Malahat SkyWalk
An Aerial View of SkyWalk, which is owned and operated by the Malahat SkyWalk Corporation in partnership with the Malahat First Nations.
Words by Dennis Begin
Over the years of RVing, I have experienced and written about many BC attractions such as the Sea to Sky Gondola, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and Skyride on Grouse Mountain, just to name a few. The Malahat SkyWalk is one of the most recent places of interest that has been developed on Vancouver Island and Ari Martinez, the facility’s marketing manager, was correct when she described the area as “a rise above it all.”
The SkyWalk is located 35 km (22 mi) from Victoria along the Trans-Canada Highway, which is also known as the Malahat Highway or simply BC Hwy 1. Due to the divided highway and U-turns, the SkyWalk is best approached from the south (e.g from Victoria), but either way is manageable in an RV.
Dennis Begin
The structure opened in July 2021 after 19 months of construction and cost $18 million to build.
Malahat is a Coastal Salish word meaning “place you get bait” but don’t plan on fishing here. Instead, spend 90 to 120 minutes walking 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from the bottom to the top (return trek) of the Skywalk. This attraction has three components: the Welcome Centre, 600 m (2,000 ft) TreeWalk, and 40 m (131 ft) spiral SkyWalk with many others all in between.
Built to promote tourism in the local community, the SkyWalk is owned and operated by the Malahat SkyWalk Corporation in partnership with the Malahat First Nations. It was also built on traditional and ancestral land.
Dennis Begin
Views of Saanich Inlet, Brentwood Bay and Mt. Baker.
The Skywalk opened in July 2021 after 19 months of construction, a cost of $18 million, and is constructed of treated wood, steel, and glass - not to mention a vivid imagination. The grade varies from five to eight percent, which makes for a gradual walk to the top. Surrounding the SkyWalk is a pristine forest of Douglas fir, cedar, spruce and Arbutus trees.
Shaped like a cone, the Skywalk could be considered an engineering marvel. It jets into the sky and is approximately equal to a ten-story building. At the top is an amazing 360-degree panorama view of Finlayson Arm, Saanich Inlet/Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, Mount Baker and the Coastal Mountains.
Additional Attractions
The main objective for most visitors is to reach the top but there are a number of facilities onsite. For instance, the SkyTree winds through the arbutus forest (and connects the Visitor Centre with the SkyWalk) where you can admire the Wild Art Collection by Tanya Bud, which includes wood-crafted animals.
Malahat SkyWalk
The SkyWalk is surrounded by a pristine forest of Douglas fir, cedar, spruce and Arbutus trees.
Once at the top, another feature to experience is the 84 sq m (900 sq ft) Adventure Net, which is a see-through net suspended that resembles a trampoline with views of the forest and spiraling structure below. It’s certainly not for the faint at heart or if you experience severe vertigo.
The walk down, which can be just as exciting as going up, is via the SkyTree or through the Picnic Area and Return Trail. Interpretative informative panels explain the vegetation, marine life, geography and indigenous history, a unique educational tool. There is even a panel on information about Sasquatch.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the smooth 20 m (65 ft) Spiral Slide (think water slide without the water). It takes only about 15 seconds to reach the bottom and you’re provided with a sliding pad for an effortless and thrilling experience.
Dennis Begin
Getting ready for the 20 m (65 ft) Spiral Slide, which only takes about 15 seconds to reach the bottom.
Other attractions include:
- A Welcome Centre. It features a ticket center, restaurant, works of local artisans, a gift shop, souvenirs and guest services. The facility is also wheelchair and stroller friendly, but there are no elevators. Only Certified Service dogs are allowed. Drones are forbidden.
- Online ticketing. Avoid the crowds and buy your tickets online at www.malahatskywalk.com/plan/tickets-passes/. There are even annual, Senior, Family and Child/Youth ticket prices. Make note that you will need to sign an Exclusion of Liability for legal protection.
- Designated RV parking
After a day at the Malahat Skywalk, make plans to check out other Vancouver Island attractions including Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel and Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Victoria, and many more. There are also several whale watching and wildlife tours across the island.
Nevertheless, the Malahat Skywalk is a great place to start or enhance an RV trip through Vancouver Island. It’s ideal for all ages and levels of thrill seekers.
For more details visit www.malahatskywalk.com
Suggested RV Parks and Campgrounds in or Near Malahat, BC
- Tunnel Hill Campground and RV Park
- Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park and Campground
- Cedar Springs Ranch
- Beehive RV Park & Campground
- Bamberton Provincial Park