Mount Wells is a 123  hectare wilderness park featuring second-growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops, along with spectacular views and beautiful spring wildflowers. It is located near the vast protected green space of the Sooke Hills. The park provides spectacular views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria, the Sooke Hills and the Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt.

Follow the steep and challenging trail to the summit (352 m) for sweeping views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria, and the Sooke Hills. The trail passes through Douglas-fir forests and sensitive Garry oak ecosystems, leading to open rocky hilltops with arbutus trees, hairy manzanita, and lush mosses.

In spring, native wildflowers like camas, shooting stars, and satinflowers blanket the slopes. On your way to the summit, you might spot turkey vultures and band-tailed pigeons or hear the drumming of ruffed grouse. The park is also a vital wildlife refuge for animals such as black-tailed deer, red squirrels, and alligator lizards, which sunbathe on rocky outcrops.

Mount Wells helps protect the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area and its drinking water supply. The Humpback Reservoir at the base was once part of Victoria's water system, and you will cross an old flow line near the beginning of the Summit Trail.

Trail Rating: Challenging
Size: 121.07 hectares
Location: Langford
Established: 1994
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

To help preserve the park:

• Keep your dog under control or on a leash.
• Stay on marked trails and do not disturb plants or animals.
• Clean up after your dog and take all your trash with you.
• Smoking is not allowed in parks or on trails.
• Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed.
• Camping, open fires, and alcohol are not allowed.

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.

• Directions to parking lot

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.