Mobile Menu

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • British Columbia
        • Vancouver Island, B.C.
        • Okanagan
        • Lower Mainland, B.C.
        • Northern B.C.
        • Interior B.C.
        • Kootenays/Rockies
      • Alberta
      • Yukon
      • Northwest Territories
    • U.S.A.
      • Alaska
      • Washington
      • Oregon
      • California
    • West Coast Galleries
  • Experiences
    • West Coast Galleries
      • Nature Photography
      • Wildlife Photography
      • Cityscapes
    • Things To Do
    • Staycation Secrets
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Adventure
      • Adrenaline
      • Beaches
      • Biking
      • Camping
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Hunting and Fishing
      • Rafting
      • Skiing
    • Sip & Savour
    • Family Activities
    • Indigenous Tourism
    • Accessible Travel
    • Travel Tips & Advisories
  • Newsletter Sign-up
  • Contests
  • About
    • The Armchair Traveller Newsletter
    • Explore our travel guides
    • Impressive West Coast
    • West Coast Partners
    • West Coast Traveller Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Terms of Service
    • Explore West Coast Traveller on TikTok
      • Search
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok Icon
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Flickr Icon
  • Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok Icon
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Flickr Icon

West Coast Traveller

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • British Columbia
        • Vancouver Island, B.C.
        • Okanagan
        • Lower Mainland, B.C.
        • Northern B.C.
        • Interior B.C.
        • Kootenays/Rockies
      • Alberta
      • Yukon
      • Northwest Territories
    • U.S.A.
      • Alaska
      • Washington
      • Oregon
      • California
    • West Coast Galleries
  • Experiences
    • West Coast Galleries
      • Nature Photography
      • Wildlife Photography
      • Cityscapes
    • Things To Do
    • Staycation Secrets
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Adventure
      • Adrenaline
      • Beaches
      • Biking
      • Camping
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Hunting and Fishing
      • Rafting
      • Skiing
    • Sip & Savour
    • Family Activities
    • Indigenous Tourism
    • Accessible Travel
    • Travel Tips & Advisories
  • Newsletter Sign-up
  • Contests
  • About
    • The Armchair Traveller Newsletter
    • Explore our travel guides
    • Impressive West Coast
    • West Coast Partners
    • West Coast Traveller Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Terms of Service
    • Explore West Coast Traveller on TikTok
      • Search
You are here: Home / Travel / Window on the West Coast: Malahat Skywalk gives a bird’s-eye view of the world at your feet

Window on the West Coast: Malahat Skywalk gives a bird’s-eye view of the world at your feet

July 14, 2021 //  by Joanne Hill

Share this:

The moment you walk through the breezeway at the Malahat Skywalk entrance, a sign jumps out: “A feast for the senses.” It’s a big promise and the Skywalk more than delivers – I can honestly say I came away feeling like I’d enjoyed a banquet.

A common-ownership collaboration with the Malahat First Nations, various investors, and nature herself, the project brings together the natural beauty and outdoor experience of the West Coast in a way that I didn’t imagine it could. I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, awed, peaceful and hopeful.

General Manager, Ken Bailey explaining the significance of The Thundering Prow by First Nations artist John Marston. Photo by Cathleen Anthony

A wing-shaped sculpture, The Thundering Prow, created by First Nations master carver John Marston, stands proudly near the entrance, incorporating Thunderbird, who lives on Yos Mountain, the salmon, and a canoe, all significant elements in the traditions and culture of the Malahat First Nation.

On the way in, I had the good fortune to meet nearby residents Rosie and Joe Metcalf. They’d been anticipating this day throughout the construction and were excited to finally see it all come together. The Malahat Skywalk’s first season ticket purchasers, for them, this West Coast showcase will be their new first stop with out-of-town guests.

Territory of the raven and the eagle. Photo by Cathleen Anthony

Community and collaboration

The first stop upon visiting is the gathering place, a forest clearing that invites you into the cool green shade and celebrates both the Ancestral home of the Malahat Nation, and the land.

The immediate sense is one of welcome, community and collaboration. For thousands of years, this Malahat Nation’s lands were a traditional gathering and refuelling place for First Nations groups travelling north and south on the Island. Today you’re welcomed pause here and relax while awaiting your party or watching the kids play.

