The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Area B (Shawnigan Lake)

For rewarding views and diverse experiences, consider Mount Finlayson summit, known for its panoramic vistas of Greater Victoria and the Olympic Mountains. Bear Hill offers stunning views over Elk and Beaver Lakes, while Old Baldy Mountain is famous for its summit swing and views of Shawnigan Lake. Mount Prevost provides a more challenging ascent with views of the Sea to Sky Mountains.

While many peaks offer moderate to challenging sections, Old Baldy Mountain is considered suitable for beginners despite some technical parts, leading to stunning views of Shawnigan Lake. For a less strenuous option with great views, the Stoney Hill Trail Loop is an easy 3.7 km loop offering spectacular viewpoints of Saltspring Island and Sansum Narrows.

Mount Finlayson summit provides expansive views across Greater Victoria, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. Bear Hill offers panoramic views of Elk and Beaver Lakes, the Saanich Peninsula, and even Mount Baker on clear days. Old Baldy Mountain and Mount Prevost also boast impressive vistas of Shawnigan Lake, the Saanich Peninsula, and distant mountain ranges.

The terrain varies across the peaks. Mount Finlayson summit involves a well-marked route through forest, transitioning to scrambling over exposed rocks near the top. Old Baldy Mountain features forested paths with some technical sections and minimal scrambling. Mount Prevost, a more challenging hike, includes rock scrambling, especially towards its summit.

For families looking for a rewarding experience, the Old Baldy Mountain trail, despite some technical sections, is often enjoyed by beginners and offers a unique summit swing. The Stoney Hill Trail Loop is another excellent choice, providing spectacular views with an easy 3.7 km path, making it accessible for most family members.

Beyond peak bagging, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as the Kinsol Trestle Trail or the Koksilah River Ancient Forest Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, there are traffic-free bike rides and cycling routes, including loops along the Cowichan Valley Trail. Find more options in the Hiking around Area B (Shawnigan Lake) and Traffic-free bike rides around Area B (Shawnigan Lake) guides.

Yes, for those seeking views without the strenuous hike, it's possible to drive up most of Mount Prevost via a logging road. This allows access to its summit views of the Sea to Sky Mountains and Mount Baker without the 12 km out-and-back trek.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for hiking, with clearer skies for panoramic views and more pleasant temperatures. While winter hikes are possible, be prepared for colder weather, potential snow or ice at higher elevations, and shorter daylight hours.

While not a peak, the Stoney Hill Trail Loop is a local favorite, offering spectacular viewpoints of Saltspring Island and Sansum Narrows for a relatively easy and quick hike. For those seeking a unique landmark, Old Baldy Mountain's hidden swing at the summit is a memorable feature.

The forested trails and natural areas around Shawnigan Lake's peaks are home to various wildlife. Hikers might spot deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Always be aware of your surroundings and practice responsible wildlife viewing by maintaining a safe distance and not feeding animals.

The View of Mount Finlayson highlight offers a remarkable perspective of the mountain without needing to ascend it. Similarly, the View of Victoria provides a beautiful southeast vista over the city and the Olympic Mountains from a rocky vantage point that is a shorter climb than a full summit.