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About Mount Work and Thetis Lake

Mount Work and Thetis Lake, nestled on Vancouver Island’s South Island just 10 km from Victoria, offer a nature lover’s retreat in the Greater Victoria area. Mount Work Regional Park features rugged trails leading to the 449-meter summit, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Saanich Inlet and Gulf Islands. Thetis Lake Regional Park, adjacent to Mount Work, boasts serene lakeside trails and sandy beaches along its two lakes, perfect for swimming and picnicking. Surrounded by Douglas-fir forests and vibrant wildflowers, these parks provide a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Work and Thetis Lake deliver a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, showcasing Vancouver Island’s diverse landscapes near the capital.

Mount Work and Thetis Lake Regional Parks, part of the Capital Regional District’s park system, span 160 hectares and 831 hectares respectively, protecting some of the last remaining Garry oak ecosystems in the region. Mount Work, named after a 19th-century settler, offers challenging hikes like the Summit Trail, where visitors can spot rare flora like the white fawn lily and wildlife such as black-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks. Thetis Lake, named after the HMS Thetis that patrolled the area in the 1850s, features over 40 km of trails, including the McKenzie Creek loop, and is a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking on its calm waters. The parks are part of the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park corridor, connecting to the broader trail network, and host events like the annual Thetis Lake Swim, a community favorite.

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