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M is for Mount Doug

ByValerie Comer

Not every city has a mountain in its midst that doubles as a park with hiking trails and as a 360 overlook accessible by car, but Victoria, BC, Canada, does. It’s Mount Douglas, more commonly known as Mount Doug.

The Mount Doug Park starts on the east side of Vancouver Island and includes the summit of the mountain, plus most of the rocky outcroppings immediately surrounding it. I’ve hiked up to the monument at the top a couple of times and love the view of the city, the ocean, and beyond.

I loved it so much I had to include a scene in Petals and Pedals, my current work-in-progress, where my characters also spend time in this park. Tristan, a semi-pro cyclist, wants to bike to the top. Personally, I think he’s crazy but, the fact is, that some people do it, so why shouldn’t he?

Here are some views from the top:

From Mount Doug, looking roughly east over the Gulf Islands in the Straits of Georgia.
From Mount Doug, looking roughly south across the city of Victoria to Juan de Fuca Strait. On a clear day, the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State is visible in the distance.
From Mount Doug, looking roughly west over Victoria and adjacent farmland. And my sweet husband!
This pedestal stands n the center of the lookout, showing approximately which direction various places are (and distances).

Does your favorite city have a great look-out? Do you enjoy looking down on metropolitan areas from the midst of nature?

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