Who doesn’t love a good hike with an even better view? This secret swing hike in Victoria, BC is one of my favorite hikes on the island because it’s not too far out of the city, requires minimal time and effort and has the most gorgeous views!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase something after clicking one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and Airbnb Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and bookings.
Holmes Peak Swing Hike in Victoria, BC
How to get to the Holmes Peak Swing Hike in Victoria
The Holmes Peak trailhead is only about a 30 minute drive from downtown Victoria, and only 10 minutes from Costco. From Victoria, drive north towards Langford and take exit 14. Stay to the right, following the signs for Langford/Highlands. Continue down Millstream Road for about 7km and then turn left onto Caleb Pike Road. You will then reach the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park parking lot after about 700m.
Unfortunately this trail is not accessible by public transit.
Parking:
There is a large parking lot at the trailhead of Holmes Peak with ample parking space.
The Holmes Peak Swing Hike in Victoria
Difficulty Rating: Easy-Moderate
Length: 2.7km out and back, or 4km loop
Duration: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Stroller-Friendly: No
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Immediately from the parking lot, you will see a sign board with a map of the trails, then a sign post for the different trails. You will want to take the trail going down to the right, which is the Holmes Peak Trail.
The first half of this hike is easy, on a fairly flat, well-maintained trail. You are surrounded by forest which makes for a shady, cooler hike in the summer months.
Halfway in, the trail becomes steeper, but there are no scrambling sections. Once you see the power lines and towers, you are at the halfway point.
The trail is well marked the entire way, with yellow arrows pointing you in the correct direction.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Finlayson Arm and the water down below. Across the water, you will see the Malahat.
How to Find the Secret Swing on Holmes Peak
From the peak, continue another minute down the trail and you will find the “secret” swing to your left, overlooking the water.
What a gorgeous spot to swing and take in the magnificent views! I’m not sure which view I love more: this one or the one from the other hidden swing hike!
Hiking Back Down
After enjoying the swing, you can either head back down the way you came, or continue down the trail and connect to the Holmes Peak Bypass Trail to do a bit of a longer loop back down. Or, if you want an even longer hike, you can continue on 3 more kilometers and head all the way to Jocelyn Hill!
Some of the steeper parts have dry, loose dirt which can make it a bit slippery. However, with good hiking shoes (I love my Nike Terra Kigers!), you shouldn’t have a problem!
Click here to read our full Privacy Policy and Affiliate Disclosure Statement.
Like this Swing Hike in Victoria? You might also like:
Old Baldy Mountain Hidden Swing Hike
How to Hike to the Dakota 576 Plane Crash Site
Things to Do on Vancouver Island According to a Local
Review: Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar Victoria, BC
Pin this Swing Hike in Victoria!
[…] Beautiful Swing Hike in Victoria, BC […]
The swing was put up by our family in memory of our son who passed away November 9, 2019. Derick P. Bosma October 15, 1987 he was 32.
Hi Penny,
Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful way to remember your son. I am incredibly sorry for your loss.
[…] Beautiful Swing Hike in Victoria BC […]