About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team headed to the Malahat SkyWalk, just 35 minutes north of Victoria, we found ourselves climbing a 10-storey spiral tower that lifts you 250 metres above sea level. The 360-degree views sweep across islands, fjords, forests and mountains — genuinely the kind of vista that stops you mid-step. Before the tower, a 600-metre elevated walkway threads through old-growth Arbutus and Douglas Firs, putting you at eye level with the treetops. There's a net traverse and a spiral slide for adrenaline seekers, plus a café for coffee and snacks between lookouts. It's a solid two-hour experience, family-friendly and fully accessible.
Highlights
- Elevated walkway threading through ancient west-coast firs feels intimate
- 360-degree views from the tower top — genuinely expansive outlook
- Spiral slide down the tower rattles your cage pleasantly
- Net traverse at the top for those after a small thrill
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout — rare for a tall structure
- Café seating spots scattered with proper sightline views
- 35 minutes from Victoria — close enough for a half-day jaunt
- Zero scrambling or technical hiking required
What to expect
You'll park on-site and start with the 600-metre elevated boardwalk — it's a gentle ascent winding through old trees, with interpretive signs and plenty of spots to pause and breathe in the forest. The path feels curated without being sterile. Then you reach the base of the tower itself, a striking spiral structure that doesn't look like it'll hold you but absolutely does. The climb is gradual, stairs are wide, and views open up with each turn. At the top, the net traverse is optional but worth attempting — it's steady and brief, giving you that "I did something a bit daring" buzz. The spiral slide drops you back down in seconds; kids love it, adults get their inner child back. There's no rushing; you set the pace. The whole loop takes about two hours if you linger.
It's busy-ish on weekends and school holidays, but the site's designed so bottlenecks are brief. The café hits the spot if you need a break. Weather matters — rain doesn't close it, but strong winds can, so check ahead. It's not a wilderness trek; it's a built attraction in a beautiful setting, which is the entire point.
What travellers say
- Genuinely accessible — stairs, lifts, paved paths for all abilities
- Views from the tower are expansive and photo-worth without hype
- Elevated walkway puts you in the canopy peacefully
- Net traverse and slide add playful stakes without being extreme
- Close to Victoria — efficient half-day from the city
- Pacing is entirely yours — no guide rushing you along
- Built attraction feeling — not a hidden gem, will have crowds
- Annual closure mid-November to late November disrupts planning
- Wind can close net traverse and slide — no backup on bad days
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This delivers proper views without mucking about — no three-hour hike or climbing skill needed. Families with toddlers, older relatives, and people with mobility concerns can all actually enjoy it because it's genuinely accessible: paths are paved, lifts are available, and stroller-friendly. The tower itself is wild engineering, and the net traverse and slide add a playful edge. The location — just 35 minutes from Victoria — makes it a perfect half-day escape from the city.
It's a built attraction, not wilderness, so expect paying-attraction vibes and crowds on warm weekends. The site closes annually mid-November to late November for maintenance, so plan around that. Wind can close the net and slide, which is a bummer if that's your main draw. The café and seating areas get busy. Parking's included, but if you're hoping for solitude or raw nature, this leans commercial. Heights aren't a problem for most, but if you're nervous, the tower'll test you a bit. Spring and autumn are quieter and crisper.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.