Making a difference...
PARKS GUIDE PARKS GUIDE
Making a difference together CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
Beaches and Coastal
Gulf Islands
Forest
Albert Head Lagoon 5
East Point 8
Francis/King 9
East Sooke 8
Mount Norman 7
East Sooke 8
Devonian 6
Mount Parke 7
Thetis Lake 12
East Point 8 Witty’s Lagoon 12 Island View Beach 11
Roche Cove 14
Hilltop Bear Hill 5
Lake/Recreation
Gonzales Hill 13
Elk/Beaver Lake 9
Horth Hill 13
Thetis Lake 12
Park Reserves
Lone Tree Hill 14
Matheson Lake 14
Ayum Creek 15
Mill Hill
Mount Work11
Mill Farm 15
Mount Norman 7
Mount Wells 15
Mount Parke 7
Sooke Hills Wilderness 15
Mount Work 11
Coles Bay6
Regional Trail Galloping Goose 10 CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
Four Seasons in CRD Parks In March, shooting star wildflowers explode across the slopes of Mill Hill. On a hot August afternoon, a harbour seal breaks the surface in Coles Bay, scans the shoreline, and vanishes. On a cool October morning, a bald eagle swoops low, looking for fish in Witty’s Lagoon. After a December downpour, water droplets glisten on sword ferns in Mount Work. Here, not long ago, Aboriginal peoples trapped migrating salmon, hunted elk, and dug cannas bulbs. The Coast Salish people crafted baskets, clothing, and canoes from cedar and moved quietly with the seasons.
landscapes – rocky coast, lake, forest, marsh, lagoon, hilltop, beach, and dune – in 25 CRD parks. Our mandate is to manage these heritage lands for present and future generations. To assist us in this goal, we offer parks for a variety of recreational uses, from protected wilderness to creation in a natural setting. Read on to find brief descriptions of each park. Come and explore. This is your natural heritage.
In 1842, James Douglas claimed the land for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Over 150 years and 250,000 people later, much has changed -– including the original landscape. Today, the Capital Regional District (CRD) protects and preserves more than 8,100 hectares of spectacular and easily accessible coastal and island
CRD Parks Guide
Capital Regional District Parks 1 Albert Head Lagoon 2 Ayum Creek 3 Bear Hill
Making a difference... 20 Mount Wells
24 Thetis Lake
17 Mill Hill
21 Mount Work
25 Witty’s Lagoon
18 Mount Norman
22 Roche Cove
19 Mount Parke
23 Sooke Hills Wilderness
4 Coles Bay 5 Devonian 6 East Point 7 East Sooke 8 Elk/Beaver Lake
KEY MAP
9Francis/King
12 North Saanich
South Pender Island
4 Central Saanich
11 Gonzales Hill 12 Horth Hill
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13 Island View Beach
23
14 Lone tree hill
14 24
23 10
15 Matheson Lake
CRD Parks Guide
Saturna Island 6
16
10 Galloping Goose Trail
16 Mill Farm
Mayne Island 19
Salt Spring Island
Langford 20
2
Vancouver Island Area of Map
7
5
13
8
9 10 17 Colwood
22 15
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Oak Bay 1 11 Victoria 25 Metchosin
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Making a difference... BEAR
ALBERT HEAD LAGOON This small lagoon serves as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge for a variety of birds. It offers:a protected lagoon that attracts local ducks, geese and swans,as well as many varieties of migrating birdsa cobble beach To Victoria
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Wander along the gentle forest trails of this hilltop park and enjoy a profusion of wildflowers in the spring - mixed woodland of western red cedar,Douglas fir, Garry oak, and arbutus - views of the Saanich
Located on Delgada Road in Metchosin
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Farhill Rd.
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Albert Head Lagoon
Bear Hill Rd. P P
Delgada Rd.
Royal Bay
Brookleigh Road
Peninsula and Haro Strait - trails for both hikers and horse riders - trail connections to Elk/ Beaver Lake Regional Park Size; 49 hectares (121 acres) Acquired;1970 Located at Bear Hill Road in Saanich
To Sidney & Swartz Bay
Activities: birdwatching, beachcombing Facilities: parking
So To Sooke
to enjoy a picnic, beachcomb, and bird watch views of Victoria and the distant Olympic Mountains Size: 7 hectares ( 17 acres ) Acquired; 1978
HILL
BEAR HILL
Activities: hiking, horse riding, sightseeing Facilities: parking, trails
Rd. ard w y Sa Hamsterly Rd. To Victoria
CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
COLES BAY
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CRD Parks Guide
the Olympics, Race Rocks and Juan de Fuca Starit. Size; 13 hectares (32 acres) Aquired; 1980 Located on William Head Road in Metchosin Activities; biking, horse riding, bird watching, beach combing, nature study. Facilities; parking, trails,
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Facilities; trails,parking,picnic tables, pit toilets.
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Coles Bay
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DEVONIAN
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Swartz Bay Activities; bird watching, Inverness Rd. hiking and picnicking.
