PKOLS, also known as Mount Douglas Park, is one of the easiest ways to trade city streets for forest trails and wide-open summit views in Greater Victoria. Set in Saanich, just a short drive from downtown, this 188-hectare urban forest protects more than 21 kilometres of signed trails that range from gentle coastal paths to short, steeper climbs to the summit.
PKOLS is an important place for the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekwungen peoples and is managed today as a natural area. As you explore, you travel from beach and creek habitats up through mixed forest to rocky Garry oak outcrops near the 225 metre summit. Trails are clearly marked with difficulty ratings, and visitors are asked to stay on designated routes, respect seasonal dog restrictions, and help protect the park’s fragile ecosystems.
What to expect at PKOLS / Mount Douglas Park
- Best for: Short hikes with big views, forest walks, family outings, and quick nature breaks close to Victoria.
- Trails: Over 21 km of signed routes, including easy lower loops, moderate forest trails, and steeper paths that climb to the summit lookout.
- Views: A 360 degree panorama from the summit over Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, nearby islands, and on clear days Mount Baker across the water.
- Beach and picnic areas: Access to Cordova Bay beach, a playground, and a large picnic area near the main parking lot with open field space for games.
- Access and parking: Multiple free parking lots around the park. Churchill Drive to the summit is closed to vehicles until noon most days, so walkers and cyclists can enjoy a quiet road up, then it opens for vehicle access in the afternoon and evening when conditions allow.
- Dog and trail etiquette: Dogs must stay on designated trails, with seasonal restrictions near the beach and playground from spring to late summer. Cycling is limited to paved roads to help protect sensitive forest and shoreline habitats.
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Hiking Mount Douglus Park, 4- Hiking Zones: Easy to Moderate
Mount Douglas Park is layered into four zones, each offering a unique experience with diverse ecosystems and trail difficulty. As you gain elevation, the plant life can change drastically, as does the trail difficulty. Here’s a breakdown of the zones and what to expect on the climb to the summit of Mount Douglas.
Layer 1 – Coastal Zone
Trails – Short, easy trail from the main parking lot to the beach with a staircase right before reaching the sand.
The Coastal Zone is the smallest of the four layers. The trail to the beach can be found across from the main washrooms. Follow the signs, and you’ll come across a set of stairs that will lead you down to the beach.
Your experience at the beach will depend on the tide. When we last visited the area, it was during high tide, and the beach was tiny, with little to explore other than a section of sand with driftwood.
During low tide, you can walk along the shoreline, which features eroding cliffs and large pebble beaches.
Layer 2 – Lower Forest
Trails – The trails through the lower forest are wider, easy to navigate and well-marked. They skirt along the edge of the east and south sections of the park.
The Lower Forest has a dense, lush canopy consisting of Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple, and western red cedar trees. Douglas Creek meanders through this peaceful rainforest as it leads to the ocean.
Along the easier lower trails, you may encounter occasional obstacles such as roots or rocks. They are generally not suitable for strollers or buggies.
Layer 3 – Upper Forest
Trails – As you reach higher elevations, the trail can follow natural contours around trees and other obstacles. It is often narrower and can have prolonged elevation gains.
The Upper Forest provides a transition from the lower forest and the rock outcrops of the mountain summit.
At this level, you will see more arbutus trees, a Douglas fir forest, and a mix of a few big-leaf maple and Garry oak trees. The shrubs and understorey growth of Oregon grape, ocean spray, snowberry, and roses support an extensive bird population.
Layer 4 – Garry oak & rock outcrops
Trails – As you get closer to the top, you will find more challenging trails with steep, narrow paths, traversing loose rock surfaces with exposed drops. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
The rock outcrops at the higher elevation become exposed, offering magnificent views and less vegetation. However, intermingled throughout these dry, exposed rocky bluffs are Garry oaks, meadow grasses, and spring wildflowers.
The Summit at Mount Douglas Park
At its highest point, Mount Douglas is 225m (738ft). There are two ways to reach the top.
Hiking Trails
There are a few ways to get to the top at Douglas Park, all of which start off easy and get more difficult as you gain elevation through the zones. Although it is not a difficult hike for most people who have adequate gear and are in good shape, the trails towards the top are not easy, as they get steep, and the footing is loose, so you may have to do some basic scrambling.
Your hike may look different depending on which route you take, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect when reaching the top from the main parking lot.
