by Sheila Molloy –
As the days become clearer, there is great satisfaction in finding the most stunning views across the Saanich Peninsula.
Bear Hill Park summit boasts panoramic views of the Peninsula, Haro Strait, Mount Baker, the Gulf and San Juan Islands. The beautiful woodland trails are textured with western red cedar, Douglas fir, Garry oak and arbutus trees.
Route Details
We started at the main trailhead off Bear Hill Road, but there are other options for this park that are worth exploring. One starts at the end of Central Saanich Road and is a nice option to get to the summit faster. Another is a longer hiking and equestrian trail which starts at the Brookleigh Boat Launch in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.
To get to the main parking lot, follow the Patricia Bay Highway from Victoria. Turn left on Sayward Road, left on Hamsterley Road, then right on Brookleigh Road. Finally, right on Oldfield Road and then right on Bear Hill Road will bring you to the park entrance.
Starting from the information map, the trail begins steeply and over large, flat rocks that are part of the hill, and act as a good introduction to the variable terrain of the entire trail. You will hike over dirt and loose rocks as well as large, smooth rocks that could be slippery when wet.
There are several highlight areas along the trail. The first will have you emerge into a bright green, moss-covered grove of Garry oak trees. The next key section is more hilly, exposed rock, with less foliage and sensational open sky views through the taller trees.
The path then narrows, taking you up what looks like a stream bed to a section of arbutus and the first scenic outlook over the farms of Central Saanich, the Malahat and beyond.
Returning to the trail, you will come to the junction which meets the Central Saanich Road and the Brookleigh options. Continue to the summit.
At the top, you are greeted by an opening of moss-covered rocks and stunning views into the distance. The clearer the day, the more amazing the panorama. Plan accordingly.
Things to Note
• This short hike is good for most fitness levels; however, there are steep areas so trekking poles are helpful.
• Overall, it is considered an intermediate hike, suitable for kids, dogs and showing off to visiting friends on a clear day.
• Trail length is about 1.5 km roundtrip with 130 metres elevation gain.
• The parking lot has about 10 spaces and very few roadside options.
• There is no toilet and no water sources, so come prepared.
• Hours: sunrise to sunset.
