The Ultimate B.C. Staycation Guide: Hiking Mount Work

Round trip: 6 kilometres
Elevation gain: 300 metres
Location: Mount Work Regional Park (northwest of Victoria)

From the park’s main entrance in the Highlands, start up the wide path. Quickly, fork right for the Summit Trail. As you ascend, the mixed forest thins out and arbutus trees with their peeling cinnamon bark increase in numbers. Look for the yellow plates to stay on the rocky and rooty trail; ignore the numerous side paths.

MORE STAYCATIONS: 21 Hidden Places to Hike, Bike, Paddle and Chill in Your Own Backyard

Reach a broad viewpoint overlooking Jocelyn Hill, Pease Lake and Saanich Inlet. Kinnikinnick and hairy manzanita line the path. A metal sign marks the view-challenged summit.

Push on for several minutes south for mossy ground, open rock and expansive views. Watch the ravens and bald eagles, and survey the anchorage of Royal Roads, the Salish Sea and Washington’s snowy Olympic Mountains. Return the way you came.

Stephen Hui is the author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, a new guide to 55 hiking trails in B.C. and Washington.

His first two books, 105 Hikes and Destination Hikes, were #1 B.C. bestsellers.

Learn more: 105hikes.com