10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Greater Victoria, BC

Greater Victoria is a hiker's paradise, and your dog does not have to be left behind. From flat, paved waterfront paths ideal for senior dogs to rugged coastal trails that challenge even the most athletic adventurers, the Capital Regional District offers an extraordinary range of dog-friendly hiking. With over 100 km of interconnected trails, seven regional parks, and some of the mildest year-round hiking weather in Canada, there is no shortage of options for exploring the outdoors with your four-legged companion.

As the team behind the Greater Victoria Dog Guide, and as dog parents to Ziggy, our 6-year-old Rottweiler, and Lady Sahara, our 13-year-old Lab mix, we have hiked these trails in every season and at every fitness level. Ziggy charges up steep switchbacks without breaking a sweat, while Sahara prefers flat, shaded paths with frequent rest stops. This guide reflects that range: every trail below includes honest assessments of difficulty, distance, leash rules, parking, and what to expect when you arrive with a dog.

Before You Go: Essential Trail Rules for Dogs in Greater Victoria

Before diving into the trails, a few rules apply across the board:

• Dogs must be on-leash in all regional and provincial parks unless a trail or area is specifically designated off-leash. This applies to Gowlland Tod, East Sooke, John Dean, and Thetis Lake Regional Parks.
• Designated off-leash areas exist at PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) and a handful of municipal parks. Check current signage, as rules can change seasonally.
• Pack out all waste. Every municipality in Greater Victoria requires dog owners to carry waste bags and dispose of them properly. Fines range from $100 to $150.
• Bring water. Most trails do not have accessible water for dogs. Carry at least 500 ml per dog for hikes under 2 hours, and more for longer outings.
• Tick checks are essential. After any wooded hike, check your dog thoroughly. Greater Victoria's forests harbour Western black-legged ticks during peak season (March through July). Our complete tick guide covers prevention and removal.

1. Galloping Goose Regional Trail

The trail: A 55-km paved multi-use path stretching from the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria all the way to Sooke, passing through Saanich, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, and the Sooke Hills along the way. For most dog walks, you will tackle a section rather than the full length.

Why dogs love it: The Galloping Goose is the backbone of Victoria's trail network. It is flat, paved, and connects to dozens of other paths, making it easy to create a custom-length walk regardless of your dog's fitness level. Sections through Langford and Metchosin feel surprisingly rural, with forested corridors, creek crossings, and minimal road noise. The trail passes directly through or beside several off-leash parks, including Topaz Park and Victoria West Park, so you can combine a paved walk with off-leash play.

• Distance: 55 km total (walk any section; popular segments are 3 to 10 km)
• Difficulty: Easy, paved, minimal elevation
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Multiple access points; the Switch Bridge parking lot at the start in Vic West is a convenient hub
• Best for: Senior dogs, puppies, owners seeking flat terrain, early morning or evening walks

2. PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)

The trail: A 5-km forested loop winding through second-growth Douglas-fir and Garry oak woodland in Saanich, climbing 213 metres to a summit viewpoint with panoramic views of Victoria, the Olympic Mountains, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Why dogs love it: PKOLS is the closest thing to a wilderness hike within the city. The forest is dense and shaded, the trail surfaces are well-maintained, and there are designated off-leash areas on the lower loops. Ziggy particularly enjoys the summit viewpoint, where the breeze carries the scent of salt water and the views stretch for kilometres in every direction.

• Distance: 5 km for the full summit loop; shorter options available
• Difficulty: Moderate, sustained uphill to the summit
• Leash rules: Designated off-leash areas on lower trails; on-leash on upper trails and at the summit
• Parking: Main lot off Ash Road; overflow parking on Douglas Road. Arrive early on weekends.
• Best for: Active dogs who enjoy forest hiking, owners wanting a challenge close to home
• Current note: PKOLS is undergoing construction for new perimeter fencing and chicane gates to protect sensitive ecosystems. Expect trail detours or temporary closures through 2026. Check the Saanich parks page for current trail status.

3. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

The trail: A rugged network of trails spanning 276 hectares of rocky outcrops, second-growth forest, and Garry oak meadows on the Saanich Peninsula, between the Todd Inlet and the Highlands.

Why dogs love it: Gowlland Tod feels genuinely wild. The trails wind through moss-covered granite bluffs, past seasonal waterfalls, and along ridgelines with views of the Saanich Inlet. It is one of the quieter parks in the region, which makes it ideal for dogs who prefer solitude over social hiking. The rocky terrain provides natural variety underfoot, and the forest canopy keeps temperatures cool even on warm summer days.

