PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Parents with babies can use paved Churchill Drive before noon and shaded picnic lawn near washrooms, but terrain beyond is rough and there are no diaper tables or stroller-friendly forest paths.
Positives:
- Paved Access: Churchill Drive is smooth and stroller-friendly until the first viewpoint.
- Free Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and playground are all free to use.
Challenges:
- No Changing Stations: Washrooms lack baby-change tables—bring a portable pad and cover.
- Uneven Trails: Beyond the first viewpoint, trails are rocky and steep, unsuitable for strollers.
What is PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)?
- A 225-hectare Saanich park centering on Mount Douglas, a 220-metre volcanic outcrop overlooking Saanich and Cordova bays
- A peninsula-bound natural reserve managed by the District of Saanich, offering over 21 kilometres of maintained trails and a paved park drive
- A conservation habitat protecting Garry oak meadows, Douglas-fir forests and rocky shoreline within a peninsula ecosystem
What is so special about PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) for with baby?
- Smooth stroller path to a scenic lookout
- Accessible washrooms and free picnic spots
- Playground adjacent to beach parking
- Easy lower-trail wildlife spotting
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Long enough to walk to the first viewpoint, picnic, and enjoy the playground without overtiring the baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
Stroller Walk to First Viewpoint:
Push your stroller up Churchill Drive to the first lookout (1 km, 42 m gain).
Tip: Start before noon when vehicles are prohibited for a quieter, safer route.
Picnic Near Accessible Washrooms:
Set up your blanket in the grassy picnic zone beside the beach parking lot.
Tip: Use the nearby washrooms for diaper changes and bring a portable changing pad.
Playground Fun by Beach Parking:
Let your baby try the small slide and bucket‐seat swing at the playground.
Tip: Bring a sunshade or hat for the baby; benches nearby let adults supervise comfortably.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
- Early Arrival: Get there before 11 AM to secure parking and use the vehicle-free road.
- Pack Essentials: Bring extra diapers, water, and a sunshade to care for your baby in grassy spots.
Reviews of PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
Tamara Heinrichs
Beautiful views. Crisp clean air. Nice hike. Parking both at the bottom as well as on top. Please drive slowly as there are many people, young and old as well as many dogs walking along the road to the top and/or back to the bottom. Enjoy!
Matthew Larsen
A great hiking spot with a great view at the top. There is a paved path that goes to the top, which gives you the option to have an easy walk up and down or just an easy walk down after a good hike up. If you like watching the sunset, then this is a great spot for that too.
Simply Chandan
Amazing experience. Climbing the hill was a great fun and full of excitement. We enjoyed beautiful forest views and calming vibe throughout the entire journey. The view from the peak is just mesmerizing. A must visit place!
Kaede N
What a beautiful trail in Victoria! I went there for a solo hike in late April. The wildflowers - Camas - are in full bloom! The park have a number of trails at different levels. The beach looks beautiful too though I couldn't visit due to the weather. The view from the summit is stunning. You will need
Jason Dorey
Great forested park with many marked and unmarked trails or various ability levels. You get an amazing view of the greater Victoria area and southern gulf islands. The spring wildflowers were everywhere throughout the forest during our trip. Don't be afraid to stop and look around as there are some really cool off shots to the main trail.
When is the best time to visit PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) (Victoria, Canada)?
In winter, watch for ice on Churchill Drive; in summer, arrive early to find shade and parking. Spring wildflowers bloom near the summit, but winds can be strong—dress your baby in layers.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking | CAD 0 |
| Snacks & water | CAD 15 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 15 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
Address: 4500 Cedar Hill Rd, Victoria, BC V8X 3S8, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) (Victoria)?
About PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 250-475-552210 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities