Nature and nourishment
We’ve paired some standout hikes with a nearby eatery, offering you the perfect way to fuel up before or unwind after your journey.
Inner Harbour Trail (easy) & Barb’s Fish & Chips
Trail
Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Inner Harbour Trail, where Victoria’s past and present intersect. Watch as boats sail through the harbour, wander the lower causeway past the historic Parliament Buildings and Steamship Building and take in the gentle rhythm of city life. Then, meander along the David Foster Harbour Pathway while seaplanes come and go as you make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf, a quaint but quirky floating neighbourhood on Victoria’s harbour. This walk is all about enjoying the beauty of Victoria’s vibrant waterfront.
Inner Harbour
Taste
After your harbour-side walk, head to Barb’s Fish & Chips for some of the freshest seafood in town. Nestled right on the docks, this local favorite serves up crispy, golden fish and chips with a side of ocean breeze—perfect for a laid-back meal by the water.
Barb's Fish & ChipsDallas Road Waterfront Trail (easy) & Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room
Trail
This breezy coastal trail invites you to walk alongside the Pacific Ocean, with crashing waves on one side and grassy cliffs on the other. Stretching from Clover Point to Ogden Point, it's a peaceful, scenic route perfect for soaking up views of the Olympic Mountains. The Dallas Road waterfront allows you to choose your own adventure, with Clover Point to Ogden Point passable along the rugged shoreline as well as a paved walking path atop the cliffs.
Local Tip: Got more hike in you? Take a stroll along the Ogden Point Breakwater, a nearly 1km walk to a lighthouse at the mouth of Victoria’s harbour. The Ogden Point Breakwater is a favourite for local fisherman and divers, and on a lucky day, you might even see orcas!
Taste
Located near the end of your walk at Ogden Point, the Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room offers warm drinks, casual bites, and stunning waterfront views. Relax on their patio while sipping a locally roasted coffee or enjoying a craft beer with breathtaking ocean and mountain views.
Breakwater BistroMalahat SkyWalk (easy) & Unsworth Vineyards
Trail
A truly unique experience, the Malahat SkyWalk combines a gentle hike with an incredible treetop adventure. Ascend the spiral walkway through the forest canopy until you reach the observation tower, where panoramic views of mountains, forest, and ocean await. The walk is complemented by driftwood art, regional history, and an oh-so-much-fun slide from the top of the top of the tower back down to the forest floor.
Malahat SkyWalk
Taste
After soaking in the views, indulge in a culinary experience at Unsworth Vineyards, just a short drive away. Their on-site restaurant serves seasonal dishes that pair perfectly with their award-winning wines, making for a relaxed, farm-to-table dining experience in a stunning vineyard setting. Whether you're enjoying a glass of their celebrated Pinot Noir or savouring a delicious meal, Unsworth offers the perfect blend of elegance and local flavour to complement your day of adventure.
Unsworth VineyardsSwan Lake Nature Sanctuary (easy) & MeeT on Blanshard
Trail
This gentle, peaceful loop trail takes you around Swan Lake, a natural sanctuary perfect for birdwatching and enjoying a slow-paced walk. The raised boardwalks and lakeside views offer an immersive experience in nature just minutes from downtown. With several viewing points and a nature house, Swan Lake provides an excellent opportunity to get up close with Victoria’s diverse array of flora and fauna.
Swan Lake
Taste
After your visit to Swan Lake, swing by MeeT on Blanshard for an inspired take on plant-based cuisine. Known for its inventive, flavorful vegetarian dishes, MeeT crafts meals that make thoughtful, plant-based dining a joy. Each dish is celebration of vibrant ingredients that make eating thoughtfully as satisfying as it is delicious, so you can enjoy a meal that’s every bit as fresh and revitalizing as the trails you just explored.
MeeT on BlanshardGalloping Goose Regional Trail (easy-moderate) & Swan’s Pub
Trail
Spanning over 55 kilometers, the Galloping Goose is a multi-use trail that meanders through Greater Victoria’s urban areas and stretches out along the coast and into the rainforest. While you can tackle the entire length by bike, starting near downtown offers a picturesque route for walking or cycling through forests and scenic byways. Ranging from downtown Victoria to the Greater Victoria community of Sooke, the Galloping Goose is a terrific way to navigate while minimizing the need for a car. With so many access points, the trail can be broken off into smaller sections, leaving you with more to explore on your next visit.
Galloping Goose Regional Trail
Taste
At the end of your journey, cross the bridge into downtown and head to Swan’s Pub for a well-deserved meal. Located just steps from the Galloping Goose, this beloved pub offers a laid-back vibe and a menu full of local favorites. It’s the ideal spot to recharge after your trek, with comforting food and an inviting atmosphere, all within reach of the trail you just explored.
