Mount Finlayson — Attraction in Central Saanich

Mount Finlayson and Goldstream Park get my coveted five star review. Finlayson is the tallest peak in the CRD. You can access it from the base in Goldstream Park or by parking near the Westin on Bear Mountain.

What makes the hike so good is the mix of terrain. It’s totally unique for hikes in Victoria. The first 1/2 from the base is your average hike through the rain Forrest. Gorgeous scenery, steep and flat parts. Then you get to the summit part. The mad scramble to the top. I challenge you to climb to the summit with using your hands. Parts are steep. Parts are climbing up rock faces. There are lookouts. Plateaus. It’s not rock climbing. It’s still hiking but the summit is more of a scramble than a walk. A lot of people park at the Westin and just do the summit path. Climbing bottom to top from Goldstream takes about 1.5-2 hours. The summit only...

I love this hike, it's challenging and the view is rewarding. I make it to the top in about 35 minutes. There are definitely some challenging spots where you are scalling up rocks. There is a way that you can go down where you don't have to go back down the rocks, it's a bit longer but I prefer it. It's not overly busy in the early mornings. Lots of dogs in the trail, friendly people...definitely...

Oh, we did as a beginner hiker, what an amzing experience. I sweat a lot, and you will too probably, make sure that you bring a lot of water. Near the summit, people said its moderate, yeah mainly moderate but some parts get very very advanced, rock climbing, edges, Ardernaline rush, amazing. Top view at the summit and some areas under the trees...