Victoria BC Tourism

Lesson 5: Parks & Beaches

Saanich

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
Rainbow Rd, off Mackenzie
Although it is set in an urban area, this is a favorite place for walking amidst peaceful surroundings. A low-lying marshy area surrounds Swan Lake where it is a habitat for birds, water mammals like mink and muskrat. The interpretation centre sells bags of seeds for feeding the birds. A trail connects Swan Lake to Christmas Hill. Along the way, there is a pond and meadowlands. Up on the forested hill, there are breathtaking views.

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Mount Douglas Park
Marine Drive to Ash Road & Cordova Bay Road
This 25 acre park offers everything from a beach at Cordova Bay to hiking trails leading up to a breathtaking view at the summit of Mount Douglas. The trails take visitors through a lush forest of cedar and Douglas fir. There are remains of an abandoned mine on some of the trails. For people who prefer not to climb up Mount Douglas, there is a road leading to the summit.

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Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Haliburton Road and Sayward Road
The two lakes are joined by a channel and have four beaches for swimming. In addition, these lakes are great for canoeing, rowing, windsurfing, boating, fishing and waterskiing. This is the training ground for the Canadian Rowing Team. There are hiking, cycling and horse trails around the lakes with open spaces for picnics. There are several pond with surround wetlands which make it a popular birdwatching area.

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Bear Hill Regional Park
Bear Hill Rd off Brookleigh Rd
Located north of Beaver/Elk Lake Park, on the Pat Bay Highway, this park covers 114 acres on Bear Hill. The trails lead up to the summit where visitors can get a great view of the Gulf Islands and the Saanich Peninsula. This is a gathering place for bald eagles.

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Island View Regional Park
Island View Rd, off Pat Bay Highway
Not far from Sidney, this park is known for the best beach in the area. It is a great place for sunbathing, beachcombing, swimming, picnicking and boating. There are several islands offshore which are popular landing places for paddlers. Away from the water are hiking and biking trails leading to a marsh where birdwatchers can observe several species of birds and wildlife.

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Francis/King Parks
Munn’s Road off Prospect lake Rd
Named after two local naturalists, there are 90 hectares of forest and wetlands. The numerous trails take visitors through a forest of Douglas fir trees that are reputed to be the tallest in Saanich. Along the way, there are wildflower meadows and a marsh where reptiles and birds can be viewed. There is a new wheelchair accessible trail combining boardwalks and hard packed gravel. The Interpretive Centre has displays of wildlife and plantlife from the park.

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Mount Work Regional Park
Willis Point Road off West Saanich Rd
Located in the Highlands area, there are several lakes for fishing, picnicking, swimming and canoeing. Mount Work is the highest summit on the Saanich Peninsula and the hike is challenging. For a less strenuous climb, there are trails to McKenzie Bight, Partridge Hills and Jocelyn Hill. Of the three lakes in the park, Durrance Lake is the most popular.

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Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Millstream Road to Caleb Pike Road
North of Mount Work Regional Park in the Highlands, this is a protection area for the Gowlland Range and provides visitors with miles of hiking trails in the uplands and marine activities on Tod Inlet and Finlayson Arm of Saanich Inlet. The forested trails are somewhat strenuous but do provide fantastic scenic lookouts along the way. At the beaches, there are beachcombing opportunities and anchorage facilities. Wildlife and marine life is plentiful.

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Cadboro Bay Beach/Gyro Park
Cadboro Bay Rd. at the end of Sinclair Rd
This sandy beach is a favourite for families because of the unique playground at Gyro Park. It is a popular site for windsurfing and small sail boats, in addition to beach combing. There is a legendary Sea Monster, "Caddy" that is a relative of the Loch Ness monster, believed to be living in the bay.

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Mount Tolmie Park
Off Mayfair Drive
Named after a local biologist, this mountain offers one of the best scenic lookouts on southern Vancouver Island. Visitors are able to see a 360 degree panoramic view of Victoria, the mountains of Washington State, Haro Strait and the Saanich Peninsula. There are several trails for exploring many areas on the mountain.

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