Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park

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.

• Reporting human-wildlife conflict(opens in new window)
• Learn About Staying Safe Around Wildlife(opens in new window)
• WildSafe BC

To help preserve the park:

• Dogs must be kept on leash in this park at all times.
• Clean up after your dog and take all your trash with you.
• Smoking is not allowed in parks or on trails.
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
• Camping, open fires, and alcohol are not allowed.
• Stay on marked trails and do not disturb plants or animals.

Related Content

• Sooke Hills Wilderness and Mount Wells Regional Parks Management Plan 2001 [PDF/6.8MB]