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Is Malahat SkyWalk Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know
The Malahat SkyWalk is a viewing deck on Vancouver Island, just outside of Victoria, BC.
It’s known for its spiral tower that rises 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level.
From the top of the tower, you’re treated to 360 degree views of the Saanich Peninsula, Finlayson Arm, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains.
Even on a cloudy day, the views from Malahat SkyWalk are exceptional.
While the views are the main attraction, Malahat SkyWalk is a whole experience that includes a welcome center, forest walk, and a 20 meter long slide!
But is Malahat SkyWalk worth the money?
I asked my friend Erin of Pina Travels who visited me in Victoria recently what she thought of it. A big thank you to her for this review. (And for her amazing photos!)
Let’s dive into whether this Vancouver Island attraction is worth it, and what it’s like to visit Malahat SkyWalk.
Ready to Visit the Malahat SkyWalk?
Is Malahat SkyWalk Worth It?
Entry tickets for Malahat SkyWalk are $36.95 for adults and $22.95 for kids (as of December, 2023). Get them here!
This admission price is expensive, and so for some people, it may not be worth the money.
While the views from the top of the deck are incredible, you can access similar views if you’re willing to hike.
For example, the Jocelyn Hill Ridge Trail in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park has many viewpoints that overlook the Saanich Inlet.
Malahat SkyWalk is worth it if you have kids, limited mobility, or just want an easy way to access panoramic views of the region.
The welcome center, pathways to the spiral tower, and the tower itself are wheelchair and stroller friendly.
The incline up the tower is gentle, so it’s a very accessible way to see Saanich Inlet from above. And of course, the slide is very fun.  Â
How to Get to Malahat SkyWalk
Malahat SkyWalk is located on the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation, about a 35 minute drive north of downtown Victoria.
From downtown Victoria take the TransCanada Highway, and the exit for Malahat Skywalk will be on your right, approximately 4 kilometers past Shawnigan Lake Rd.
The exit comes up very suddenly, so keep an eye out for it and be cautious of traffic as you exit the busy highway.
From Nanaimo, Malahat Skywalk is about a 1 hour drive.
You’ll take TransCanada Highway south, for about 80 kilometers. Malahat SkyWalk will be on the left.
You must pass the entrance sign and then follow signs to the designated U-turn at Malahat Chalet on the east side of the highway.
Be cautious of traffic as you use the U-turn.Â
It’s very close to Goldstream – which has my favourite waterfalls and one of my favourite hikes on the island.
Visiting Malahat SkyWalk: Things to Do
While the views from the spiral tower are definitely the star of the show, visiting Malahat SkyWalk includes several experiences.
1. The Welcome Center
When you first arrive at Malahat SkyWalk, you’ll buy your tickets (or show your pre-bought tickets) at the welcome center.Â
Before walking to the spiral tower, you have the option to use the Welcome Center’s facilities.
There’s a gift shop, bathrooms, coffee and snacks, and a canteen.
I noticed lots of beautiful handicrafts made by local Indigenous artists in the gift shop, so it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or present for a loved one.
The Welcome Center is where you start and finish your Malahat SkyWalk experience, so you have the option to use its facilities before you leave as well.
2. Arbutus Grove
To reach the spiral tower, you’ll walk a trail through a forest of arbutus trees. These are beautiful broadleaf evergreen trees, which grow up to 30 meters tall.
The path through the forest is wide and flat. It starts out as fine gravel, eventually transitioning to a boardwalk.
Through the arbutus grove walk, there are viewpoints and stops with informative signage that explains the ecology of the forest, and what wildlife lives there.
As you walk through the beautiful forest, be sure to practice responsible wildlife tourism – don’t approach or feed any of the animals you might encounter.
Keep an eye out for carvings of animals in the woods! I spotted cougars, herons, and an owl – but apparently there’s even more.
Indigenous artist Tanya Bub used driftwood to create this collection of sculptures made of driftwood that you’ll spot all throughout the Malahat SkyWalk experience.
Malahat SkyWalk’s arbutus grove forest walk takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how often you stop along the way.
3. The Spiral Tower
The forest walk leads you directly to Malahat SkyWalk’s spiral tower, which rises up to an impressive 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level.
To reach the top of the tower, you’ll walk about 600 meters (1,969 feet) of a gentle spiral walkway that winds around, taking you up to the viewing platform.