This where you might first begin to sense the heartbeat of the forest.

Moving along the pathway toward the Skywalk, keep your eyes peeled for several forest sculptures created by Tanya Bub, a local First Nations artist. Watch for Sasquatch (yes, really!), and other less mythical forest denizens such as the resident black bear and many deer.

Moving along the pathway toward the Skywalk, keep your eyes peeled for several forest sculptures created by Tanya Bub, a local First Nations artist. At the top, interpretive features share insights about the region below. Cathleen Anthony photos

Ravens and eagles

The ticketed portion of the Skywalk begins just past the post-and-beam gatehouse. The Douglas fir walkway stretches away, taking you up into the tree canopy as the industrial world begins to slip away. I’ve spent a lot of my life hiking and mountain biking through West Coast forests: this was a perspective that I had only imagined. This is the territory of the raven and the eagle.

The sights, scents and sounds of the forest are a balm for the soul and I feel tension begin to slip away. The wooden walkway underfoot is easy on the legs, and the uphill cant is unnoticeable. While usually a fast walker, my pace slowed to a stroll to take in the sights and sounds.

Interpretive signs and viewpoints with seating provided information about the abundant wildlife and the inter-connected mycelium network, the unseen network of life under the forest floor that’s the foundation for all above it – a metaphor for the collaboration that went into the project’s creation. Several spots invite you to rest or simply contemplate the serenity of the forest and peekaboo views whet the appetite for the coming feast.

Accessible for all

At a gradual five per cent grade, the 600-metre walkway is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers (just one extremely short section is slightly steeper), yet the elevation gain is 250 metres above sea level. (The tower itself is 32 metres tall, or 10 storeys).

Post-modern construction that blends into and honours the environment. Photo by Cathleen Anthony

Going up!

Upon ascending the tower, I was struck by the openness of the artful construction: Both rustic and futuristic, it’s vaguely reminiscent of a medieval castle tower. The main columns are made with a new compressed wood, Glulam, combining a strength greater than steel with the beauty of natural wood. Echoing the colour of the arbutus trees growing abundantly nearby, the Skywalk blends with the landscape, despite its imposing size.

The very top of the tower is open, and it was like stepping into the sky: Breathtaking, including a spectacular vantage of Finlayson arm that I’ve only seen previously from a plane.

Interpretive signs showcase the unique ecosystem that is the Salish Sea and the history and stories of the First Nations people who’ve called this land home for countless generations. The signs were a combined effort between many groups to provide an accurate and informative picture.

The view: Olympic mountains in the distance. Photo by Cathleen Anthony

Sparkling sea and endless sky

Below, the Salish Sea sparkles and birds wheel. The water is so clear that you can see to the bottom in some places. Mount Baker sits to the east, visible on a clear day, and the Olympic Mountains stand tall to the south.

After taking in the view, a few surprises were still to come.

First, you can “walk” in the sky. A huge rope net stretches over a portion of the floor, allowing those unfazed by heights the ability to look a full 10 storeys straight down– amazing!

Second, is the spiral slide running down the middle – just plain fun and offering a quick descent! To take in the view a bit longer, return back down the walkway to the café and patio below.

Throughout construction, environmental impact was key. Replenishing native species like Garry oak and removing invasives like Scotch broom will help restore the natural environment. Local companies, products and workers were all used whenever possible, and the pride in the almost-finished construction was evident during our visit ahead of the July 15, 2021grand opening.

The writer and Nadia Petrossa, right, who is proud to be a part of the team at the Malahat Skywalk. Photo by Cathleen Anthony

Chatting with Nadia Petrossa, putting the final touches on the landscaping, I learned she had left a high-powered desk job in Dubai to become an Outdoor Host at the Malahat Skywalk. For her, there was no question about that decision. She, like others here, believes this unique experience brings the true spirit of the West Coast, its nature, its First Nations, and the hope that through collaboration and community there is a better future for the planet and all its people, together in one place.

To get there:

From Victoria, take Highway 1 north. To return to Victoria, turn right out of the entrance and head north to find the U-turn route, about 5km.

