Capital Regional District: Regional Parks, Lakes and Coastal Trails

In the Capital Regional District, Regional Parks protect and manage more than 13,350 hectares of natural areas across 34 regional parks and four regional trails. The park network extends across the south of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. For planning a trip, it offers different perspectives on the landscape: trails through urban, rural and wild areas sit alongside shorelines, wetlands and forest.

Trails between city, countryside and coast

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail runs for more than 55 kilometres from Victoria to Sooke, passing through urban, rural and wild areas. The Lochside Regional Trail runs from Swartz Bay to Victoria, alongside beaches, farmland and wetlands. The two trail descriptions emphasize different aspects: the Galloping Goose passes through changing landscapes along its route, while the Lochside highlights coastal and agricultural scenery. On the rural sections of the Lochside Regional Trail, visitors can cycle, walk, run and ride horses.

Rivers, lakes and trails in green spaces

Sooke Potholes Regional Park lies along the Sooke River, where a salmon run takes place every autumn. The park’s rock formations were created by glaciers about 15,000 years ago. Visitors can picnic or swim by the river; water conditions can vary. The park therefore combines geological history with a river where visitors can also spend time outdoors.

The freshwater lakes in Mount Work Regional Park are suitable for walking and swimming. Mount Work–Hartland has multi-use trails open to mountain biking. Anyone considering the summit trail at Mount Work should know that it is a challenging hike through natural rock formations shaped by glaciers. Weather can affect access. For hikes in Mount Erskine Park, BC Parks recommends entering via the Capital Regional District-owned Mount Erskine Upper Access Park Reserve.

Elk Lake and Beaver Lake have four family-friendly beaches and 15 kilometres of walking trails, including a 10-kilometre loop. Visitors can swim and picnic at Beaver Beach, as well as canoe around nearby islands. The freshwater lakes in Thetis Lake Regional Park offer opportunities for swimming, canoeing and fishing. The park also has more than 40 kilometres of recreational trails. For visits to rivers and lakes, water conditions can vary.

Forest landscapes and history

The 800-metre, self-guided Elsie King Trail in Francis/King Regional Park features interpretive signs. Rest stops, a shelter and an accessible washroom are also available along the trail. The park’s Heritage Grove is home to Douglas firs that are about 500 years old. George Hill Regional Park offers a challenging hike through dense forest to a viewpoint with 180-degree views.

The history of the protected areas is also part of the region’s story: Thetis Lake Regional Park was established in 1958 as Canada’s first nature sanctuary. The Nature Centre at Elk/Beaver Lake features interpretive displays about the park’s natural and cultural history; seasonal opening hours may vary. At East Point, the regional park connects with Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The East Point lighthouse station was built between 1881 and 1887 to warn ships about the dangerous waters around the nearby Boiling Reef.

When choosing a hotel in the Capital Regional District, different kinds of trip plans can help guide you: long journeys through changing landscapes, days by the water, or visits focused on natural and cultural history each offer a different emphasis. Consider which one will shape your trip most before you start looking for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Victoria, Sidney, Sooke, Salt Spring Island, Saanich, North Saanich, Port Renfrew, Mayne, Galiano, Pender Island, Shirley, Saturna, Langford, Colwood, Saanichton.

For the main travel overview: British Columbia.