Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday with your pup in tow? I’ve complied 3 of the best day trip hikes from Victoria to do with your dog (or kids!). So grab your water bottle, a snack and gas up your car. We’re going places!

Pender Island

We came across the magic of Pender Island by accident. A very happy accident, I might add! While waiting in the lineup for Salt Spring Island, and seeing the ferry was full, we darted into the Pender ferry line. After a 40 minutes ride from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal we disembarked at Otter Bay on Pender. With a countryside packed with forest and dotted with seaside residences and little farms we were immediately charmed by the place.

Where to eat on Pender with your dog

Our first stop, was the Pender Island Farmers Market, a five minute drive from Otter Bay. Dogs on leash are welcome to walk the market grounds with you. It’s a small and relaxed market with plenty of space to roam. With everything made, baked or grown on Pender Island it’s hard to make a bad choice. It’s also the perfect place to stock up for your time exploring the island!

If you’re looking for a nice spot for a sit down meal check out the Port Browing Pub which offers a dog friendly patio and beautiful view of the harbour.

Family on top of Mount Norman, Pender Island

Dog having fun on a beach on Pender Island

What to do on Pender with your dog

After procuring some snacks it was off to Mount Norman, the highest peak on Pender. We parked and started our hike at Ainslie Point Road. The path weaves through the forest, with some incline and some flatter spots. It takes about an hour to do the loop which is punctuated by a viewing platform serving up a spectacular view of Bedwell Harbour. Dogs are welcome on the trails on leash. It was the perfect little outing to wear Polly out for the ferry ride home.

Mystic Beach

When I saw that Mystic Beach was listed as one of the top beaches in the world by a travel blog I knew we needed to check it out. After all, the beach is just an hour and a half from Victoria, if you drive west, past Sooke.

What to do at Mystic Beach with your dog

The main attraction of Mystic Beach is well, the beach. :) After the picturesque drive, park in the lot just off the main road and start the 45 minute walk to the beach. The well-maintained trail involves some up and down climbs and is considered moderate. Dog are welcome on leash. Half way through a suspension bridge is a fun highlight! The true reward though is the sandy beach that features banks of layered rock formations and a waterfall onto the sand. While there, at low tide, I noticed plenty of dogs frolicking on the vast stretches of sandy beach.

Where to eat at Mystic Beach with your dog

After the hike we were all eager for lunch. On the way back to Victoria, Stoked Pizzeria beckoned us from the road. Our instincts did not prove us wrong! The unique restaurant offers an array of delicious wood fired pizza. We chose three different pizzas and beer for the adults from Bad Dog Brewing Company in Sooke. Dogs are welcome on the lower patio closest to the parking lot.

Holmes Peak

If you want a hike that’s close to Victoria and simply breathtaking, look no further than Holmes Peak. Located in the Highlands, an easy 30 minutes from Victoria, parking is located on Caleb Pike Road, just off Millstream Road.

What to do at Holmes Peak with your dog

Dogs are welcome on leash and will enjoy the hike that takes about an hour there and back. The trail begins with a forested upwards climb and eventually opens to rocky terrain with a spectacular view across Finlayson Arm. Of course, a swing overlooking the water makes the summit even more wonderful.

Where to eat at Holmes Peak with your dog

Pack a snack to share with your buddy at the summit or save your appetite and head into Langford, about 15 minutes away.

Langford Station downtown features a variety of foodtrucks and art vendors in shipping containers. It’s a fun dog-friendly spot to stroll with your pup and eat at a picnic table.

Millstream Beverage Company and House of Boateng are two options for dog friendly patios.

I hope you enjoy hiking around Victoria as much as I do. What destinations would you add to the list?

Best day trip hikes from Victoria to do with your dog