John Dean Provincial Park

Esme from Louisiana writes:

First time visitor, from out of the country, I relied heavily on your trail description on my phone to course my way through the park. Thank you for the comprehensive detail--a big help in enjoying the park's varied features: vistas, a patch of old growth trees, the steep ravine. Your detail about the unmarked side trails that lead to Pickle's Bluff helped me know to turn back when I came upon an unsafe descent and look for a lower risk trail that would get me to the bluff. Note: the trail has changed near the lily pond, but a little study brings clarity. Also, as of today, Google search results display incorrect park hours; I think it is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. It is definitely open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Posted: September 20, 2021 07:52:49 AM PST

Mike G from Victoria writes:

Great guidance on the route. A really nice trail for a family with youngish kids, say 7. My 5 year old grandchild was flagging by the end, but enjoyed the variety of flora.

Posted: April 11, 2021 04:08:43 PM PST

Doreen Kryski from Yorkton, Sask. writes:

I'm visiting from Saskatchewan and loved walking on the trails in Dean Park.
Beautiful and peaceful.
I would like to make a suggestion. I noticed as I was hiking people are leaving their doggie
bags along the trails to pick them up later. I think a few garbage containers along the trails would help.
I did not see any garbage containers. The doggie bags are piled up on rocks or along the trail.
Love the Park. You are a dog friendly park.I love that as I love the dogs.They are so happy with their human families and would even be happier off leash.

Posted: November 11, 2019 08:53:39 AM PST

Jennifer Dalton from North Saanich writes:

April 27, 2019 - this evening we lost a black, Honda key fob on the trails in John Dean Park. Please keep your eyes open if you are hiking around in there in the coming days. Thank you so much! We live in the neighbourhood ourselves.

Posted: April 27, 2019 08:44:10 PM PST

Trenton from Victoria writes:

Great information as usual, thanks for the directions within the park. When I got to the radar tower near the end it had only taken me about an hour, so I looped back in the direction I came via the Thomson Cabin, Woodward and Illahie trails. This added another maybe 20 or 30 minutes so stretched the hike out to about 1.5 hours and allowed me to explore a couple more trails. I recommend this kind of route for someone more advanced looking to extend their hike as the park is quite small. Great views though and very beautiful!

Posted: March 21, 2019 10:17:04 AM PST

Melissa from Victoria writes:

Beautiful trails with lots of variety. Did it on a rainy day so we could't appreciate the views as much. Hikers should know that there is no parking lot access November-March, signage is right at the gate with a VERY tight turnaround. We parked outside the gate and hiked up the road

Posted: December 23, 2018 05:12:44 PM PST

Sarah from Saanichton writes:

I love John Dean! I live on Mount Newton Cross Road and access John Dean via Brownswood trail on Thompson Road. It makes for a great walk to the top, roughly 8km.

Some days the hike is easier than others. It definitely gets my heart pumping but easy to maintain a conversation. Intermediate?

If you are making your way up to the top you must check out Pickles Bluff, beautiful ocean views.

Posted: July 19, 2018 07:15:16 PM PST

Valentina from Victoria writes:

If you start from the parking lot, it's a relatively easy to hike around the mountain. If you start from the base of the mountain near the residential area and walk up the trails to the peak, then it is more difficult and mostly uphill.

Posted: April 23, 2018 10:23:59 PM PST