From beginner-friendly lakeside loops to rugged mountain terrain, Greater Victoria has some of the best trail running in Canada. Here’s where to start.
Ask any runner who’s visited Victoria and they’ll tell you the same thing: the trails here are something else. Mild winters, lush forests, ocean views, and a remarkably dense network of parks and green spaces make Greater Victoria one of the best places in Canada to run off-road. Whether you’re brand new to trail running or you’ve been at it for years, there’s always a new route to explore.
This guide covers some of our favourite trails across the region — from mellow first-timer loops to technical mountain routes — along with a few tips for making the most of them.
The best trail running spots in Greater Victoria
Thetis Lake Regional Park
All levels · Technical singletrack available
A Victoria classic. The 10 km lake loop is flat, well-marked, and great for easy runs. Branch trails offer narrower, more technical singletrack for those wanting more of a challenge. Multiple swimming spots in summer.
Mount Finlayson
Intermediate–Advanced · 2,142 ft elevation gain
The biggest climb near Victoria. Rugged and technical, with scrambling sections near the top. A serious workout and genuinely rewarding — expect stunning views on a clear day.
Mount Douglas/PKOLS Park
Beginner–Intermediate · Forested summit trails
Forested trails through old-growth trees with a summit road closed to vehicles before noon. Close to the city core and great for an after-work run with some elevation.
Elk & Beaver Lake Regional Park
Beginner–Intermediate · 10 km perimeter loop
Flat, kilometer-marked, and very runnable. One of the most-used running routes in Victoria for good reason — it’s accessible, consistent, and beautiful in any season.
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Advanced · Race-grade terrain
Home to the Finlayson Arm ultra race, this park offers highly technical mountain terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and river crossings. A bucket-list destination for experienced trail runners on Vancouver Island.
Cedar Hill & Rithet’s Bog
Beginner-friendly · Scenic loops
Two underrated gems. Cedar Hill winds through Garry oak groves and mossy outcrops; Rithet’s Bog is a peaceful 2.9 km nature sanctuary loop. Both are great for easy, low-key runs.
Trail running tips for Victoria’s conditions
One of the great things about running in Victoria is the year-round access to trails. Unlike most of Canada, snow is rare and brief — you can be out on dirt in January and February without much trouble. That said, the wet season (roughly October through March) means many trails get muddy. A few things to keep in mind:
Waterproof or water-resistant trail shoes make a significant difference in winter. Trails like Uplands Park can get very muddy after heavy rain, while packed-gravel routes like the Elk Lake loop hold up much better. It’s worth knowing which trails drain well and which don’t before you head out in November.
The summer months are generally dry, which makes the terrain faster and firmer — but also means some areas like Thetis Lake get very busy on weekends. Early morning starts are your friend.
New to trail running? Start with the Elk & Beaver Lake loop or the main Thetis Lake circuit. Both are well-marked, forgiving underfoot, and long enough for a solid workout without being overwhelming. From there, Mount Douglas is a natural next step before tackling something like Finlayson.
The trail running community in Victoria
Victoria has a genuinely strong running community. The Vancouver Island Trail Running Series runs events throughout the year — from a fast and fun season opener at Royal Roads University to more demanding races at Cobble Hill and beyond, with distances ranging from 10k to 26k. The Finlayson Arm races, organized by Coastline Endurance Running, are a highlight of the Vancouver Island ultra calendar and draw runners from across the region.
If you’re looking to connect with other runners, the Prairie Inn Harriers is one of Victoria’s longest-running clubs and puts on events including the Elk/Beaver Lake Ultras. Getting involved in local events — even just as a volunteer — is one of the best ways to discover new trails and meet people who love running as much as you do.
Why Victoria is special for trail runners
It comes down to variety and access. Within 30 minutes of downtown Victoria, you can find flat lakeside paths, forested singletrack, technical mountain scrambles, and ocean-view coastal trails. You don’t need a car to reach good running — many of the best spots are accessible by transit or bike. And the running goes year-round, which means you can actually build consistent training without fighting ice and snowdrifts for half the year.
If you’re visiting Victoria and looking to squeeze in a run, the Thetis Lake loop or the Dallas Road waterfront are both classics that give you a real feel for what makes this city so good for runners. If you live here — lucky you. Get out and explore.