Other than the road up, there are no easy trails that reach the top of Mount Douglas Park.
GPS Trail Map: AllTrails
Length: 5.5 km
Time: 2hrs
Elev. Gain: 229m
Drive or Bike to the top – Churchill Drive
The road opens to cars at 12:00 p.m. and closes just after dusk, allowing pedestrians and bikes to safely use it during the morning hours.
The narrow paved road starts at Cedar Hill Road and takes you to a concrete patio lookout with benches and bike racks. The parking lot is small, but there are reserved handicap spots, making the view accessible to everyone.
The lookout faces southwest, making it a wonderful place to watch sunsets. However, to experience the full 360-degree, you can hike up a short trail to the octagon lookout.
What is the Concrete octagon at the top of Mount Douglas?
Reaching the summit of Mount Douglas offers a unique opportunity not found in many places in Southern Vancouver Island. Few places offer unobstructed views where you get amazing 360-degree views of the Salish Sea and the Saanich Peninsula.
At the summit, there is a strange-looking concrete octagon. Why is this here? Well, the reason for the lookouts unique shape goes back to WWII.
1939, the military built a radio direction-finding tower in that exact location. This wooden structure housed a VHF antenna and receiver and was constructed with eight walls using an octagonal concrete foundation.
1950, the tower was removed and replaced with a wooden observation deck.
In 1960, the current concrete structure was added using the eight-sided foundation. Although the 60s Brutalist design looks out of place and maybe outdated, it’s still as solid as ever sitting up at the top of the hill, offering some protection from the wind and a fantastic 360-degree view.
Douglas Park Amenities
Beyond its trails, Mount Douglas Park offers numerous other recreational opportunities. The park’s beaches are perfect for a quiet afternoon surrounded by trees, while its open fields provide ideal spots for picnicking, bird watching and group activities. The facilities include picnic areas, playgrounds and restrooms, making it a comfortable visit for all.
- Picnic Tables
- Heated Restrooms
- Playground
- Sport Fields
Things to Know before you visit
There are some park rules you should be aware of before visiting.
Dogs are not permitted in the Picnic Area, Playground and Beach or adjacent to the washroom buildings from May 1 to Aug 31. Dogs must be on a leash when within 10m of any Saanich Playground
Dog owners are required to pick up after their dog and ensure the dog remains on the trail.
Cycle only on paved roads; no cycling is allowed on park gravel or bare earth trails.
No smoking, as per the CRD Clean Air Bylaw, is permitted in any park or public space.
Many fragile ecosystems exist within the park – from the rock outcrops at the summit to down between the tide lines on the beach. Please treat PKOLS with respect and preserve these sensitive habitats.
History – The name PKOLS
Pre 1800s – For thousands of years, local First Nations People have lived in the area
1843 – Fort Victoria, the wood for its cedar pickets came from this hill and at the time was known as “Hill of Cedars”.
1858 – Governor James Douglas established this park as a Government Reserve.
1889 – the City of Victoria took over the land from the Province, and it became Mount Douglas Park.
1992 – Saanich began looking after managing the park.
2022 – the park’s name was officially restored to PKOLS. PKOLS is the name of Mount Douglas in SENĆOŦEN and is an important place for the W̱SÁNEĆ people.
Restoration and Volunteering
Volunteers with the Saanich Pulling Together Volunteer Program and the 1991 Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society have been working collaboratively to restore natural areas by removing 50 hectares of invasive species and planting thousands of native trees and shrubs.
Getting to Mount Douglas Park
Direction – Goolge Maps
Mount Douglas Park is located on South Vancouver Island in British Columbia and is easily accessible from Victoria and other parts of Saanich. For those driving, ample parking is available, making it convenient to visit for a few hours or a full day.
Parking
- Gate hours & Updates
- Main Parking Lot – Large paved parking lot with many amenities and access to the Beach
- Churchill Drive Parking Lot – Good place to park if you want to bike or walk up Churchill Drive to reach the summit
- Blenkinsop Road Parking Lot – Small parking lot with access to Little Mount Douglas
Bus
PKOLS / Mount Douglas Park is served by BC Transit routes that stop along Shelbourne Street, Cedar Hill Road, and Cordova Bay Road. From nearby bus stops, expect a 10 to 20 minute walk into the park, depending on your starting point. For the most up-to-date routes and schedules, use the BC Transit trip planner before you go.
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