Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park

Regional Park
Juan de Fuca, Langford

Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park surrounds and protects the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area. The park features Mount Braden, which is 471 meters tall and one of the highest peaks in the Capital Regional District parks. 

Please note: The Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail is challenging and is not an all ages and abilities route. Dogs must be kept on a leash in Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park. Public access to the Drinking Water Protection Zone and The Greater Victoria Water Supply Area is not permitted. Please respect the no public access areas within the park to help safeguard this vital resource. 

Size: 4090 hectares
Location: Langford and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Established: 2017
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park - North Section Map [PDF/2.4MB]
Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park - South Section Map [PDF/2MB]

The Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail is part of both the Trans Canada Trail and the Vancouver Island Spine Trail. It is great for hiking and cycling and some parts allow for horseback riding. It consists of two separate areas on either side of the Goldstream catchment. The northern section opened in 2017, and the southern section opened in late 2020.

The 13-kilometer unpaved trail offers a unique experience in nature, traveling through remote areas and wildlife habitats. It runs from Humpback Reservoir in Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park to the boundary with Cowichan Valley Regional District. The trail lets you connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful landscapes, including open spaces and shady woodlands.

About 2.5 kilometers from the Humpback trailhead, there’s a viewing platform where you can see Waugh Creek Falls, which is especially impressive in winter and spring. From there, it’s another 0.5 kilometers to a suspension bridge over the Goldstream River.

Watch a time-lapse video of the suspension bridge construction

In the northern section, you’ll enjoy amazing views of mountains and Finlayson Arm, as well as Greater Victoria in the distance. The views make the climb worthwhile!

Horseback riding is allowed on the northern part of the trail, from the Cowichan Valley Regional District boundary for 4 kilometers south.

The trail has steep sections (up to 16%), narrow parts, and rocky, gravel surfaces. Make sure to hike and ride within your limits and choose sections that match your skill level. It’s a shared trail, so please be mindful of others and travel safely.

South Section

If you hike to the top of Mount Braden or climb Sugarloaf, you’ll see green hills in all directions. The park’s connectivity benefits wildlife and allows hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders to access other protected areas. From here, you can reach Sea to Sea Regional Park, Sooke Mountain Provincial Park, and Mount Wells Regional Park. With multiple summits and long trails, this location offers many opportunities for adventure.

Help Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts

We share these natural areas with large carnivores such as bears, cougars, and wolves. Below are some ways to help reduce human-wildlife conflict.

  • Stay alert. Wildlife may be in the area. Watch for signs such as tracks, claw marks on trees and scat.
  • Make noise to avoid surprise encounters, especially around blind corners and areas with dense vegetation.
  • Do not approach or feed wildlife. Keep a minimum viewing distance of 100 m from bears, cougars, and wolves and 30 m from other animals.
  • Dogs must be kept on leash at all times to reduce the risk of encounters with large carnivores.
  • Do not leave children or pets unattended.

You can report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1.800.663.9453.

To help preserve the park:

Related Content

Activities

Difficulty Rating: Challenging
Cycling
Hiking
Horseback Riding

Amenities

Bike rack
Information kiosk
Parking lot
Rest area
Toilet

How to Get There

By vehicle from Victoria to North Section

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and turn left on West Shore Parkway. At the roundabout, continue straight to stay on Westshore Pkwy. Turn right onto Meridian Ave. Turn left onto Irwin Rd, stay left at Humpback Rd. Destination is on the right.

By vehicle from Victoria to South Section

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and turn left on West Shore Parkway. At the roundabout, continue straight to stay on Westshore Pkwy. Turn right onto Juan De Fuca Hwy/Sooke Rd/BC-14 W. Destination is on the right.

By vehicle from Shawnigan Lake to north trail head

There is no CRD Parking lot at the north trail head. A Cowichan Valley Regional District Parking lot for the Cowichan Valley Trail is located on Sooke Lake Road in Shawnigan Lake. Follow the trail south for 9kms where it joins to the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail north trail head.

By bike or foot from Victoria to south trail head

Follow the Galloping Goose Regional Trail that begins at Harbour Road in Victoria for approximately 15 km. Follow the “Trans Canada Trail” signage in the City of Langford to Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park on Humpback Road. Two Parking lots provide access to Sooke Hills Wilderness and Mount Wells Regional Parks.

By bike or foot from Shawnigan Lake to north trail head

Follow the Cowichan Valley Trail – Malahat Connector south from the Sooke Lake Road entrance for approximately 9km, where it joins Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail north trail head.

Was this page helpful?

Feedback details

You will NOT receive a reply because this form is anonymous. To get an answer to a question, email us at webdesk@crd.bc.ca

Abstract teal and navy blue dragonfly illustrations.

Territorial Acknowledgement

The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation