Thetis Lake Hills

Park: Thetis Lake Regional Park

Terrain: Moderately gentle
Elevations (in meters)
Start: 60End: 60
Minimum: 60Maximum: 131
Net Gain: 71Cumulative Gain: 71

Thetis Lake Trailhead: (9 km from Saanich Hall). From Saanich Hall take the exit near the police station, cross Vernon Ave to the south bound lanes. Get quickly into the right hand lane and turn left at Ravine Way (.5km). Turn left of Carey and then right onto the Trans Canada Highway (.8km). Drive through the intersection with McKenzie Ave (2.9km) to exit 10 (the Colwood exit 5.7km) and turn right at Six Mile Road (the first light after going under the highway, 7.4km).

When approaching from the north take exit 11 and turn left at the T junction.

Note: A $2 parking fee is charged from May through (September?). (A $2 parking fee is charged.)

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Uses

Dayhike2 boot (easy to moderate).1.5 hours for the loop.Suitable all year.

Description

From the kiosk at the end of the parking lot take the trail to the right. You will climb gradually in a forest of Douglas-fir which gives way to a mix of Arbutus, Garry Oak with some Douglas-fir remnants. The trail roller-coasters along with some nice views leading to a junction with the Seymour Hill Trail. Turn right on this trail and head up to the summit. Make sure you look for the viewpoint over the lake.

To descend, with your back to the lake take a left turn at the kiosk. Descend with care as the trail is steep in places. Once at the base keep to the left and complete the loop around Lower Thetis Lake.

To extend the hike turn right at the base, this provides an option to circle both Lower and Upper Thetis Lakes making for a 2 1/2 to 3 hour hike.

Features

This trail features flowers, forests (Arbutus, Douglas-fir and Garry oak), lakes and swimming.

Other trails in Thetis Lake Regional Park

Trail-conditions

View trail condition reports for this trail.