For diehard hikers, hiking season never ends. For most of us, we wait until there’s a little bit of sunshine before we start to get out and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.
While we have some of the most beautiful hikes in the world here on Vancouver Island, it’s always a good idea to test the waters a bit before jumping head-first into the hiking season.
Before taking a full weekend off for an excursion, why not take an afternoon?
Break in your new hiking shoes, make sure mom and dad can get their legs under them and get ready for the season with some of the incredible walks we have right here in the city.
We’ve compiled a list of some of these walks. These are great to do with the whole family or with you and a furry friend to feel things out before the hiking season really kicks off.
Here are 5 of the best walking and easy hiking trails to warm up for the hiking season:
Thetis Lake Loop
Thetis Lake is a favourite spot for Victorians for swimming, hiking, trail running and so much more.
The trail is about five kilometres round-trip, and takes around two hours at a leisurely pace. There is a bit of elevation gain and plenty of roots that you’ll need to avoid, so be sure to wear good hiking boots.
The walk features serene green spaces and incredible views of the lake, along with the chance to see wildlife like bald eagles and the odd river otter.
It’s a dog-friendly trail, so be sure to put on a smile if you want to make some new fluffy friends.
Swan Lake Loop
The Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is a breath of fresh air right in the heart of Saanich.
This walk is just off the Lochside Trail and is easily accessible with public transport
The hike features floating decks and boardwalks that go right onto the lake.
This loop is a favourite spot for blue herons and violet-green swallows. It offers stunning views of Swan Lake at sunset, and the swallows can be seen diving for bugs on the surface of the water at dusk. You’ll want to bring your camera for this one.
If you’re doing this hike during the day, check out the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary for some information on the local area.
Dogs aren’t allowed on these paths, but there are plenty of runners. Mind your step and keep your head up!
Elk Lake 10 Kilometre Loop
A bit longer than the other walks listed here, the Elk Lake loop is about 10 kilometres long, and will take around two hours to complete.
The walk is about 20 minutes from downtown by car, and is a little more difficult to reach with public transit.
There is minimal elevation gain on the hike, making it a longer but not too difficult expedition.
You’ll go through plenty of wooded areas and several floating docks that go out onto the lake. Ideal for picture taking or for an afternoon walk that is slightly on the longer side.
The trail is dog-friendly and a favourite for morning and evening walks.
Whittaker Trail (Mt Doug Park)
The Whittaker Trail loop may be the most popular walk for Victorians.
The trail is about four kilometres round-trip, but has an elevation of around 200 metres, making it quite a steep incline.
At the top of the trail, walkers are rewarded with stunning 360° views of the city and surrounding area, including the Haro Strait and some incredible views of downtown.
The trail takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, although some may decide to rest and take some breaks to enjoy the views near the end of the trail, which gets more difficult in the final portion.
The trail is dog-friendly and very popular.
McKenzie Bight Trail (Gowlland Todd Park)
Gowlland Todd Park is a little ways out of town, about 30 minutes by car from the downtown core.
The McKenzie Bight trail is a bit more difficult than some of the other hikes listed here, being around four kilometres long with around 150 metre elevation gain.
The entire trip should take about two hours.
Hikers start at the Cascade trailhead, can take in the beautiful Cascade Falls, then continue on the path, revealing stunning views of the Saanich Inlet from the beach.
After the falls, hikers can then return to the trailhead by following the water on McKenzie Bight Trail.
This trail is also dog-friendly, and a little more quiet than some of the other ultra popular walks on this list for those who prefer a little privacy.
Do you have any favourite hiking trails that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
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