At the peak of Mount Doug, there is an amazing lookout, but there is a second “peak” in Mount Doug Park known as Little Mount Doug. It’s not quite as high, but it does feature the same kind of stunning views, if only on three sides—being blocked on the fourth by the summit proper.
And, unlike the main summit, which can be accessed by road (although the road has been closed for traffic due to COVID 19 and even during regular times is closed to to traffic until noon everyday), Little Mount Doug has to be completely done on foot—and the last bit is a scramble, which my children LOVE!
Today’s hike was just a quick one made necessary because I have a big hiking trip coming up and my hiking boots decided that they wanted to retire. I’m in the midst of deciding whether I can break my new pair in well enough, or if it would be better to try and glue my old boots back together—both choices could go equally wrong! 😬
Arbutus tree at the top of Little Mount Doug 
View of downtown Victoria with the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Mountains in the distance
My kids like climbing Little Mount Doug, both for the scramble up the rocks (one of my twins is potentially part mountain goat), and because they really have a connection with the lone Arbutus tree at the top. It’s fun to climb while I take in the view.
Today was an extra treat because there were several Turkey Vultures circling in the breeze, and they actually flew quite close over our heads. I tried to get a video, but my camera phone just doesn’t have the zoom capabilities.
Looking south, there is a view of downtown Victoria, the Straight of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.
To the west, there is urban farmland. Mount Doug Park is located right on the edge of the ALR (agricultural land reserve), and so you can even see cows right inside the city—technically this area is the municipality of Saanich, rather than Victoria, but the two cities kind of blend together.
The northern view is of Haro Straight and the San Juan Islands.
And finally, to the east is the summit of Mount Doug.
Looking north from Little Mount Doug 
Trail in Mount Doug Park
To be clear, for anyone who might be wondering how we managed to have a mountain in the middle of Greater Victoria, despite it’s name, Mount Doug is a hill more than it’s a mountain!
So what’s the verdict on my new boots? Not sure yet. I’m going to have to hit the trails a few more times before I’m going to trust them on the 16 kilometre (10 mile) hike into Cape Scott. It’s going to be a decision between wet feet and blisters, I think 🤣.
As for inspiration for upcoming books, I don’t have any plans to use Mount Doug Park specifically in any future books (and I have about 17 in various stages of development), but I’m sure that some romantic character is going to bring their love interest here to take in the view—maybe a newcomer to town…
Take care of yourself and keep wandering,
This adventure took place on 22 July 2020
