Visiting Mount Douglas (PKOLS)

About Mount Douglas (PKOLS)

A forested hill in Saanich about 10 km north of downtown, known by its Indigenous name PKOLS. A short walk from the upper parking area leads to a summit with a 360-degree view over the city, the islands and, on clear days, Mount Baker.

Tip: Go at sunrise or sunset on a clear day, when Mount Baker glows on the horizon.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1 hour.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Saanich.

Best time to visit Mount Douglas (PKOLS)

Mount Douglas (PKOLS) is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• July: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• August: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
• September: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.

For the view at golden hour: in mid-July the sun sets at about 21:11 local time (calculated for Victoria).

When to visit Victoria has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Mount Douglas (PKOLS) is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen BC Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress and afternoon tea.

• No. 18 of the 18 sights in our Victoria things-to-do list.
• Listed in free things to do in Victoria.

If you like Mount Douglas (PKOLS)

• Butchart Gardens — Brentwood Bay, 2–4 hours
• Beacon Hill Park — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 1–2 hours
• Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley — Downtown and Old Town, 1 hour
• Fisherman's Wharf — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 1 hour

Staying near Mount Douglas (PKOLS)

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