Overview
Located off of William Head Road in Methosin, Devonian Regional Park has a couple of short hiking trails that access the beach area along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The trails are relatively easy and there is a scenic viewpoint from the rocks above. The area near Sherwood Pond is also a popular destination for bird watchers.
From the parking lot, follow the trail into the forest. This route will follow the trails on the east side of the park and return on the west side trail, looking in a clockwise manner. Go left at the first junction and continue along the trail. The trail meanders through a scenic forest with the sound of a gentle creek to the side.
The trail veers sharply to the right and descends downhill where it joins with a connector trail. Go left and follow the Beach Trail to where you reach a junction. You can go either way as both routes rejoin each other after a couple of hundred meters, however the route to the left has a scenic marsh view next to Sherwood Creek.
After passing the section where the trails rejoin, continue as the route passes through some steps and you carefully make your way down to the beech. On a clear day, enjoy a walk along the beach and the views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Return to the area where you entered the beach but this time, go left, taking a separate trail as it climbs steeply uphill. The climb is short and, as it levels, watch for a worn trail off to the right that heads out amongst the grass towards the rock. Follow this worn trail to the end on the rocks and enjoy the view from up high of Juan de Fuca.
Return to the trail and continue follow the edge of the park boundary. Walk down the hill but go left, passing the connector trail. The route passes through a ravine, rich with greenery before heading up a hill and rejoining the trail where you began your hike. Go left to return to the parking lot where you began your hike.
Driving Directions
From downtown Victoria, drive to Douglas Street and head northbound. Drive through town and continue as you leave the city and the route turns into Highway #1. Take Exit #10: Royal / Colwood and stay in the left lane as you exit so you pass underneath the highway. Go straight through the light and follow 2-lane road you are on, known a Old Island Highway.
Old Island Highway becomes Sooke Road and, about 2km after this name change, turn left at the intersection onto Metchosin Road. Follow Metchosin Road for the next 8km until you reach a 3-way intersection. Go straight through the intersection as the road is now named William Head Road. A short 2km drive further and the gravel parking lot for Devonian Regional Park is on your left.
Public Transportation
Devonian Regional Park can be reached from downtown Victoria by bus and the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the bus transfers. The bus stop is located only a few hundred meters from the parking lot for the park where the trails begin.
From downtown Victoria, take Bus #61: Sooke from one of the stops along Douglas Street. This part of the trip will take about 45-minutes as you need to exit the bus at Sooke Road and Penwood (next to Luxton Park). Change onto Bus #54: Metchosin and continue the trip for about the next 20 minutes. Exit the bus near Taylor and William Head Road. If you are uncertain of the stop, ask the bus driver.
From the Taylor and William Head bus stop, walk back along William Head Road and cross the street to the Devonian Regional Park parking lot on the other side.
Additional Information
Dog-Friendly
Dogs are allowed on the trails within Devonian Regional Park, however the must be on a leash when passing through the beach area or picnic areas from June 1st - September 15th. Dogs are not allowed to stay on the beach area between June 1st and September 15th.
Toilets
There is an outhouse located at the start of the trail near the parking lot. There are no toilet facilities located near the beach area at Devonian Regional Park.
Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.victoriatrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use.
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