The best walks and hikes around North Saanich
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Hiking around North Saanich offers a diverse landscape characterized by lush forests, rolling hills, and a picturesque coastline on Vancouver Island. The region features ancient rock formations, including Horth Hill, and various parks that preserve old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak stands. Hikers can explore coastal areas with pebble beaches and arbutus trees, as well as trails leading to panoramic viewpoints over the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. This blend of natural features provides varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around North Saanich
- The most popular hiking route is John Dean Park loop from John Dean Park, a 4.9 miles (7.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 19 minutes to complete. This moderate route winds through ancient forests to the summit of Mount Newton, offering panoramic views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Scoter Trail, an easy 1.4 miles (2.2 km) path. This coastal trail follows Patricia Bay's pebble beach, providing scenic waterfront views.
- Local hikers also love the Slektain Trail and Cy's Viewpoint loop, a 3.8 miles (6.1 km) trail leading through forested paths to scenic viewpoints, often completed in about 1 hour 43 minutes.
- Hiking around North Saanich is defined by forested hills, coastal paths, and diverse parklands. The extensive network of trails offers options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate climbs.
- The routes in North Saanich are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 300 hikers have used komoot to explore North Saanich's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
5.0
(4)
47
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6.05km
01:43
140m
140m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
7
hikers
6.51km
01:48
120m
120m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4
hikers
2.23km
00:34
10m
10m
3
hikers
2.19km
00:34
10m
0m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
2
hikers
3.68km
01:00
60m
60m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
Illahe is a chinook word that translates to "country, land, earth, and soil". John Dean Built this cabin in 1918, giving it that name. 3 years later, he donated 80 of the 100 acres he owned in the area for the park. Here you pass by the cabin and some informational signs.
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Centennial Park combines community recreation with a quieter network of woodland trails in the heart of Saanichton. The paths weave between sports fields, natural areas, and sections of mature forest, while Graham Creek runs along the park’s western edge. Despite the playgrounds and playing fields nearby, parts of the loop feel surprisingly remote. The park also has picnic areas, public washrooms, tennis courts, and a seasonal splash pad, making it an easy place to spend more time before or after the walk.
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Flowing along the western edge of Centennial Park, Graham Creek forms part of the Hagan–Graham Watershed, one of the largest watersheds on the Saanich Peninsula. Although it may look like a quiet forest stream today, this section has been the focus of years of restoration work to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Native plants have been reintroduced, stream banks stabilized, and sensitive areas protected, helping species such as coastal cutthroat trout return to the creek. Keep an eye out for the interpretive signs along the trail, which explain the ongoing efforts to restore this important waterway.
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The Lagoon Trail explores deeper into the Sidney Spit Marine Park in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This area has an inner lagoon and a WWII-era bomb shelter. There are walk-in campsites as well that must be reserved with Parks Canada.
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The northmost end of Sidney Island has a white sandy beach, littered with driftwood and awesome views of the small islands to the north. Since visitors can't drive to Sidney Island, this is the area where the Sidney Spit Ferry will drop off hikers and a great place to start an adventure. The ferry is small and leaves from Sidney, with an opportunity to see orcas and other sea life along the way to Sidney Island.
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Just a short spur off Sktamen Trail, the walk to the end of this dock gives way to views of water all around, with mainland mountains off in the distance. There is a large grassy area around the dock, open with great views as well, and a gazebo.
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John Dean Park sits atop Mount Newton, overlooking the Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, and the Cascade Mountains. It protects one of the last remaining stands of old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak on the Saanich Peninsula. The park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through the forest and lead all the way to the summit of Mount Newton.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in North Saanich?
North Saanich offers a diverse network of trails, with over a dozen hiking routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to moderate climbs, catering to various skill levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in North Saanich?
Yes, North Saanich has several easy trails suitable for families. The Scoter Trail is an excellent choice, an easy 1.4-mile (2.2 km) coastal path along Patricia Bay's pebble beach, offering scenic views and seating. The Barret Montfort Trail – John Dean Park loop is another easy option, a 3.1-mile (5 km) route through forested paths.
What are the best trails for panoramic views in North Saanich?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider trails in John Dean Park, which lead to the summit of Mount Newton, offering expansive vistas of the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, and distant Cascade Mountains. Horth Hill Regional Park also provides stunning outlooks over Satellite Channel and the Gulf Islands, with Mount Rainier visible on clear days. The Slektain Trail and Cy's Viewpoint loop is a popular choice for its scenic viewpoints.
Are there any circular hiking routes in North Saanich?
Yes, many trails in North Saanich are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is the John Dean Park loop from John Dean Park, which is 4.9 miles (7.8 km) and winds through ancient forests. For an easier loop, the Slektain Trail and Cy's Viewpoint loop is 3.8 miles (6.1 km) and offers forested paths and scenic outlooks.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on North Saanich trails?
North Saanich trails showcase a rich variety of natural features. You'll encounter lush forests, including some of the last remaining old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak stands in John Dean Park. Coastal trails feature pebble beaches, distinctive arbutus trees, and opportunities for birdwatching. The region is also known for its ancient rock formations, such as Horth Hill, and diverse flora and fauna, especially during spring wildflower blooms.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in North Saanich?
The hiking experience in North Saanich is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from tranquil forested paths to stunning coastal views, and the well-maintained trails that cater to all ability levels.
Are there any nearby attractions or points of interest to visit after a hike?
Absolutely! North Saanich is close to several notable attractions. You could visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, explore the scenic Patricia Bay Park, or even take a ferry from Brentwood Bay Terminal for further exploration.
Are North Saanich trails suitable for dog walking?
Many trails in North Saanich are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most regional parks and trails, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in North Saanich?
North Saanich offers enjoyable hiking year-round due to its mild climate. Spring is particularly beautiful with wildflowers in bloom, while summer provides warm, sunny conditions for coastal walks. Fall brings vibrant foliage, and even winter offers peaceful, less crowded trails, though some paths might be damp.
Are there any trails that connect to other areas or longer routes?
Yes, the Lochside Regional Trail is a multi-use pathway that extends from Swartz Bay and connects with Victoria's Galloping Goose Trail. This allows for longer excursions, traversing urban, rural, and natural landscapes, and offering views of the Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands, and Mount Baker.
What are the options for parking when accessing North Saanich trails?
Most regional parks and trailheads in North Saanich, such as John Dean Park and Horth Hill Regional Park, offer designated parking areas. For coastal trails like the Scoter Trail, you can often find parking near access points like Patricia Bay Park. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information.
Are there any challenging hikes in North Saanich?
While North Saanich primarily offers easy to moderate trails, the elevation gains in parks like John Dean Park (Mount Newton) provide a good workout. The John Dean Park loop is rated as moderate, with an elevation gain of over 245 meters, offering a more strenuous experience compared to the flatter coastal paths.
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