3-Day Victoria Itinerary for Nature Lover

3-Day Victoria Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Discover Victoria’s coastal and forested beauty with this 3-day itinerary, emphasizing hiking trails and natural landscapes. Based on 2025 updates from Tourism Victoria and BC Parks, it includes dining, costs, travel times, and safety tips, assuming you’re based in downtown Victoria.

Day 1: East Sooke Regional Park

 

 

• Morning: Coast Trail
  • Trail Details: Start at East Sooke Regional Park (Aylard Farm trailhead, 35 km from Victoria, 45-min drive). Hike the Coast Trail (10 km one-way, moderate, 4–5 hrs, 200m elevation gain) along the Juan de Fuca Strait, with rugged beaches, rocky headlands, and Olympic Mountain views. Return via interior trails for a loop or shuttle back.
  • Cost: Free (no park pass required). Parking free at Aylard Farm.
  • Travel Time: 45-min drive or 1-hr BC Transit Route 61 ($2.50 one-way).
  • Restaurant: My-Chosen Café (3945 Sooke Rd, Sooke, 10-min drive from trailhead). Offers hearty breakfasts like eggs benedict ($15–25 CAD) with local ingredients.
• Afternoon: Becher Bay Beach Walk
  • Trail Details: Stay in East Sooke Park for a short Becher Bay walk (2 km round-trip, easy, 1 hr) to explore tidal pools and picnic-friendly beaches. Ideal for relaxing post-hike.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 5-min walk from Coast Trail endpoint.
  • Restaurant: Sooke Harbour House (1528 Whiffin Spit Rd, Sooke, 15-min drive). Upscale seafood like halibut ($35–50 CAD) with ocean views. Reservations recommended.
• Precautions: Trails can be muddy; wear waterproof boots. Carry bear spray ($40–50 CAD at MEC Victoria), hike in groups, and keep 100m from bears. Check tides for beach sections at tides.gc.ca.

Day 2: Mount Douglas & Thetis Lake

 

 

• Morning: Mount Douglas (Pkols)
  • Trail Details: Drive to Mount Douglas Park (5 km from Victoria, 15-min drive). Hike the Mount Douglas Summit Trail (4 km round-trip, moderate, 1.5–2 hrs, 200m elevation gain) for 360° views of Saanich Inlet and Olympic Mountains. Trails vary from forested paths to rocky scrambles.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 15-min drive or 20-min BC Transit Route 28 ($2.50 one-way).
  • Restaurant: White Heather Tea Room (1885 Oak Bay Ave, 10-min drive). Cozy spot scorn scones and tea ($10–20 CAD). Book afternoon tea in advance.
• Afternoon: Thetis Lake Regional Park
  • Trail Details: Drive to Thetis Lake (10 km from Victoria, 20-min drive). Hike the Thetis Lake Loop (6 km, easy, 2 hrs, minimal elevation gain) around the lake, with serene water views and forested paths. Popular for swimming in summer.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 20-min drive or 30-min BC Transit Route 50 ($2.50 one-way).
  • Restaurant: The Smokin’ Pilot (1707 Government St, 15-min drive). Casual pub with fish and chips ($15–25 CAD). Local craft beer selection.
• Precautions: Rocky sections on Mount Douglas can be slippery; wear grippy shoes. Stay on marked trails to avoid erosion. Bear spray recommended; report sightings to 250-360-3000.

Day 3: Goldstream Provincial Park

 

 

• Morning: Goldstream Nature Trail & Mount Finlayson
  • Trail Details: Drive to Goldstream Provincial Park (20 km from Victoria, 25-min drive). Hike the Goldstream Nature Trail (2 km round-trip, easy, 1 hr) to see waterfalls and old-growth trees, then tackle Mount Finlayson (4 km round-trip, moderate, 2–3 hrs, 260m elevation gain) for views of Finlayson Arm.
  • Cost: Free (BC Parks may require free Day Use Pass in 2025).
  • Travel Time: 25-min drive or 40-min BC Transit Route 50 ($2.50 one-way).
  • Restaurant: 17 Mile House Pub (5126 Sooke Rd, 10-min drive). Historic pub with burgers and local brews ($15–25 CAD). Outdoor patio.
• Afternoon: Niagara Falls Trail
  • Trail Details: Stay in Goldstream for the Niagara Falls Trail (1.2 km round-trip, easy, 45 min) to a 47m waterfall. Ideal for a relaxing end to the day.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Travel Time: 5-min walk from main parking lot.
  • Restaurant: Four Mile Pub (199 Island Hwy, 15-min drive). Offers comfort food like shepherd’s pie ($20–30 CAD) in a cozy setting.
• Precautions: Watch for mossy rocks near waterfalls. Follow Leave No Trace principles; fines up to $2,000 for littering. Check BC Parks for trail updates.

General Costs (3 Days, Per Person)

• Transportation: $15–30 CAD (BC Transit) or $30–50 CAD (gas for self-drive).
• Dining: $100–150 CAD (mid-range meals, 2/day).
• Total Estimate: $115–200 CAD (excluding accommodation).

Travel Times Summary

• Vancouver to Victoria: 1.5–2 hrs via BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (~$20–90 CAD depending on vehicle/passenger).
• Within Victoria: Sites 15–45 min by car or 20–60 min by BC Transit.

Key Precautions

• Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray, hike in groups, keep 100m from bears, 30m from deer. Report incidents to 250-360-3000.
• Trail Conditions: May trails may be wet; check BC Parks for updates. High-elevation trails like Elk Falls may have snow until June.
• Weather: 5–15°C in May; bring layers and rain gear. Use Spotwx for forecasts.
• Parking: Limited at Goldstream; arrive before 8 AM or use transit.

Final Notes

Victoria’s trails offer coastal and forested beauty, perfect for May hiking. Book transit or ferry early via BC Ferries or BC Transit. Visit Tourism Victoria for more ideas. Enjoy responsibly!

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Disclaimer: Costs and conditions based on 2025 data. Verify with BC Parks for updates.