• Distance: 7 to 12 km depending on route; multiple loop options
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, rocky terrain with elevation changes
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout (provincial park regulation)
• Parking: Main lot off Munn Road; limited spaces. Weekday visits recommended.
• Best for: Adventurous dogs, experienced hikers, those seeking quieter trails

4. Thetis Lake Regional Park

The trail: A 6-km loop circling both Upper and Lower Thetis Lake through second-growth forest, rocky bluffs, and lakeside paths in View Royal and the Highlands.

Why dogs love it: Thetis Lake is one of Victoria's most popular hiking destinations, and for good reason. The forest is lush and fragrant, the lake views are spectacular, and there are several rocky outcrops that make excellent rest stops. Dogs are not permitted to swim in the main beach area during summer (June 1 to September 15), but the forested trails are open year-round. The loop has several steep sections that reward you with elevated views over the water.

• Distance: 6 km for the full loop; shorter loops available
• Difficulty: Moderate, some steep rocky sections
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout; restricted beach access June 1 to September 15
• Parking: Main lot on Tillicum Road; fills early on summer weekends
• Best for: Active dogs, forest-and-lake lovers, photographers

5. East Sooke Regional Park

The trail: Over 35 km of trails spanning rugged coastal terrain, forest, and shoreline along the Juan de Fuca Strait. The most popular route is the 10-km Coast Trail from Aylard Farm to Beechey Head.

Why dogs love it: East Sooke is the most dramatic coastal hiking near Victoria. The Coast Trail clings to rocky bluffs above the ocean, passes through wildflower meadows, and descends to pebble beaches where you can rest and watch for whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. This is a genuine wilderness hike with uneven terrain, exposed sections, and significant elevation changes, and it rewards fit, adventurous dogs with an unforgettable experience.

• Distance: 10 km for the Coast Trail one-way; 35+ km total trail network
• Difficulty: Challenging, rocky and uneven terrain, significant elevation
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Aylard Farm parking lot at the southern end; limited spaces, no fill-up in peak season
• Best for: Athletic dogs, experienced hikers, coastal scenery lovers

6. John Dean Provincial Park

The trail: A network of easy to moderate trails through old-growth Douglas-fir forest on the Saanich Peninsula, with two summit viewpoints offering 360-degree views of the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, and mainland mountains.

Why dogs love it: John Dean is a hidden gem. It receives far less foot traffic than PKOLS or Thetis Lake, which makes it ideal for dogs who are nervous around other hikers or who prefer quiet trails. The forest is mature and towering, the air is noticeably cooler under the canopy, and the summit viewpoints are genuinely spectacular. The lower trails are gentle enough for senior dogs, while the upper loops provide a moderate workout.

• Distance: 5 to 8 km depending on route
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Main lot off Mount Newton Cross Road; small lot with limited spaces
• Best for: Senior dogs, nervous dogs, quiet forest hiking, summit views

7. Mount Wells Regional Park

The trail: A steep 4-km return hike to the summit of Mount Wells (331 m), one of the highest points in the Victoria region, through rocky, dry forest and over exposed granite outcrops.

Why dogs love it: Mount Wells is Victoria's most challenging urban-adjacent hike. The trail climbs steadily through dry Ponderosa pine and Garry oak forest before emerging onto bare granite with sweeping views of the Sooke Hills, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Olympic Mountains. The rocky terrain is tough on paws, so bring a dog with confident footing. This is a summit hike, not a casual walk, and the payoff is extraordinary.

• Distance: 4 km return; steep
• Difficulty: Challenging, steep and rocky
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Small lot off Millstream Road in Langford; very limited spaces
• Best for: Athletic dogs, summit chasers, experienced hikers

8. Lochside Regional Trail

The trail: A 30-km paved and gravel multi-use path running from the Lochside water treatment plant in Sidney south through the Saanich Peninsula, connecting to the Galloping Goose and the E&N Rail Trail in Victoria.

Why dogs love it: Lochside is a gentler alternative to the Galloping Goose with a more pastoral, rural character. The trail passes through farmland, beside lakes, and along the shoreline with occasional views of the Gulf Islands. Sections near Sidney and the Royal Oak neighbourhood are particularly scenic and quiet. Like the Galloping Goose, it is flat and paved, making it accessible for dogs of all ages and abilities.

i>Distance: 30 km total; walk any section
• Difficulty: Easy, paved and gravel, flat terrain
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Multiple access points; the Lochside Trail trailhead off Lochside Drive in Sidney is popular
• Best for: Senior dogs, puppies, flat-terrain walks, scenic rural paths

9. Cuthbert Holmes Park

The trail: A 3-km loop of flat, shaded trails through second-growth forest along the Colquitz River in Saanich, connecting to the Interurban Trail and the Gorge Waterway.

