Hike to Jocelyn Hill

Victoria, British Columbia

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

5.75 miles

Elevation Gain

1499 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Becky Simrose

Jocelyn Hill is a scenic hiking destination located close to Victoria and easily accessed with year round hiking. The trail offers up ocean views along the beautiful Finlayson Arm fjord and masses of wildflowers Spring and early Summer and mossy forests.

Gowlland Tod is a beautiful park, running along the Finlayson Arm fjord. Jocelyn hill is in the middle of the park, and can be accessed from the Caleb Pike access at the South end (along the Ridge trail) or from the McKenzie Bight access at the North end (along the Timberman trail). With planning and two vehicles you can hike from the Caleb Pike access point, over Jocelyn hill and finish at the McKenzie Bight Access.

If starting at the McKenzie Bight Access point, a side trip to McKenzie Bight takes you to the ocean shore with mossy rocks overlooking the water.

Both the Timberman and Ridge trails wander through mossy forests, and open out to breathtaking view points along the fjord. Wildflowers carpet huge area in the Spring. Birds are everywhere. The hike is wild and beautiful in any weather. The terrain is moderate and gentle, but cumulative elevation gain is about 600 meters to Jocelyn hill from either direction.

Jocelyn Hill is also accessible from Caleb Pike, which is approximately 8.2 km round trip. 

Victoria is only 20 km from either trailhead. Pizzeria Prima Strada with traditional wood fired pizzas makes a great ending to the day...and they serve local Hoyne beer.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

Hike to Jocelyn Hill Reviews

For an easy day trip in the Victoria region, Jocelyn Hill is hard to beat. Once you're through the forest and onto the ridge, the views of Finlayson Arm on a clear day are incredible. The only reason I knock it down to a 4-star is due to the highly unaesthetic power line you have to cross under en route. To avoid this, do this hike from the other end, i.e. by parking at the access to Mt. Work / Mackenzie Bight off Ross-Durrance Road.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hiking Mt. Finlayson

Hike around Thetis Lake

Hiking the Goldmine Trail

Paddle Victoria Harbour's Waterways

Galloping Goose Trail

Freedive or Snorkel Ogden Point