Day Hike Mount Tolmie Near Victoria
MOUNT TOLMIE FACTS
I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
Day Hike Mount Tolmie Near Victoria
Victoria may be best known for its international culture , but explorations beyond the city limits will take you to places like Mount Tolmie , one of the most popular destination day hikes for residents and visitors to Victoria .
A day hike to the summit of Mount Tolmie affords a 360-degree view of the city of Victoria .
MOUNT TOLMIE FACTS
Driving Directions There are plenty of routes to take to Mount Tolmie , depending where you are in Victoria but to drive to Mount Tolmie from the downtown area , make your way to Fort Street and follow the one-way street as it heads eastbound . At the 4-way intersection at Richmond Avenue ( by Royal Jubilee Hospital ), turn left and follow Richmond Avenue northbound . A few blocks past the Comosun College Campus , turn right onto Mayfair Drive . Drive up the steep hill onto Mount Tolmie and park in one of the parking lots near the top .
LOCATED NEAR THE UNIVERSITY
OF Victoria , Mount Tolmie is easily accessible and has a 360-degree view of Victoria from the top . You can choose whether to hike from the bottom of Mount Tolmie to the top , simply drive to the top , or park at one of the lots on the mountain and hike around the trails . Most people will drive to one of the parking lots near the top , then hike the loop to explore the park and various scenic views .
Once you reach the summit you ’ ll be afforded views looking south toward downtown Victoria along the railing . Afterwards , cross the street behind you and walk up a few steps towards the large concrete slab , walking out on top of it an enjoying sweeping views of the Saanich area . This structure was built and used for a defense system during World War II .
To go for a short walk , take the trail that is directly at the side where the concrete slab joins with the mountain , walking down the rock stairs and onto the gravel trail below . Stay right at the junctions and continue downhill as the trail loops through the park . At a 5-way junction , go straight and continue following the trail that goes downhill as it heads down a steep grade .
At the next junction , go left and the short trail brings you to the road at Mayfair Drive . Cross the road and continue to the trail on the other side , going left and beginning to walk back up the mountain . You will pass an area with several picnic tables and another scenic view looking down towards the city . Follow the gravel trail up a steep section as it returns to the first of the three parking lots near the top . Walk along the paved sidewalks back to where you parked , enjoying the view from Mount Tolmie one last time .
Public Transportation Mount Tommie is located near the University of Victoria . A short bus ride of about 20 minutes from the downtown Victoria area takes you to the bottom of Mount Tolmie .
From the area near Douglas and Fort Street in downtown , take Bus # 14 : Vic General / UVIC that heads along Fort Street . You will need to exit the bus at Richmond at Poplar ( near Cedar Hill Cross Road ). Ask the bus driver if you are uncertain . After exiting the bus , walk north to Cedar Hill Cross Road and go right , walking along the sidewalk for about 2 blocks . At the 2nd street , called Mayfair Drive , this is the road that you can drive to the top of Mount Tolmie . Take the gravel trail on the left side of Mayfair and it will take you up the steep route to the top . reuben krabbe photo
Dog-Friendly Dogs are allowed on the trails on Mount Tolmie but must be kept under control at all times . Please ensure to pick up after your dog and remove all excrement .
Restrooms There are no toilets on Mount Tommie . victoriatrails . com
22 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2017