Hiking/Biking Trail In
Victoria B C, Canada
Our Victoria B&B is near many conservation parks, walking trails and marina shelters. Here are some of the routes close to the Amethyst Inn:
Oak Bay Scenic Route:
http://www.oakbaytourism.com/
This trail starts from our Victoria B&B accommodation. You will reach the beach walking down St. Charles, which faces the picturesque of Georgia Strait and see the breathtaking views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains in Washington. Following the trail, you will pass a cliff that faces one of beautiful spots of the scenic route. If you keep going the trail, you will encounter the stunning Oak Bay golf course and marine. There are historic mansions surrounding this area. Pass the Oak Bay marine, is the Oak Bay Town Center. You will feel like time traveling as you stroll through these streets to an era long ago. Taking a couple of minutes to grab a piping cup of coffee at the sidewalk coffee shop and enjoy the window shopping offered around town. The total distance of the trail is 10 kilometers and it takes 2 hours to walk.
Douglas Ocean Front Beacon Hill Park:
http://www.beaconhillpark.ca/
The Beacon Hill Park is situated towards south of downtown Victoria BC. Exact location of the park is between Juan de Fuca strait and downtown core. You can enter this park through Dallas Road, Douglas Street or Cook Street. The park is situated with in the close vicinity of hotels and other places of attractions in Victoria Inner Harbor.
The Beacon Hill Park has the reputation of being the grand showpiece of City of Victoria. Prior to invasion of the settlers the site was traditional territory of Salish people. Number of events took place in the meantime and the Salish People who were the original inhabitants of this area were displaced. However, their history still exists in the form of petroglyphs, seashells middens and beaches on Juan de Fuca Strait.
Originally James Douglas, the then governor of Vancouver Island started developing a garden in 1858. However, the park received recognition as a prominent park only in 1882 when it was established on 200 acres of land officially. The park was named after two masts that were placed strategically on the hill which acted as a beacon and provided navigational aid to mariners traveling towards the Inner harbors of Victoria.
This is one of the most popular parks in Victoria. The park is beautifully landscaped and manicured with bridges, lakes and ponds, and an alpine and rock garden. It is home to numerous species of ducks, birds and wildlife also a Gem of Victoria city. During the holidays, weekends and even afternoon of weekdays, Victorians like to stroll in the park and many fundraising events are held there. To reach the Beacon Hill Park just right turn from St. Charles, walk down the beach Drive follow and follow the Douglas Drive southbound to the Inner Harbour. It is a best way to walk to downtown Victoria and its attractions. Through this way, you will see numerous beautiful ocean views, you are close to the beach and you will pass some of Victoria’s best water front properties. Walking pass the Beacon Hill Park is the Wax Museum, Sea Garden, Fishman Warf, Parliament building, IMAX, BC Museum, Inner Harbour, China Town and the main shopping center.
The total distance is about 12 kilometers and it is approx. a 2 ½ hour route.
Fort Street Antique Row:
This is the shortest way to walk into downtown Victoria. This route has two great advantages – you can window shop through the many antique shops and while still having access to the Inner Harbour, Parliament Building, BC Museum, IMAX, Wax Museum, China town and all the other attractions. The total distance from our Victorian B&B Inn is 2 1/2 kilometers and you can get back to the inn by bus or cab.
If you enjoy the outdoors and nature, Victoria is the right place to go! There are numerous trails in Victoria within ½ hour by drive.
Galloping Goose Trail:
The Galloping Goose Trail begins in View Royal and passes through Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke, ending in the Sooke Hills. The grand total is 55 kilometers in length. Deer and raccoon, heron, hawk, squirrel are the main animals. The trail moves through urban, rural and wilderness scenery from Victoria to Sooke. You can cycle, stroll, run, or even ride a horse through the rural sections. This park trail starts from the beautiful Esquimalt Selkirk trestle about 5 minutes away from our Victorian B&B accommodation.
Elk/Beaver Lake
Located off Highway 17, it is very close to Saanich, which is a very good spot for people who likes strolling, hiking, biking, canoeing and even horse riding. There are walking trails and bridle trails through Elk/Beaver Lake. The total distance is 10 kilometers. The Beach and playground are available for the public. The distance from our B&B accommodation is 30 minutes by drive. For more details visit: http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/elk_beaver_lake.htm
Gold Steam Park:
Just 17 kilometers from downtown Victoria, Gold stream Provincial Park lies amid the splendour of an old-growth temperate rain forest. There you can see a world class salmon-spawning stream with thousands of Chum Salmon returning between October and December. And it doesn't stop there! During this amazing time of year you can visit the park and it's always-changing. The Visitor Centre offers more details. As well, visit the website at: http://www.goldstreampark.com/
Mount Douglas Park
This park is located on Cordova Bay Road in golden head, Victoria. It is close to the Victoria descent residential area- upland. You will see the some of the most breathtaking views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains in Washington State. It is just the mid way from the Amethyst Inn to The Butchart Gardens. For more details visit: http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Mount_Douglas_Park_Victoria_BC.htm
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGC105-036
Thetis Lake Regional Park
http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Thetis_Lake_Victoria_BC.htm
East Sooke Regional Park
http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/east_sooke.htm
|
