I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking on this one. The new and family-friendly Malahat Skywalk is simply stunning in its sleek design and functionality. Situated on Vancouver Island, the Malahat Skywalk is worth the detour from your travels. Or better yet, consider it a destination all on its own.
This unique tourist attraction overlooks the Saanich Inlet across from Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island. It is truly a beautiful view that showcases some of BCs gorgeous forests and rolling hills.
The entire walkway is comprised of a gradual incline ‘boardwalk’ with a few benches spaced here and there for rest if you need it. Round and round we go, no stairs! This makes it very accessible for the elderly, people with strollers, or those who are in a wheelchair. You will however see a spiral staircase in the center of the skywalk; this is for staff use only.
These pictures don’t do the surrounding nature justice, you’ll have to come and see it for yourself!
Unique Features
The most exciting feature this skywalk offers is the metal slide that goes down the center of the impressive structure. The slide starts about one level of walkway down from the top and ends at ground level. It’s a lot of fun for both children and adults alike! It’s also safe and a great way to release some energy. There is no extra cost to go down the slide, all are welcome to try it as many times as they like!
The slide is manned by staff who ensure a safe environment and positive experience for everyone. Remember that there is a minimum age of 5yrs and a height requirement of 42 inches in order to be allowed to go down. When it’s your turn to go, you get a special mat to sit on with a handle to hold onto and a pouch for your feet to go in (this helps to avoid having your shoes catch on the metal). They’ve really thought of everything to make this experience seamless and memorable for all the right reasons.
Often you will hear people screaming on their way down the slide, others laugh, and some keep entirely silent! I don’t recommend going down silent though, it just doesn’t feel right. It’s similar to how throwing your arms up in the air while on a roller coaster makes the ride more enjoyable and thrilling. This slide doesn’t go quite as fast as a roller coaster, but it does give you a decent thrill!
Another notable feature of the Malahat Skywalk is the netted area at the summit where you can walk across and look down through the crisscross of material holding you up. This is for the bravest of the bunch! It’s the ultimate trust exercise if you’ve ever been wary of heights, but don’t worry, it’s very safe and there is an additional net below just in case.
You can see people peering through the net in the top left corner of the image above; below is an upclose perspective of the net itself.
Admission
One adult (18-64yrs) ticket price is $34.95. Children, youth, and seniors get a reduced ticket price, and there is a family package option too. For a full price breakdown, visit the Malahat Skywalk website here.
There are lots of great views and seating options at the base of the tower with natural shade supplied by the surrounding forest. Additionally, you can find sweet souvenirs and snacks in their giftshop and cafe. In the cafe you can purchase select alcoholic beverages (19+) as well as your typical tea, coffee, and delectable desserts.
Are we There Yet?
It can be an easy turn-off to miss depending on which direction you’re coming at it from. Keeping this in mind, make sure to keep your eyes peeled! If you’d like some help from google maps click here. Once you find your way there the first time, it’ll become old hat soon enough.
Left: Looking out over the Saanich Inlet.
When you first make your way towards the main attraction past the cafe and gift shop, there is a nice forest “trail” that leads through beautiful foliage until you arrive at the Skywalk itself. Amongst the foliage are some great artistic woodworks that are easy to miss if you aren’t looking at the right moment. So keep a lookout! You never know what you may see in the vast nature of BC.
There is an abundance of Arbutus trees here and they’re one of my favourites! Arbutus trees can grow up to 98ft tall if the growing conditions allow. They are prevalent near the Georgia and Juan de Fuca Straits along Vancouver Island and are often a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The Malahat Skywalk is framed beautifully by these elders and other kinds of trees common to BC.
If you weren’t interested before, I hope to have piqued your interest by now!
The Malahat Skywalk is truly a lovely way to spend an afternoon with family and friends. It’s easily accessible for all ages and abilities and it offers loads of fun while being immersed in nature.
The cafe offers options for refreshments and the seating below the skywalk offers rest and relaxation. There is no limit to how enriching this experience can be for you or your loved ones, I hope you get the chance to visit soon.
I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did! Thanks for reading this post and for supporting this blog. If you have any additional questions feel free to reach out via the contact page.
Thoughts to Writings 