If you’re planning to be in Victoria for just a day, a must see is one of my favourite scenic strolls – Dallas Road! Just under 10km, this waterfront walkway is popular for walkers, runners and dog lovers!
The entire walkway is flanked by wooden fences and pathways that lead you to beautiful view points of the Salish Sea and in the distance, Port Angeles in Washington State. Several trails with paved walkways and stairs take you right down to the beach where you’ll see many people picnicing, dipping thier toes in the water, and enjoying the waves rolling in.
Starting at Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s many parks and beaches along the way, where you’ll see many people flying kites, paragliding and dogs playing in the water down along the waterfront. There’s also a great leash-optional area for dogs, which is located between Dallas Road and the pathway, from Douglas Street to Clover Point where you’ll see many pups playing, rolling around in the grass and chasing balls!
You’ll also pass Mile 0 Monument, which happends to be Mile 0 of the Trans Canada Highway. This is located on Douglas Street at Dallas Road, and the marker is actually the start of the 8,000+ km Trans-Canada Highway which spans the length of Canada. Mile 0 is also home to a statue of Terry Fox, one of Canada’s heroes who lost one of his legs to cancer when he was a teenager. Fox started a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research, which began in Newfoundland, and was to end at the Mile 0 marker in Victoria. Sadly he became ill and passed away halfway through the run. To this day, the Terry Fox Run continues every year to raise money for cancer research across Canada. The Mile 0 Monument and Terry Fox statue stand just beside beautiful Beacon Hill Park.
Further down Dallas Road are many scenic beaches and vantage points all with incredible views of the Salish Sea, from Holland Point Park, Finalyson Point lookout, Spiral Beach, Clover Point and ending with Ross Bay Pebbles Beach. There are also public washrooms along the way.
Whether you plan on taking a early morning run, a mid-day dog walk or catch the sun setting in the evening, every viewpoint is a beautiful sight and you’ll be happy you made the stop to this great shoreline walkway!
Happy Exploring!
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