Experience the West Shore in Victoria, BC!
While many visitors focus on attractions and activities around downtown Victoria and the adjacent Saanich Peninsula, there’s another world to explore on what we call The West Shore. Because of the distances between attractions a vehicle is necessary for this itinerary.
Malahat SkyWalk
Take the stunning drive north from Victoria on Highway 1 (the Malahat highway) for about 35 minutes and you’ll arrive at the Malahat Skywalk.
Immerse yourself in pristine nature: a steep, forested mountain, high above the Salish Sea. Previously, only agile explorers could enjoy such experiences of the wild. Now, the TreeWalk and Spiral Tower make this environment easily accessible, including strollers and wheelchairs. Ascend the spiral ramp to peak adventure. At 250 m above sea level, the tower offers some of the best views on Vancouver Island, including a sweeping panorama of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. Explore the West Coast from a whole new perspective and then choose your descent with a return walk down the ramp or take the fast route on the Spiral Slide.
For hours and admission information, please visit the Malahat SkyWalk’s website.
Adrena Line Zip Line Tours
Returning towards Victoria, after about 15 minutes, take the West Shore Parkway for another 10 minutes to Highway 14, turn towards Sooke and then take Gillespie Road to Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours. You’ll zip above the tree canopy providing an exhilarating treetop adventure and offering educational insight into the wildlife, history, and natural beauty of Sooke.
For tour times and admission information, please visit Adrena LINE’s website.
Langford
If you’re looking for an intense hike, check out Mount Wells Regional Park or the infamous Mount Finlayson, both of which offer sweeping views of the region. If you’re looking for something stroller-friendly, check out the Galloping Goose trail, or walk along the Ed Nixon or Cy Jenkins boardwalks, which surround Langford Lake and Glen Lake, respectively. The Sooke Hills Wilderness trail features a waterfall and Langford’s very own suspension bridge! Combine all of that with the many trails throughout Goldstream Park, and you’ll never run out of places to explore!
For more information, visit the City of Langford’s Parks & Outdoor Recreation website.
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site (NHS)
The Fort Rodd Hill Lighthouse Tour guides you through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th century buildings at Fort Rodd Hill, a west coast artillery fortress on active duty from 1895 to 1956. Be touched by the personal stories of soldiers and their families. Camp overnight in a group-friendly oTENTik.
For more information, visit the Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse NHS’ website.
Insider's Tip
While in Langford, check out The Langford Station Cultural District, located at 720 Station Avenue. Here you’ll find a creative ecosystem of local artists, retailers, murals, sculptures, interactive lighting installations and food trucks, and on certain days, live music, events and more! Retailers, artist studios, and resident food trucks are guaranteed to be open year-round from Thursday to Sunday. Every Friday throughout the summer from 4-8 PM, ring in the weekend at Fridays at the Station by enjoying live music, a selection of delicious food trucks, browsing local businesses and artist studios, and of course, flights of delicious BC craft beer from The Victoria Beer Society’s Beer Truck! See you at The Station!
Learn more about Fridays at the Station and other events in Langford by checking out the calendar of events.
