Mount Finlayson
Mount Finlayson

Mount Finlayson hike

Victoria
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Happy dog on beautiful Mount Finlayson hike near VictoriaSignpost for Mount Finlayson Summit hike near VictoriaShelter and unique trees around Moutn Finlayson near VictoriaCalm river along trail ip Mount Finlayson near VictoriaPath through forest up Mount Finlayson near VictoriaGreen forests on Mount Finlayson along one of the best hiking trails near VictoriaValley and Forest viewed from above on hike up Mount Finlayson near VictoriaRolling Vancouver Island hills from Mount Finlayson near VictoriaHikers climb Mount Finlayson high above Victoria British ColumbiaBeautiful trees and wildflowers on Mount Finlayson hike near VictoriaWoman admires views form Mount Finlayson while hiking near Victoria BCHiker climbs up rocks of Mount Finlayson hiking around Victoria BCGroup of hikers relax on the rocks of Mount Finlayson along one of the best hikes near near VictoriaBeautiful afternoon hiking on Mount Finlayson near VictoriaHiker looks out on Vancouver Island from Mount Finlayson near VictoriaForest below Mount Finlayson on one of the best hikes near VictoriaView from beautiful Mount Finlayson hike near Victoria BCHikers rest atop one of the best hikes near Victoria BC up Mount FinlaysonWildflowers on beautiful Mount Finlayson hike near VictoriaDog looks out from Mount Finlayson on one of the best hikes near Victoria

Mount Finlayson hike

Distance: 2.5mi
Elevation: 1,345ft
Time: 2-2.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
10 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
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Mount Finlayson is a steep, adventurous hike that will undoubtedly elevate your heart rate. Locals in Victoria, BC love this classic hike for the scramble—which can have you crawling on all four limbs—and decent views of the landscape layered in vibrant greens below.

Mount Finlayson Hike Map

Getting there

The hike begins from the main parking lot in Goldstream Provincial Park, just off of Finlayson Arm Road.

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About

When to do

All year long

Backcountry Campsites

No

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Mount Finlayson
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Mount Finlayson

Mount Finlayson is one of the best hikes to do if you’re looking for a heart-pounding cardio workout—the steep elevation forces you to get on all four limbs and climb at some points. And while the orange/yellow diamonds or orange arrows mark the route, you can easily miss them as you come down from the pinnacle.

On the flipside, it’s best to avoid hiking up Mount Finlayson if it’s rainy or wet to avoid injury when you’re climbing on exposed rock with your hands and feet.

From the parking area in Goldstream Provincial Park, you’ll go back to Finlayson Arm Road and go left, crossing the Finlayson arm bridge. This bridge allows car and pedestrian traffic. Keep walking down the road to the trailhead. You’ll find the trailhead for the Mount Finlayson hike on your right, as the road curves to the right.

Coming off the road, the hiking path is easy to find. If you have any doubts, look for orange arrows or yellow triangles!

The path up Mount Finlayson is easy to see when you are walking through the forest, but as you start to get out of the trees, the trail can be a little bit more challenging to navigate due to less visible markings.

Note that the path above the trees is more challenging and may require some scrambling and use of your hands. This is not a recommended route to attempt when it’s rainy or wet (nor is it any fun)!

The views from the top are very nice, and after a break retrace your steps for the way down. On the descent be especially careful and look out for trail markers. It is easy on the way down to lose the trail. You’ll pass two junctions on your way down. Be sure to stay to the right!

Insider Hints

  • Your dog may find the scramble difficult, so keep this in mind before you bring your pup. Older dogs or certain breeds may struggle.

  • You’ll find toilets at the parking lot.

  • There is an incredible playground just north on the road where you park your car. If you have kids, come just for the playground.

Comments

Emma Stanley 4 years ago

in all honesty, the scramble was not that hard even though it was a little challenging! this classic hike offers unforgettable expansive scenery! probably one of the best in the park!

10.0 Overall Rating
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Molly Pineda 5 years ago

Awe-inspiring hiking area and surroundings. Be careful while scrambling, It can be slippery in spots. Be sure to bring proper footwear as well as trekking poles.

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Teddy Lumber 5 years ago

Astonishing scenery! Glad the weather was perfect and we were able to do Mount Finlayson without any trouble.

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Lennon Fitz 5 years ago

The landscapes in this area awe-inspiring. I didn't have any trouble finding the path up the mountain at all.

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aeropanda 5 years ago

Beautiful views. A little scrambly hiking. Gorgeous views.Worth pushing through!

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Kalebhg 5 years ago

Gotta love this hike! The views are beautiful and the atmosphere is calming.

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Stella Winster 5 years ago

A very steep but rewarding hike. There are some slick rocks and tough spots near the top. It took us less than 2 hours to get around and complete it. So happy to see the views from the top.

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7 Comments

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