Mount Wells is a 123-hectare wilderness park of second growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops with spectacular views of the region and stunning spring wildflowers. It is located on the edge of an immense protected area of green space near Sooke Hills.
The hike to the summit (352m) of Mount Wells is steep and challenging, suitable for fit hikers.
Features
- Hiking trail to the summit
- Spectacular views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria, the Sooke Hills and the Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt
- A spring display of wildflowers
- Rare and endangered species and ecosystems
Trail Rating: Challenging
Size: 121.07 hectares
Location: Langford
Established: 1994
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Things to Do
Follow the steep and challenging trail to the summit for sweeping views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria and the Sooke Hills. The trail climbs through Douglas-fir forest and sensitive Garry oak ecosystems to open rocky hilltops dotted with arbutus trees, hairy manzanita and a mosaic of lush mosses.
In the spring, native wildflowers such as camas, shooting star and satinflower carpet the slopes. Please stay on the trail to protect this fragile habitat. Even if wildflowers are not visible, walking off trail can damage bulbs that lie dormant under thin soils.
On your journey to the summit, you may see turkey vultures and band-tailed pigeons, or hear the drumming of ruffed grouse. The park is also an important wildlife refuge for animals such as black-tailed deer, red squirrels and alligator lizards, who sun themselves on exposed rocky outcrops.
Mount Wells provides a buffer to the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area and helps protect the region's supply of drinking water. The Humpback Reservoir at the base of Mount Wells was once part of the water supply system for Victoria residents. You will cross an old flow line near the beginning of the Summit Trail.
Amenities
There is an information kiosk and toilet at the parking lot.
How to Get There
From the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 1) exit at the Millstream/Sooke exit. Follow the Sooke exit onto Veterans Memorial Parkway. Follow Veterans Memorial and turn right onto the Langford Parkway. Follow Langford Parkway to the second round-about. At this round-about exit onto Westshore Parkway and immediately turn right onto Meridian Avenue. Turn left onto Irwin Road and follow it to Humpback Road. Turn left on Humpback Road. There is a parking lot at the entrance to Mount Wells Regional Park.
Allow approximately 30 minutes driving time from Victoria.
Public Transportation
Take BC Transit #50 from Victoria to the Langford Exchange. Transfer to #58 to Sooke Lake Road at Humpback Road. The park is approximately a 1.5-kilometre walk from the bus stop. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.