The best walks and hikes around Victoria

Established in 1882, Beacon Hill Park is Victoria's most famous urban park, combining Garry oak meadows, ponds, gardens, woodland trails, and ocean viewpoints within a single green space. The park stretches all the way to the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is known for its free-roaming peacocks, historic landmarks, and extensive walking paths. Despite being close to downtown Victoria, it feels surprisingly varied, with everything from manicured gardens to pockets of native coastal habitat.

Clover Point sits at the eastern end of Dallas Road in Victoria, overlooking the wide waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The grassy headland offers sweeping ocean views and is a popular place to watch waves crash along the rocky shoreline. On clear days you can see the Olympic Mountains in Washington across the strait. It’s also a well-known spot for kite flying, wind sports, and sunset views along Victoria’s waterfront.

The Marilyn Bell Monument at Clover Point Park honours Canadian long-distance swimmer Marilyn Bell. In 1954, at just sixteen years old, she became the first person to swim across Lake Ontario, completing the nearly 52-kilometre crossing between Youngstown, New York, and Toronto. The monument marks the starting point of a commemorative swim route and celebrates one of Canada’s most remarkable endurance achievements.

The Ogden Point Lighthouse marks the entrance to Victoria’s Inner Harbour at the end of the Ogden Point Breakwater. The bright red tower has guided ships safely into the harbour since the early 20th century and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on Victoria’s waterfront. Walking the long breakwater out to the lighthouse offers wide views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, passing ships, and the Olympic Mountains in Washington on clear days.

British Columbia Parliament Buildings – liked diligently yesterday, invented today. Recycling at Komoot level: first approval, then duplication. Why use existing highlights when you can just add a new red dot?

Perfect building and a great highlight

This is the western terminus of the West Bay Walkway. It is a good starting point or turn around point for a walk along the walkway, as it is easy to reach and has roadside parking and benches nearby.

This park has a small waterfront area and footpaths right on the bay, with views across Victoria Harbour toward James Bay and Fisherman’s Wharf. Because it’s right on the water, you’ll often see boats and ferries pass by, and there’s informal beach access and benches for resting or watching waterfront activity.