In the city itself, you might visit Beacon Hill Park: http://www.beaconhillpark.ca/

Otherwise, close by, I am thinking Goldstream Provincial Park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/goldstream/

Check out both www.bcparks.ca and www.hellobc.com. here are a couple of links to get started:

http://www.hellobc.com/victoria/things-to-do.aspx

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html

Thanks.

I think have actually been to Beacon Park a long time ago; it is so close to downtown. From looking at the map, it appears that Beacon Park has a lot of the sports activities but is less a place to hike? Is that a correct assessment? It is hard to distinguish the trails from the roads on the map. Also, part of the ocean front says cliffs--but then there are steps to the beach as well. Is there a beach we can actually walk along near there? Here's two maps I found:

http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/graphics/mapsA.htm

http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Departments/Parks~Rec~Culture/Parks/Documents/beacon-hill-park-map.pdf

We also thought about just doing a walking tour near Oak Bay, maybe walk along the beach somewhere and see some of the architecture.

If the kids want a more true-nature hike, Goldstream does appear to be the first choice. Have you been and what are your thoughts? Is 20 minutes' drive from downtown a valid assessment?

What are your thoughts on Gowlland Todd Provincial Park? The viewpoints look like they'd be stellar. Would we want to do this one the same day as Butchart Gardens since they are so close?

Thanks again

I agree that Beacon Hill is not so much for hiking, but just wanted to offer a green area inside Victoria.

Gowlland Todd Provincial Park would also be a great choice, IMO, although I haven't been there. Hopefully one of our local fodorites will chime in on these two.

Am thinking you could do Butchart on the same day, as it is usually a half-day visit for me. It's less crowded first thing in the morning. Unless you fear that you might run out of steam after that, I'd do it first and then head out to one of the parks for a picnic and the afternoon.

If nothing else, you could make a decision as to which park once you are there in Victoria.

I think we will possibly head into Gowlland after Butchart but we will let the kids decide.

On the other hand they may just want some freetime in the downtown area.

Please come back here with how it went, I'm very interested in hearing. Have a ton of fun!