Mt Tolmie Park

A popular destination for residents and tourists alike, Mt Tolmie Park is widely recognized as the best place for panoramic views of the city of Victoria. Viewpoints from the summit (approximately 120 meters above sea level) offer 360-degree vistas of the Gulf Islands, Saanich, and the city of Victoria across to the Olympic mountain range and even Mount Baker in the distance on a clear day. Mt Tolmie is located near the University of Victoria, making it an often-visited stop along the Beach Drive coastal route.
Located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria, the park features numerous trails for visitors to walk on. Alternatively, travelers can drive up the windy road to the summit for a fast track to the views. Plenty of picnic tables and places for drivers to pull over offer different viewing areas, and about a mile’s worth (more than 1,500 meters) of trails within the park lead hikers through meadows and up rocky slopes, with many of them going directly to the summit. The adventurous traveler can follow the trails to numerous secluded natural areas and various bird-watching outlooks.

Practical Info

Mt Tolmie is located near the University of Victoria on Mayfair Drive off of Cedar Hill Cross Road. Driving up windy Mayfair Drive will take you past several parking areas with different views, including a few right at the mountain top. From downtown Victoria, the bottom of Mt Tolmie is a short bus ride of about 20 minutes away. The gravel trails running through the park start from the bottom of the mountain and loop around the entire area, passing the giant concrete reservoir near the top as well as several picnic areas with great views. Leashed dogs are allowed, and there are no public toilets.