Swan's PubElk/Beaver Lake 10k Trail (moderate) & Fireside Grill
Trail
Encircling Elk Lake, this 10-kilometer trail is a local favorite for a peaceful nature escape. The relatively flat loop takes you through forested areas and along the lake’s edge, offering plenty of birdwatching opportunities and spots to dip your toes in the water. With rowers darting across the water, a fishing dock, and playground for the children, it’s easy to spend a day exploring every corner of the park.
Elk/Beaver Lake
Taste
After your hike, head over to Fireside Grill for a farm-to-table dining experience that celebrates the flavours of the island. Nestled in a charming heritage building, this restaurant focuses on quality ingredients and a farm-to-table philosophy. With stunning grounds (situated in a Gary Oak meadow) and a warm, cozy interior, Fireside Grill is the perfect place to unwind after your hike with delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Fireside GrillUpper and Lower Thetis Lake Trails (moderate) & Six Mile Pub & Eatery
Trail
Thetis Lake Regional Park offers a variety of hiking options, with Upper and Lower Thetis Lake Trails providing stunning lakeside views and forested paths. You can tackle the full loop around both Upper and Lower Thetis for a more extended hike, or opt for just the Lower Lake loop if you’re looking for something shorter and more leisurely. Either way, the trails take you through peaceful woodlands, alongside shimmering waters (perfect for a refreshing swim in the summer months). It’s an ideal spot for an afternoon adventure that can be tailored to your pace.
Thetis Lake
Taste
Quench your thirst at BC’s oldest pub, Six Mile Pub & Eatery, just minutes from Thetis Lake. Their heritage building and sprawling garden patio make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike, serving hearty meals and local brews.
Six Mile PubWitty’s Lagoon (moderate) & My-Chosen Cafe
Trail
Witty’s Lagoon is an enchanting mix of forest, waterfall, and beach. Start with a hike through the lush greenery to view Sitting Lady Falls before emerging onto the sprawling, sandy shores of the lagoon itself. The contrast of dense forest and open water makes for a stunning hike. The mix of fresh and salt water in the lagoon’s estuary makes Witty’s Lagoon a must for birders. At low tide, the beach stretches off almost into the horizon, making for hours of exploration in this sandy paradise.
Witty's Lagoon
Taste
After your coastal trek, head to My Chosen Café for hearty homestyle fare. Their Late Riser Breakfasts offer everything from classic eggs and bacon to more indulgent morning plates, while the homestyle dinners serve up comfort on a plate. And don’t miss a visit to their Sugar Shack for a sweet treat for your ride home.
My Chose CafeIrvine Trail at PKOLS (Mount Douglas) (difficult) & Caffe Fantastico
Taste
Fuel up for your big hike with a stop at Caffe Fantastico. Known for their expertly crafted coffee, this café also offers healthy, locally focused breakfast options that will set you up for a great day on the trails. Whether it’s a fresh breakfast bowl or a hearty breakfast sandwich, Caffe Fantastico’s menu is perfect for starting your morning on the right foot before tackling PKOLS.
Caffe Fantastico
Trail
The Irvine Trail is your gateway to exploring PKOLS, a sacred mountain with deep cultural and historical significance. As you ascend through the shaded forest, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Greater Victoria and beyond, stretching out to the Gulf Islands. At the summit, be sure to grab a well-earned break at the viewpoint and soak in the 360-degree views of your surroundings, as you watch birds of prey catching drafts below.
East Sooke Coast Trail – Aylard Farm to Petroglyphs (difficult) & Hide N Seek
Trail
For the ultimate coastal hike, head to East Sooke Regional Park, where the Aylard Farm to Petroglyphs section offers rugged beauty at every turn. This challenging trail hugs the coastline, leading you past jagged cliffs, serene beaches, and ancient Indigenous petroglyphs etched in rock. While this hike might seem short in distance, it’s easy to spend more time exploring the pocket beaches and rugged coastal rock formations. For those more adventurous, you can extend your hike to Beechy Head, Cabin Point, or even Iron Mine Bay.
Taste
After your exhilarating trek, treat yourself to a meal from Hide N Seek, where Chef Moto adds a fine dining twist to traditional recipes, creating unique dishes that elevate classic flavors. This food truck experience offers a casual yet gourmet dining option that perfectly complements your day of adventure. To extend the experience, make a day of it by exploring the Westshore Flavour Trails, then unwind with a recovery session at Wildwood Saunas. On your ride back into town, don’t forget to grab a bottle of award-winning gin from Sheringham Distillery to celebrate all your day’s work back at your hotel. It’s the perfect way to toast to a day well spent in the stunning natural beauty of Greater Victoria!
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