Spectacular views, winding trails, and vegetation galore! A true treasure in the Victoria area is Gowlland Tod Provincial Park; the perfect place to escape from the city and feel completely immersed in rich, BC wilderness.

Featuring 25km of winding trails ranging in difficulty, the area provides moderate hikes for beginners or a bit of challenge for more experienced hikers. With opportunities for cycling, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, this park really has it all.

Gowlland Tod is teeming with biodiversity, as it protects a significant amount of the Gowlland Range which has more than 150 species of plants and animals present in the area. During your hike through the twisted arbutus trees, you can be sure to see an array of wildlife as you make your way up the trails. With multiple viewpoints scattered throughout the park, almost every trail is rewarded with an amazing view, making it well worth the hike. The steep and rocky terrain meanders up towards the summit, with a canopy of green just above your head. An incredible spot is the view from the top of the Jocelyn Hill trail. The Finlayson Arm, a stunning fjord that allows pacific waters to flow through can be seen from this viewpoint and is truly beautiful to witness.

You can be sure that your day will be filled with adventure as you hike to the top of Jocelyn Hill, skip rocks at the Tod Inlet, or relax on the beach at McKenzie Bight. Where else can you fit all of your favourite activities into a 1-day trip? Whether you want to picnic, hike, or simply take some time to appreciate nature, be sure to check out Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:
  • Blue herons
  • Bald eagles
  • River otters
  • Red squirrels
  • Wildflowers
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
  • Be sure to check the Park Information and current weather before you go
  • Prepare to adventure safely with Trip Planning Tips
  • Bring your own water as there is no access to drinking water within the park
  • The nearest boat launch is in Brentwood Bay
HOW TO GET THERE:

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park is accessible by three different entrances including Tod Inlet (off of Wallace Drive, near Brentwood Bay), Mackenzie Bight (off of Ross Durrance Road, off of Willis Point Road) and Caleb Pike (near Langford off of Millstream Road). Unfortunately, the park is not accessible via public transit.

This blog post was written by Kira Rowsell, Power To Be’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Kira is passionate about encouraging people to get outside and helping to share the endless stories of nature through photography, videography, and writing.