At the top of the tower, you have 360 degree views of the surrounding region, including treetops, ocean, and mountains.
4. Adventure Net
At the top of the SkyWalk viewing platform, you’ll find the Adventure Net.
It’s an 84 square meter (904 square feet) net that you can stand on, sit on, or lie down on, for views of what’s below you and above you.
It feels a bit scary to step out onto the Adventure Net… but it’s totally safe and sturdy, and it gives you a really thrilling view looking down.
5. Spiral Slide
If you want a dose of adrenaline, be sure to get back to ground level via the Malahat SkyWalk’s slide!
It’s a 20 meter long spiral slide that takes you from the top of the viewing deck back down to the ground.
As long as you’re over 5 years old and taller than 42″ (107 cm), you can go on a ride that takes around 8 seconds, and reaches speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour.
Malahat SkyWalk staff set you up with a fabric mat to sit on, which has reigns you can hold onto to keep you secure as you enjoy the ride.
Of course, if you don’t feel up for it, you also have the option to walk back down to the ground by taking the same walkway that brought you up to the top.
During the summer and on weekends, Malahat SkyWalk can get quite busy, and so often, there will be a line up to go down the slide. It’s worth the wait!
Malahat SkyWalk: Know Before You Go
Malahat SkyWalk is open year-round, but the opening hours vary according to the season’s daylight hours.
In spring and fall it’s open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, during the summer, it’s open 9:00am to 7:00pm, and during winter, 9:00am to 3:00pm.
You do not need to schedule a time to visit the Malahat SkyWalk. When you book your tickets, you’ll just select the day you’d like to go.
Particularly in the summer, Malahat SkyWalk can get very busy. I recommend going first thing in the morning, or on a weekday if you’d like to avoid the crowds.
While visiting Malahat SkyWalk, do your best to be a responsible tourist by paying attention to signage, staying on the marked pathways, and disposing of litter in the designated trash cans.
How long should you spend at Malahat SkyWalk?
I recommend 1.5 to 2 hours at Malahat SkyWalk. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the walk through the forest, climb the tower, take in the views, have fun on the slide, and walk through the forest back.
Is the Malahat SkyWalk scary?
The Malahat SkyWalk tower rises 250 meters above sea level. Because of how tall it is, the Malahat SkyWalk might be scary if you have a fear of heights.
That said, the structure is incredibly safe. The only part I found slightly scary was the adventure net, which you can easily skip.
What amenities are available at Malahat SkyWalk?
Malahat SkyWalk has a large parking lot and a welcome center with lots of amenities, including coffee, grab and go snacks, a canteen, gift shop, picnic area, and bathrooms.
Another Way to See the Views
Nina here again! My neighbour actually told me of another way to get similar views to the Malahat SkyWalk at the Villa Eyrie Resort.
If you get lunch at the restaurant and ask to sit by the window (you usually need a reservation, but sometimes they have room for walk ins during winter), you get the same views as the SkyWalk. All for the same price, but you also get a meal!
Ready to Visit the Malahat SkyWalk?
Final Thoughts: Visiting Malahat SkyWalk
Malahat SkyWalk is a fun experience that delivers beautiful views of the Saanich Peninsula, Finlayson Arm, Mount Baker and the Coast Mountains.
While admission tickets to Malahat SkyWalk are expensive, it’s worth it for anyone who wants an accessible, non-strenuous way to enjoy Vancouver Island’s outdoors, get some great photos, and enjoy panoramic views.
If you’d like to see more amazing photos like this, check out Erin on her other platforms. Erin writes the travel blog Pina Travels, and hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
Looking for your next amazing activity near Victoria? Check out the best waterfalls at Goldstream!
Read More About Epic Things to Do on Vancouver Island
- 21 Best Places To Stay In Victoria, Canada
- High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria BC
- 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC
- 14 Best Tofino Camping Spots
- 3 Best Whale Watching Tours In Tofino
- 19 Best Things to Do in Tofino, British Columbia
- 29 Best Things to Do in Ucluelet, BC
- 6 Best Grizzly Bear Tours in Vancouver Island
- 39 Best Waterfalls in Vancouver Island to Visit
- 30 Best Camping on Vancouver Island, BC
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
