| Mount Wells is
a remote wilderness park located only half an hour west of Victoria
on the edge of an immense protected area of green space. Highlights
of the 123-hectare park include a colourful display of spring wildflowers,
the hike to the summit of Mount Wells (352 metres), and spectacular
views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria, the Sooke Hills and the Sea
to Sea Green Blue Belt.
Hikers can
follow the 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. The trail is steep and challenging, especially in wet weather,
and is suitable for fit hikers.
In the spring,
native wildflowers such as camas, shooting star and satinflower
carpet the slopes. Mount Wells is the only place in Canada where
the endangered Prairie lupine grows. Please stay on the trail and
keep pets 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
is the gateway to Sooke
Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve, the largest park area in
the region at 4,124 hectares. Both parks provide a buffer to the
Greater Victoria Water Supply Area and help 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.
Mount Wells
Regional Park and Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve are
part of the Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt, a 1,390-hectare corridor
of protected green space linking Saanich Inlet in the east to Juan
de Fuca Strait in the west. The Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt separates
the developed urban area of the Capital Region from tracts of forest
land to the west.
To protect
the park's fragile ecosystems, visitors are requested to please
stay on designated trails, follow trail markers in open areas, keep
pets on the trail and under control, pick up your dog's droppings,
and carry out any litter brought in.
Mount Wells
Regional Park is located in Langford, a 30-minute drive west of
Victoria. Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and turn
left on Sooke Lake Road. Turn left on Humpback Road. At the intersection
with Irwin Road, stay right. Follow Humpback Road to the park entrance
on the right. Limited bus service is available from Monday to Friday
only. Take BC Transit #50 from Victoria to the Canwest Mall. 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.
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