Mount Work stands out on the horizon from many views in Saanich, Victoria, and the Saanich Peninsula. This large regional park is a popular recreation area and offers diverse landscapes and a variety of activities.
There are three freshwater lakes—Killarney, Durrance, and Pease—ideal for walking and swimming. Durrance and Pease Lakes are also great for canoeing and fishing, with Durrance Lake stocked with catchable rainbow trout.
Mount Work - Hartland is a separate area with multi-use trails that are open to mountain biking. There is an accessible loop trail at the Munn Road entrance.
Trail Rating: Moderate to Challenging
Size: 743 hectares
Location: Ross - Durrance Road and Munn Road in the Highlands; Hartland Avenue in Saanich
Established: 1970
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Summit Trail
Visitors can hike to the mountain summit on a challenging trail that runs north and south, spanning the entire park. The trail leads through natural glacial rock formations. Weather conditions can vary, so be prepared for exposure during the climb. Please stick to the main trails to protect the sensitive mossy groundcover from damage.
Durrance Lake
Durrance Lake is the most accessible lake in Mount Work Regional Park and is popular with families and picnickers. The cool, fresh water is great for swimming. Nestled in a valley between Mount Work and Partridge Hills, the lake is surrounded by forested slopes.
A well-maintained path leads to a narrow, twisting hiking trail that circles the lake. Submerged logs and dead trees on the boggy south side provide important habitats for wildlife. Durrance Lake is also a popular spot for fly fishing, home to smallmouth bass and cutthroat trout, with an accessible fishing dock.
Mount Work-Hartland
On the east slope of Mount Work, separate from the main park, there are multi-use trails open to mountain biking. These trails offer a range of terrain, from moderate rolling hills to more difficult sections for advanced riders. Use extreme caution, as some areas may have hazards.
For more information on the Mount Work-Hartland mountain biking trails, contact the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS).
Accessible Munn Road Loop Trail
Visitors can enjoy a 630-meter loop trail with a smooth gravel surface and gentle slopes. This accessible trail features a mix of evergreens and a rich understory of native shrubs, ferns, mosses, and woodland flowers at the Munn Road entrance. Travel clockwise from the main trailhead.
To help preserve the park:
Amenities
Ross-Durrance has ample parking and room full and mid-size buses, information kiosk, and toilet.
Durrance Road has parking, boat launch, accessible fishing pier, accessible toilet and emergency phone. There is also a beach and picnic area.
Munn Road has ample parking, including 3 accessible parking stalls and room for full and mid-size buses. There is an accessible and an information kiosk.
Hartland has a parking lot, information kiosk, accessible toilet and emergency phone.
How to Get There
Main Entrance
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria, and take the West Saanich Road exit. From West Saanich Road, turn left on Wallace Drive, and left again on Willis Point Road. Turn left on Ross-Durrance Road, which leads to the park entrance on the left. Allow approximately 40 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Durrance Lake Entrance
Follow the directions above to Willis Point Road. Turn right on Durrance Close, which leads to the park entrance.
Hartland Entrance
Follow the directions above to West Saanich Road. Turn left on Hartland Avenue, which leads to the park entrance on the right.
Munn Road Entrance
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the #14 exit to Highlands. Keep right at the fork. Turn right at Millstream Lake Road and slight right at Munn Road.
Public Transportation
There is bus service to the Hartland Entrance only. Take BC Transit bus #83 from the Royal Oak Exchange to West Saanich Road at Hartland Road. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.