From the Nanaimo, take Highway 1 south, continue past the entrance (no left turn) about 10 km to the U-turn route to go north.

For tickets and annual pass information, check out the link here. Learn more and plan your visit at malahatskywalk.com

Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!

Share this:

Category: TravelTag: British Columbia Destinations, Canada, Family activities, Greater Victoria, Things to do, Things to Do in Vancouver Island, Travel, WCT Intro, West Coast Adventures

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

Nelson artist launches new West Kootenay Hiking guide

Abby Wilson’s favourite hike in the Nelson area is the White Queen Trail near Whitewater.…

Nelson artist launches new West Kootenay Hiking guideRead More

BC Ferries adding over 1,000 round trips for busy summer season

With the Victoria Day long weekend just around the corner, BC Ferries says they are…

BC Ferries adding over 1,000 round trips for busy summer seasonRead More

Vancouver Island museum launches 2025 ‘History on the Water’ guided boat tours

The Museum at Campbell River has announced the return of its “History on the Water”…

Vancouver Island museum launches 2025 ‘History on the Water’ guided boat toursRead More

What are the cheapest days of the week to fly?

With airfares expected to remain elevated throughout 2025, according to online travel marketplace Hopper, finding…

What are the cheapest days of the week to fly?Read More

Victoria hotels clinch top 2 positions in Tripadvisor’s ‘best of the best’

A pair of Victoria hotels have taken the top two positions in the 2025 TripAdvisor…

Victoria hotels clinch top 2 positions in Tripadvisor’s ‘best of the best’Read More

48 hours in Kelowna: Your ultimate summer escape

Kelowna might be known for its lake views and wine country charm, but in just…

48 hours in Kelowna: Your ultimate summer escapeRead More

Okanagan’s Keremeos Grist Mill welcomes 40th year with summer concert series launch

World-class talent is set to hit the stage this summer in a magical destination that…

Okanagan’s Keremeos Grist Mill welcomes 40th year with summer concert series launchRead More

New Lytton Chinese History Museum rises from the ashes

Quan Yin, the Buddhist embodiment of compassion and mercy, is once again greeting visitors at…

New Lytton Chinese History Museum rises from the ashesRead More

Westjet, Air Canada expanding services at Cranbrook airport

Two major air carriers are expanding capacity at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, beginning this…

Westjet, Air Canada expanding services at Cranbrook airportRead More

Previous Post: « Hidden treasures: Artist leaves raku pottery to be discovered across Vancouver Island, Powell River
Next Post: WSANEC leadership council announces orca monitoring program »

Primary Sidebar

Things To Do

Nelson artist launches new West Kootenay Hiking guide

May 19, 2025

BC Ferries adding over 1,000 round trips for busy summer season

May 15, 2025

Vancouver Island museum launches 2025 ‘History on the Water’ guided boat tours

May 15, 2025

What are the cheapest days of the week to fly?

May 12, 2025

Recent Posts

Nelson artist launches new West Kootenay Hiking guide

May 19, 2025

BC Ferries adding over 1,000 round trips for busy summer season

May 15, 2025

Vancouver Island museum launches 2025 ‘History on the Water’ guided boat tours

May 15, 2025

What are the cheapest days of the week to fly?

May 12, 2025

Footer

The West Coast Traveller has an immense social media footprint, with eight social media sites and and 125,000+ social followers.

Join us on social media and Join Our Community by sharing your stuff!

Get Inspired

News Media Groups

Black Press Media
Sound Publishing
Oahu Media Group
Alaska
Boulevard Magazines
Used.ca

Let’s Get Social

West Coast Traveller
I Love British Columbia
I Love Alberta
I Love Yukon
I Love Northwest Territories
I Love Washington
I Love California
I Love Oregon
I Love Alaska

Visit Our Companion Sites

I Love Saskatchewan
I Love Manitoba
I Love Nunavut
I Love Ontario
I Love Quebec
I Love Newfoundland and Labrador
I Love Nova Scotia
I Love New Brunswick
I Love Prince Edward Island

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • TikTok Icon
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 West Coast Traveller and · All Rights Reserved