Horth Hill Regional Park

Nestled in the heart of North Saanich, you will find Horth Hill Regional Park; a wooded hill with gorgeous views all year long. The scent of pine envelops your senses and rays of sunlight peek through the trees as you hike along the path. Once at the top, a breathtaking view shows off a slice of the Saanich Peninsula. Whether for a forest photoshoot or for your own exploring, Horth Hill Regional Park is a favorite for families, couples, and dog walkers.

Horth Hill Regional Park: An Overview

Horth Hill Regional Park is a 90-hectare park that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, and forest bathing. There are over 4 kilometers of well-marked trails that offer varying degrees of difficulty, so you can choose a route that suits your fitness level. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a challenging climb to the top of the hill, Horth Hill Regional Park has something for everyone.

What to Bring on a Hike in Horth Hill Regional Park

When you’re heading out for a hike in Horth Hill Regional Park, it’s important to bring a few key items. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and bug spray. A small backpack is also handy to carry snacks, a camera, and other essentials.

Wildlife at Horth Hill Regional Park

One of the highlights of Horth Hill Regional Park is the abundance of wildlife that calls the park home. Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits, and a variety of birds, including bald eagles, owls, and woodpeckers. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a skittish squirrel or a curious raccoon.

Traveling to Horth Hill Regional Park: Tips from the Locals

Jen F. “It is amazing to have this beautiful park right at our back door. The canopy is breathtaking as is the view when you get to the top.”
Kellina D. “Watch your footing at the top, the rocks are very slippery/slide-y!’
Nicole A. “It can get very muddy when it rains so good shoes! Also, part of the trail is horse friendly so good to keep in mind.”
Sheila T. “Wear good shoes! Horth Hill is very up and down and the trails are pretty rugged… One of my favourite places to hike.”
Brenda H. “Love Horth Hill! Wear solid soled hikers, lots of exposed roots and rock edges. It’s evolved over the years, but every time I’m there I swear I see something I’ve never noticed before!”
Kirsten S. “Plan time at the top to sit and enjoy the view and don’t forget to build a rock monument!”

Bringing Dogs to Horth Hill Regional Park

Horth Hill Regional Park is a dog-friendly park, and your furry friends are welcome to join you on your adventure. Just remember, it’s important to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure that the park remains clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. There are also often squirrels and other little creatures that are often tempting for dogs, so come prepared to deal with your doggies’ excitement.

Forest Bathing at Horth hill Regional Park

Another thing I love about Horth Hill Regional Park are the winding forest trails that stretch out into the community. Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to promote physical and mental well-being. Horth Hill Regional Park is the perfect destination for forest bathing, with its serene environment and lush greenery. Take a stroll through the forest and breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds chirping, and let the natural beauty of the park calm your mind.

Horth Hill Regional Park as a Photoshoot Destination

While most photographers swarm places like Mount Doug or Beacon Hill Park, I find great joy in the less saturated areas of Vancouver Island. And we have a lot of them! One of these many gems is Horth Hill Regional Park. Read on for more photoshoot prep tips if you are thinking of using this as a destination.

Why Choose Horth Hill Regional Park as your Photo Session Spot?

Horth Hill Regional Park offers stunning scenery that is perfect for any photo shoot. Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous backdrop for a family photo or a romantic setting for engagement photos, this park is phenomenal. Horth Hill’s many landscapes provide a range of options for photoshoots, including paths, forests, and stunning views at the top of the hill.

What to Wear to a Photoshoot at Horth Hill Regional Park

Horth Hill Regional Park is a stunning backdrop for a photoshoot, whether you’re taking family portraits, engagement photos, or just capturing the beauty of nature. When planning your outfit, keep in mind that the park can be muddy, so choose shoes and clothing that can handle a little dirt. Neutral colors work well with the natural surroundings, and layers can help you adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day. I would recommend avoiding distracting patterns or colours that are too dark, as the dark colours might make you blend into the forest.

How to Make the Most of Your Photoshoot at Horth Hill Regional Park

Here are my main tips for success with a photoshoot at Horth Hill Regional Park:

Come to your photoshoot at Horth Hill Regional Park relaxed and dressed appropriately for the terrain.
Let loose. If you have a partner or spouse, don’t worry if they are behaving properly for the photoshoot. Just let loose, have fun, and let me do the hard work of creating some magic with you!
Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty, lean up against a tree, or sit on a blanket somewhere.
Enjoy the scenery. The West Coast is a special place, and there is nothing like the woods to show off the beauty of where we live. Take time to enjoy it!
Bring layers in case you need to add or take away a sweater or hat.
Come during the afternoon when the sun is shining through the trees.
Bring water and a change of clothes. It’s best to be prepared!

Bringing Kids to Horth Hill Regional Park

One of my favorite things about Horth Hill Regional Park, is that it is a fun and magical place to bring kids! Children are always up for a day of outdoor adventure and time as a family. There are shorter, easier trails that are perfect for little ones, and the park is a great place to learn about nature and wildlife. I love seeing a child’s eyes light up with wonder as they study a fallen leaf, balance on a log, or watch a woodpecker hammer away at a nearby tree. Every step through this wooded forest is a fairytale filled with new and exciting stories. What kid wouldn’t love Horth Hill Regional Park? For preparation, it’s always smart to bring plenty of snacks, water, and bug spray. I also recommend keeping an eye the littles who are navigating the uneven paths. The trails can sometimes get muddy, so make sure your kiddies have good shoes and an extra change of clothes, just in case.

The Best Time of Day to Plan Your Photo Session at Horth Hill Regional Park

Something I get asked a lot is “When is the best time to go to Horth Hill?” and I answer that it depends what you want! For the best photos at Horth Hill Regional Park, I’d suggest two hours before sunset for the summit or midday for the forest area. The soft, warm light during the hours before sunset creates a magical atmosphere and will make your photos look stunning. For forest images on the other hand, the sun needs to be high enough in the sky to shine through the trees. Hands down, the most magical photos I have taken in the forest have been in the afternoon. I also love to explore the different areas of the park, including the forests, paths, and hilltops, to bring more of a story into your session.

TLDR

Horth Hill Regional Park is a gem on Vancouver Island that offers something for everyone. From hiking and wildlife observation to photoshoots and forest bathing, this park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature. This pristine forested hike fills the soul and clears the mind. It is also an exquisite location for photographs that tell a story and depict the love and adventure that you and your loved one(s) share. Enjoy the photography tips!

Saanich Peninsula and Victoria, BC family, newborn, maternity, and baby lifestyle photographer. For families looking for an artistic, laid back, emotional photography experience.

Thinking about booking a photoshoot at Horth Hill? Ask me your questions!

Let me know what you’re interested in and a little bit about you! I’m here to help. I have limited availability, so it’s better to book a free call now while you’re already here. Send me an email and we can set up your very own amazing experience.