Mount Finlayson Vancouver Island
A moderately challenging hike on Vancouver Island offering panoramic summit views of the Cowichan Valley and Salish Sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Mount Finlayson Vancouver Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderately challenging hike on Vancouver Island offering panoramic summit views of the Cowichan Valley and Salish Sea.
"Nothing can capture this view but to see it in person with your own eyes!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are no water sources on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Finlayson Summit
Summit
Panoramic views of the Cowichan Valley, the Salish Sea, and distant mountains. Truly breathtaking!
Goldstream Provincial Park
Base of the trail
Explore lush forests, waterfalls, and historic mining sites before or after your hike.
Niagara Falls (Goldstream)
Goldstream Provincial Park
A beautiful cascade within the park, offering a refreshing natural spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support. 
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are no water sources on the trail.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible panoramic vistas. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are no water sources on the trail.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible panoramic vistas. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
🗺️ Check Trail Conditions
Weather can impact trail safety. A quick check before you go is wise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Finlayson for its breathtaking summit views, describing them as 'gorgeous' and 'wow-worthy.' The hike itself is considered a good moderate challenge, with the surrounding Goldstream Provincial Park offering additional natural beauty. Some find parking can be an issue during peak times.
"The moment I came over this hill the view captured my attention I had to stop immediately. Nothing can capture this view but to see it in person with your own eyes!"
Davin
"Gorgeous place to stop for a beautiful view of the sound. Just wow! Pictures do not so it justice."
PNW Nikki
"Great view of Olympic national park from across the sound!"
Noah MacKrille
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Finlayson is located within Goldstream Provincial Park, a short drive north of Victoria. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (BC-1 N) and look for signs for Goldstream Provincial Park. Parking is available at the park entrance.
While direct public transport to the trailhead is limited, you can take a BC Transit bus towards Langford or Goldstream and then potentially walk or arrange a short taxi ride to the park entrance.
Driving is the most convenient option. The trailhead is well-marked within Goldstream Provincial Park.
Use 'Goldstream Provincial Park' as your GPS destination. The park entrance is clearly marked from the highway.
The drive from downtown Victoria to Goldstream Provincial Park typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Goldstream Provincial Park generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. However, parking fees may apply during peak seasons or specific times. It's always best to check the BC Parks website for the most current information.
No, tickets are not required for hiking Mount Finlayson. It's a public park. However, parking can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.
Goldstream Provincial Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so checking the BC Parks website is advisable.
Standard park rules apply, such as staying on marked trails, not littering, and respecting wildlife. During extreme weather, the park may have temporary closures.
While the park is generally open from dawn to dusk, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and potential park restrictions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderate to challenging. It involves a steep ascent with some rocky sections and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
The round trip to the summit typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
From the summit, you'll get stunning panoramic views of the Cowichan Valley, the Strait of Georgia, and on clear days, even Mount Baker.
Restroom facilities are available at the Goldstream Provincial Park day-use area near the trailhead.
Dogs are generally permitted in Goldstream Provincial Park on a leash. Always ensure you clean up after your pet.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning colors. Sunsets from the summit are particularly spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The summit itself offers the most iconic panoramic shots. Along the trail, there are also smaller clearings with lovely forest and distant views.
Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and BC Parks policies. It's essential to check current regulations before flying a drone in the park.
The sweeping vistas from the summit, the rugged trail, and the lush surrounding forests are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, wear sturdy shoes, and consider a shorter exploration within the park if the full summit hike is too strenuous. The picnic areas in Goldstream Park are great for a family lunch.
+1🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Pack your own food and drinks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices. Consider visiting on a weekday to save on potential parking fees and enjoy a less crowded experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Finlayson Hike Experience
+2As you climb, the dense forest of Goldstream Provincial Park gradually gives way to more open terrain. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call this area home. The summit itself provides an unparalleled 360-degree panorama. On a clear day, you can see across the Strait of Georgia to the Olympic Mountains in Washington State, as well as the rolling hills of the Cowichan Valley.
+1Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy at the summit, making the experience even more memorable. The descent can be just as enjoyable, offering a different perspective of the landscape. Remember to stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your safety.
Exploring Goldstream Provincial Park
A must-see within the park is Niagara Falls, a picturesque cascade that is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall. The park also features remnants of its mining past, offering a glimpse into the region's history. Walking trails wind through the towering trees, providing a serene escape and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Goldstream Provincial Park is also a popular spot for salmon spawning in the fall, drawing significant crowds to witness this natural spectacle. Whether you're seeking a challenging hike or a peaceful nature walk, the park offers a diverse range of experiences for all visitors.
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