Bear Hill Regional Park is one of my favourite places to go for an afternoon hike. The extensive trail system provides a moderate workout and the view at the top is amazing! Depending upon the time of year, you can see gorgeous wildflowers like fawn lilies, camas, sea blush and chocolate lilies, native fruits such as Oregon grape, salal, salmon or thimbleberries or spectacular autumn colours from the summit of the hill.
The Bear Hill trails link into the Elk/Beaver lake trail system, and are popular with hikers, joggers and horseback riders. Your hike to the top begins in lush forest of Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir and opens up near the summit to include Arbutus and wonderfully gnarly Garry Oak. From the top you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Saanich Peninsula, Mt Baker and the nearby Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands in Haro Strait.
How to Get to Bear Hill Regional Park
Take the Pat Bay Highway east from Victoria (towards the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal). Turn left on Sayward Road, left again on Hamsterley Road, then right on Brookleigh Road. Turn right on Oldfield Road, then right onto Bear Hill Road, which leads to the park entrance. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Victoria to Bear Hill Regional Park. The park is open sunrise to sunset. Visiting one of our beautiful regional parks is one of the best things to do in Victoria BC!
