Experiencing the Past and Embracing the Future on the City of Victoria Trail
With its deep First Nations roots and ornate 19th-century buildings, a visit to Victoria can feel like a step into Vancouver Island’s rich past.
However, a stroll or cycle on its section of the Trans Canada Trail reveals a more modern side to British Columbia’s capital. The city’s buzzing harbourfront paths and vibrant streets show a city that looks forward as much as it celebrates its heritage.
One example of recent innovation can be found on the Trail itself. In 2025, Trans Canada Trail helped fund the implementation of BlindSquare on Victoria’s Trail section. A free app that helps blind or partially sighted users explore with greater independence, this technology is a gamechanger for trail accessibility.
To celebrate this progress, we’re sharing our favourite spots on the Trail in Victoria.
Rugged coastline and pristine parks
Skirting Victoria’s bustling James Bay neighbourhood, the Trail along the Salish Sea coastline is truly a breath of fresh air. Take in the sea breeze, race along smooth bike paths, or snap photos of the Olympic Mountains across the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Several parks can also be found along the water’s edge, including Clover Point, the home of the Trans Canada Trail’s Point Zero West monument.
Just off the Trail near Dallas Road, Beacon Hill Park offers 740,000 square metres of lush green space. With neat flowerbeds and untouched natural areas, this expanse provides habitat for several native flora and fauna species.
Visiting with the kids? Head straight to the park’s children’s farm during the summer months, enjoy the playground, or stop for snacks at the picnic shelter.
Photo credit: Meg Pender
Where history comes alive
Although it was founded in 1871, Victoria has long been the traditional territory of the Kosapsum-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Kosapsum Nation.
Discover some of this rich heritage with Songhees Tours, an Indigenous-owned company offering canoe and walking excursions close to the Trail. Immersive and authentic, these guided experiences share the oral history and living culture of the Songhees people.
For more history, visit the Royal BC Museum, which showcases seven million objects and artworks. Explore the museum’s indoor displays or admire the totem poles of Thunderbird Park.
Continue your adventure on the nearby Government Street, a historic thoroughfare that links the Fairmont Empress, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and several other heritage sites.
A hub for creativity and culture
Victoria’s vibrant arts scene also reflects the region’s ancient traditions and bright future.
See it up close on the Trans Canada Trail, where smooth paths lead you to the Unity Wall Mural at Ogden Point. Painted by First Nations artists, the bright artwork honours the history and traditions of the Salish people.
As you explore, see if you can find some of the Signs of Kosapsum, a series of bronze castings that designate culturally significant sites for local Indigenous communities.
Other cultural highlights include the Legacy Art Gallery and Madrona Gallery, both located a short distance from the Trail.
Photo credit: Jennifer Mahon
A feast for the senses
Feeling hungry after your adventures on Victoria’s section of the Trail? You’re in luck – British Columbia’s capital is one of the world’s top food destinations.
Indulge in Victorian-era elegance with a dainty yet delicious afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress or the Pendray Tea House. Be warned: the buttery pastries and miniature sandwiches can be more filling than they look!
Alternatively, sample freshly caught seafood at Finn’s, a charming restaurant and cocktail bar just at the water’s edge near Fisherman’s Wharf Park.
Developing more accessible trails for all
The implementation of BlindSquare in Victoria is just one example of our efforts to make trails more accessible across Canada. With comprehensive guidelines on developing All Persons Trails, Trans Canada Trail helps operators improve accessibility by:
• Enhancing trails by adding firm surfaces, accessible infrastructure and navigational technology
• Adding tactile elements or sensory gardens, and
• Including people with lived experience at every stage of the project, particularly when testing improvements
Find out more about our All Persons Trails guidelines, and stay tuned for new BlindSquare implementations on the Trail across Canada!
Photo credit: Meg Pender
About Trans Canada Trail
Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system, providing leadership and guidance, funding and resources, outreach and engagement.
The BlindSquare project in Victoria is generously supported by Royal Bank of Canada and Manulife, Trans Canada Trail’s National Trails for Health Partner.
Donate today to support accessibility upgrades on the Trail and much more.
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Explore hiking trails in Victoria, BC, on our interactive map!
Main photo credit: Meg Pender