Why dogs love it: Cuthbert Holmes is the most accessible nature walk in Saanich. The trails are flat, the forest is lush and cool, and the river attracts a surprising amount of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, and the occasional river otter. It is an excellent warm-up or cool-down walk on days when a full hike is not in the cards. The trail connects to a broader network, so you can extend the walk if your dog has energy to spare.

• Distance: 3 km loop; extendable via connected trails
• Difficulty: Easy, flat, well-maintained
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Small lot off Tillicum Road; street parking available
• Best for: Senior dogs, recovery days, quick nature walks, wildlife watching

10. Whiffin Spit Regional Park

The trail: A 1.6-km return gravel walk along a narrow spit of land extending into the Sooke Harbour, connecting Sooke to the open Pacific Ocean at its tip.

Why dogs love it: Whiffin Spit is the simplest, most satisfying dog walk near Sooke. The flat gravel path juts out into the harbour with water on both sides, offering views of the Olympic Mountains, Sooke Basin, and passing marine traffic. Dogs love the open, breezy environment and the opportunity to wade in shallow water at low tide. It is a perfect morning or evening walk, and there is a small dog-friendly beach at the base of the spit where Ziggy and Sahara have spent many happy minutes watching boats drift by.

• Distance: 1.6 km return
• Difficulty: Easy, flat, gravel
• Leash rules: On-leash throughout
• Parking: Free lot at the trailhead on Eustace Road in Sooke; usually has space
• Best for: All dogs, quick walks, waterfront scenery, Sooke visitors

Trail Packing Checklist for Dog Hikes

No matter which trail you choose, here is the kit we carry for Ziggy and Sahara on every hike:

• Collapsible water bowl and at least 500 ml of water per dog (more for hikes over 2 hours or in warm weather)
• Waste bags. Carry enough for the full hike and then some.
• Tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Essential during peak season.
• High-value treats for recall reinforcement and rewarding calm behaviour on the trail
• A well-fitted harness. A harness gives you far better control on steep terrain than a collar alone.
• A basic first-aid kit including styptic powder for torn nails, antiseptic wipes, and a vet emergency number
• Booties or paw wax for rocky trails like Mount Wells or East Sooke, where granite can be abrasive on paw pads

Which Trail Is Right for Your Dog?

Not every trail suits every dog. Here is a quick decision guide based on your dog's age, fitness, and temperament:

• Senior dogs or puppies: Galloping Goose, Lochside, Cuthbert Holmes, Whiffin Spit. All flat, paved or gravel, minimal elevation.
• Medium-energy adult dogs: PKOLS, Thetis Lake, John Dean. Moderate effort with rewarding views and varied terrain.
• High-energy athletic dogs: Gowlland Tod, East Sooke Coast Trail, Mount Wells. Steep, rocky, and genuinely challenging.
• Dogs who prefer quiet trails: John Dean, Gowlland Tod, Lochside (rural sections), Whiffin Spit.
• Dogs who love water: Galloping Goose (sections near water), Whiffin Spit (wading at low tide), Cuthbert Holmes (riverbank).

The Bottom Line

Greater Victoria's trail network is one of the most dog-friendly in Canada. From a gentle 1.6-km waterfront stroll at Whiffin Spit to a challenging 10-km coastal hike at East Sooke, there is a trail that matches your dog's abilities and your own ambition. The key is knowing the leash rules, packing the right gear, and choosing a trail that suits your dog's fitness level.

Ziggy and Sahara have hiked most of these trails multiple times, and each one offers something different. The Galloping Goose is our reliable everyday choice. PKOLS is our weekend summit ritual. Whiffin Spit is our lazy evening favourite. And East Sooke is the one we save for days when we want to feel truly connected to this incredible coastline.

Whatever trail you choose, bring water, bring waste bags, and bring your sense of adventure. Victoria's trails are waiting for you and your dog.

For more local dog guides, check out our articles on tick and parasite season safety, hot pavement and summer trail tips, and our complete guide to dog-friendly living in Greater Victoria.

Happy trails, Victoria. Ziggy and Lady Sahara send their paws of approval.