I've done the zip line in Sooke and I thought it was fun. We did it as a birthday party for a friend and that likely contributed to it being a great time. If you've not been in a west coast forest before, it would be an especially unique experience.

I've previously done the zip line at Whistler and this experience was much different. You are zipping down a mountain, not back and forth over a creek. In addition, more of the landing zones are platforms high up in the trees and you get more of an experience of being in the tree. the platforms at Whistler were much bigger.

A beverage afterwards at the 17-mile Pub was also a highlight.

If you are out that way, there is great hiking at East Sooke Park and there are lots of options for short hikes there. If you drive a bit further, the hike from China Beach to Mystic Beach on the Juan de Fuca trail is also a nice day trip.

Hikes more local to Victoria would also be Mt Finlayson at Goldstream Park. Its a steep climb, but the view is worth it. For more of a stroll through the woods, Thetis Lake and Witty's Lagoon make for a nice afternoon.

Here is a link to public parks with more information.

http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/location.htm

Thanks Hiker I think we are going to do the zip-line it will be a first for both of us.We will probably go up the Mt Findley trail as well.What wuld you say the difficulty is for that hike.

Thanks ERIC

We took our niece and nephew (ages 5 and 7)up Mt Finlayson last year. Its steep near the top and the path gives way to going over rock near the top. But as long as you take it slow I'd give it a a moderate rating. I've seen all ages at the top.