Here are my favourite waterfalls near Victoria and heading out west towards Sooke and Port Renfrew.
This post features mostly other people’s fabulous photos, as I’m compiling a list of inspirational spots for outdoor photography on the island.
1. Sitting Lady Falls, Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
Driving from Victoria: 50 minutes (or take the bus!)
Hiking (one way): Easy 20 minutes (detailed walking directions)
A wooden viewing platform offers a place to take photos.
2. Maryvine Falls, Sooke Potholes
Driving from Victoria: 50 minutes
Hiking (one way): 20 minutes (tricky to navigate, directions below)
This one is a bit of a hidden treasure. It’s not the same classic waterfall as some of the others on this list. But I like how you can get up close — and a bit wet — right from the trail.
To get there, park in the very last parking lot for the Sooke Potholes day use area. Look for a hiking trail at the end of the parking lot. It is clearly a hiking trail (uneven dirt, rocks, branches) and not the nearby Gallooping Goose (very flat and gravel). Follow it uphill for no more than 10-15 minutes.
If you hit the old concrete flowline, you’ve gone too far. (Or perhaps you’re just starting a different adventure…)
As you move further away from the waterfall, you are entering a wilderness area. There are no developed trails and it is very easy to get lost. There is limited cell phone reception making it difficult call 911 if you get lost.
If you aren’t sure if you are have the right equipment and skills to do this safely, consider starting with a local hiking group instead.
3. Sandcut Beach, Jordan River Regional Park
Driving from Victoria: 90 minutes
Hiking (one way): 15 minutes
Is this the most photographed waterfall near Victoria? It may be … for good reasons!
It’s far enough away from town to feel like a road trip, but not far enough away that you have to worry about getting out of bed early on the weekend.
Since you’re out there, make sure to stop by Shirley Delicious for a coffee.
4. Mystic Beach Waterfall
Driving from Victoria: 1 hour 45 minutes (Road signs say China Beach, which is also nearby)
Hiking (one way): Moderate 60 minutes, mostly in the woods. No cell phone coverage. Bring hiking shoes, water, snacks. (Directions)
You also get to enjoy the suspension bridges.
This waterfall is almost completely dry in the summer, so winter is the best time to go. You may need winter tires — check for the latest winter driving regulations before you go.
5. Hidden Waterfall at Sombrio Beach
Driving from Victoria: 2 hours (the last part is a bit adventurous)
Hiking (one way): 45 minutes, mostly easy beach walk followed by some scrambling up a creek
You could spend a weekend camping at Sombrio and not even know this waterfall was here.
The short distance from the highway to the parking lot is a bit of an adventure. BC Parks recommends a 4 wheel drive vehicle with sufficient clearance. The road is muddy, steep and full of giant potholes. I drove my 2wd Hyundai Accent there many times, but choose you should evaluate your own level of risk and love for your car.
Unfortunately, the stone pathway has been permanently defaced with graffiti scratched in the walls. If you visit, leave the area even better than you found it. If you see someone being disrespectful, please intervene if you feel safe doing so.
Bonus: Della Falls
Ready for an overnight backpacking adventure? This is not NEAR Victoria at all, but it is on Vancouver Island.
Della Falls is the tallest waterfall in Canada. And it’s a lovely beginner backpacking trip.
Let me know if I’m missing any great waterfalls in this direction and I’ll add them to this post. Would love to see your photos!
And remember: take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints!
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