolves, cougars, birds, and more – depending on the time of year.
Cost: Free
Address: Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Millstream Road exit (Exit 14) to Sooke.
Website
20. Thetis Lake Regional Park
In 1958, Thetis Lake was named as Canada’s first nature sancturary! Just outside Victoria, this park is comprised of 2 lakes – an upper and a lower lake with a couple hikes including one that goes between the two lakes through a scenic trail! Its also a great destination for a refreshing swim or if you have the equiptment, you can bring your standup paddle board, canoe or kayak to enjoy the water.
Cost: Free
Address: Six Mile Road, View Royal
Website
21. Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park
At Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park, you can experience one of the higest peaks, Mount Braden at a whopping 471 metres high. Its a challenging hike for experienced hikers and is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural landscape in the area.
Cost: Free
Address: 3059 Humpback Rd, Victoria
Website
22. Mystic Beach
Regarded as one of the best beaches in the area, you can enjoy the view too, after a short (but challenging) hike through the Juan de Fuca trail, your first stop being the beautiful sandy beaches. Youll enjoy the views of the dense forest, bridges, a small waterfall and once you arrive – youll be blown away by the beach.
Cost: Free
Google Map
23. Avatar Grove
Credit: Ancient Forest Alliance
Home of the countrys ‘gnarliest tree’, Avatar Grove is dense forested area with some of the oldest and biggest tress you will ever see! The paths you discover the trees is well marked, and suitable for all fitness levels.
Cost: Free
Address: Avatar Grove, Port Renfrew
Website
24. Fort Rodd Hill
This famed lighthouse is a mere 20-minute drive from Victoria but you’ll feel transported to the East of Canada, by the view! Dating back the 19th century, it is the first lighthouse in the west coast of Canada its not a regarded as a great spot to enjoy the scenic views and a leisurely walk with the family.
Cost: Free
Address: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria
Website
25. Ella Beach
If youre looking for a piece of peace of quiet, Ella Beach is the destination for you. Ella beach is a wonderful beach with plenty of wonderful trees to enjoy. Many locals enjoy this space for a quiet walk and spectacular view.
Cost: Free
Address: Ella Rd, Sooke
