Malahat SkyWalk

When I spend a few days in Victoria I generally have a day with my cousin Jim who lives there. We have generally hiked summits and shorelines when we get together but for today’s adventure Jim suggested the Malahat Skywalk. It is a fairly new attraction in the area and it affords some lovely views of the Saanich Inlet. Jim picked me up a bit before 11am and we set out for the facility. We made good time through the city and along the highway. Soon we were pulling into the SkyWalk parking area.

The parking area is a gravel lot with fairly well delineated parking spots. When we arrived, it wasn’t too full and we quickly found a place to settle the car into. Then we made our way to the ticket booth and entered the facility. The initial walkway is a long-elevated structure that extends from the ticket area to the tower. This part of the walk is as much a part of the experience as the actual tower. The walkway is at tree crown level and offers some close-up views of the tops of the various trees. The area has many large healthy Arbutus trees. They look quite impressive from the top.

Reaching the tower, one starts a slow ascent as you make your way around the tower multiple times. Each loop gaining about a story in elevation. As one loops the tower the views get progressively fuller and more encompassing. On the top one has views of Brentwood Bay, a large portion of Saanich Inlet, Jocelyn Hill, the Gulf I0slands … I quite enjoyed the view from the top and even the lower layers. It is well situated for scenery. After spending some time at the top gathering photos and reading up on some of the exhibits we started down. Two loops below the top the entrance to the slide is found.

There was a line-up for the slide but it moves along at a moderate pace. Finally, it was our turn and Jim entered the slide. Here one is provided with a blanket to sit on. It has a pouch in which to anchor one’s feet and a strap to hang on to. The slide down takes only around 10 to 12 seconds but it is a fun side attraction to the adventure and some of the kids were doing repeats. At the exit of the slide, one is on the ground underneath the tower. Here there are some concession stands and eating area. We weren’t eating here so we continued to the nature walk trail and followed it looking for the various items that were highlighted. The trail isn’t too long and does have some ups & downs mixed into turns all with a dirt trail to follow. It eventually connects back to the main ground level exit trail.

Before long we had returned to the ticket area and then our car. It had been an enjoyable adventure and place to gather some photos. Done with the scenery we returned to the Victoria area and a White Spot restaurant for lunch. It has been an enjoyable day and fun alternative to our normal hiking adventures.