Normally people associate spring as being prime hiking season, but the seasoned pros know that fall is even better! By September, most of the snow remaining on the mountain from the previous winter has melted, and the weather is perfect since you won’t overheat on long-haul hikes! On top of that, the views are spectacular year-round, so you’ll be compelled to come back again and again! Make sure you have access to a car though, as these are not transit-accessible. Read on to find out what all the fuss is about:
Goldstream Park - Mount Finlayson: 2 hr roundtrip
If you’re visiting Victoria for more than a day, it would be worth your while to venture out towards Langford to explore Goldstream Park! This historic spot is one of the tallest mountains in Victoria and a popular home to spawning salmon, all along a golden-coloured river, lined with 600-year old trees. This is a popular place for photos, as many have come far and wide to walk along the massive Goldstream Trestle, suspended above a raging river hundreds of feet below. This bridge is sure to give just about anyone a slight fear of heights at least, but it sure is an adrenaline rush to walk along it! Well-worth it. You may even run into the famous abandoned gold mine, or Victoria’s own ‘Niagra Falls’ too if you complete the full hike!
Lone Cone: 6 hr roundtrip
Although not actually on the same Island as Tofino - this one requires taking a water taxi over to Meares Island; which is part of the First Nations’ land. Because of this, there is a small fee of $10 in order to hike this trail, however, the views are nothing short of magical. This 7 km day-hike is best for experienced hikers in good physical shape, since it is quite a challenge - a 700 metre climb in just a 1.5 km distance, to give you some perspective. The view at the top overlooks Tofino and the ocean, with the shore of Meares Island dotted with large moss-covered rocks and small islands which look as though fairies dropped giant soft green marshmallows from the sky to decorate the landscape. Lastly, don’t forget your camera - this scenery is painting-worthy.
Wild Pacific Trail: 30 mins - 5 hours roundtrip
If you love scenery more and more beautiful at the turn of each corner, then you really need to hike the Wild Pacific Trail. It is located on the coastline of Ucluelet, so you can watch and hear the ocean the whole way through. This hike has two main sections which can either be done separately, or together for the ultimate trek. The first and more popular option is the 2.5 km Lighthouse Loop, and the second is the more challenging 10 km-roundtrip section from Big Beach to Rocky Bluffs. The 10 km trail offers different kinds of views from Lighthouse Loop, and is also highly recommended among locals and tourists alike as a must-do on Vancouver Island. You may even catch sight of a whale as you’re walking and taking in the scent of the ocean and the area’s 800-year-old trees!
Vancouver Island is certainly an incredible little spot on this earth where it at once feels foreign, and like home due to its welcoming atmosphere and laid-back vibe. We hope to continue that legacy by offering the best-in-class accomodations for your stay on the Island, including 11 locations to choose from, friendly service, comfortable beds, and expert knowledge on the local area. We wish you a wonderful stay here on Vancouver Island!