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Located on Inverness Road in North Saanich.
Tucked between Metchosin farmlands, this small nature sanctuary includes a gentle walking trail through mixed woodland along a winding creek. Acobble beach for picnicking and beach combing, as well as bird watching at Sherwood Pond. Views to
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To Deep Cove
cedar and along a quiet creek, a secluded bay for picnicking, bird watching and beach conbined Size; 4 hectares (10 acres) Aquired: 1966
Me
Located on the western side of the Saanich Peninsula, this small park offers a quiet refuge, including a winding nature trail through towering
DEVONIAN
Parry Bay
Making a difference...
MOUNT NORMAN A hilltopin the quiet channels of the Gulf Islands, it provides the highest view point on South Pender Island, views of the other gulf islands, Vancouver, the lower mainland and
Mount Baker, with connecting trails to Beaumont Provincial Marine Park Size; 101 hectares (250) acres Acquired;1988
North Pender Island BC Ferries to Swartz Bay and Sthn Gulf Islands
Mackinnon Rd. Bedwell Harbour Rd. Ainslie Point Rd.
P Canal Rd.
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Located off Canal Road or off Ainslie Point Road, on South Pender Island in the southern Gulf Islands. Activities; hiking facilities, parking, trails, pit toilets, view point
MOUNT PARKE Located on Mayne Island in the Gulf Islands this view point offers the highest view point of the other islands and the lower mainland on Mayne. There is a variety of wild flowers and birds to observe while
Mayne Island
hiking the hills and slopes of Mount Parke. Size; 40 hectares (99 acres) Acquired;1992
Georgia Strait
Fernhill Rd. BC Ferries ro Swartz Village P Montrose Bay and other Bay Rd. Rd. Sthn Gulf Islans
Located off Montrose on Mayne Island in the Gulf Islands. Activities; hiking facilities, parking, trails,pit toilets and view point.
South Pender Island
CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
EAST SOOKE
EAST POINT
Georgia Strait BC Ferries to Swartz Bay & Sthn. Gulf Islands
Tumbo Channel Rd. Saturna Island
CRD Parks Guide
East Point P
Activities: strolling, sightseeing, photographyFacilities: parking, pit toilets
Sooke Basin Rd.
Located on Tumbo Channel Road on Saturna Island
East Point
Discover the place where the west coast begins, where the forest meets the sea, and the trees cling to wind swept cliffs. This park features 50km of trails through forest, marsh and field. 10km of rugged coastline trail, pocket beaches, rocky bays and islets
Sooke Inlet
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exposed along the cliffs. Spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia, the San Juans and the Cascade MountainsSize; 2.5 hectares Acquired; 1996
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This former light house property along the sculpted shore of Saturna Island includes shelves of sand stone rock in the inter tidal zone, a small pocket of beach and shell midden
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East Sooke Rd.
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for beach combing, scuba diving and exploring tidal pools. Views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic mountains. Size; 1,424 hectares ( 5.5 sq. miles Acquired 1966 Located off East Sooke Road in East Sooke Activities: hiking, birdwatching, nature study, photography,beachcombing, picnicking Facilities: parking, pit toilets, picnic tables, trails
Making a difference...
FRANCIS/KING
ELK LAKE?BEAVER LAKE
Beaver Lk.
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Facilities: parking, washrooms, lifeguard supervised swimming, concessions, boat launch, picnic tables and shelters, drinking water, trails
Activities: birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, nature study Av e.
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Located on Munn Road in Saanich
Francis / King
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Activities: hiking, cycling, swimming, horse riding, birdwatching, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, sail boarding, rowing, water skiing, fishing, nature study
Munn
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Hwy.
Elk Lake
Located off the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy. 17) in Saanich
cedar board walk for wheel chair access; trail connections to Thetis Lake Regional park. Size; 133hectares (279 acres) Acquired; 1979
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Bear Hill Rd.
Sayward Rd.
This park is ideal for exploring nature,here you will find 11km of gentle woodland trails, spring wild flower meadows, and a nature house meeting room.The Elsie King trail, a
Prosp
Brookleigh Rd.
abound, with picnic area and fishing pier. Access for people with walking disabilities, Size; 411 hectares (1,016 acres). Acquired 1966
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This popular recreation area offers outdoor opportunities for everyone. There is a large fresh water lake to swim in, canoeing, and fishing, walking and bridle pathsthrough the forest. Fields, wetlands and beaches
Facilities: nature house, pit toilets, parking, picnic tables
ada Hwy
Trans-Can
To Victoria
CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
GALLOPING GOOSE TRAIL
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Sooke Basin
CRD Parks Guide
Activities: cycling, hiking, walking, horse riding, in-line skating Facilities: parking, pit toilets, trail
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Accessible at numerous points along the trail ( 10 km section from Victoria to Colwood is paved). For a map, contact CRD Parks at (250) 478-3344 or at http://www.crd.bc.ca/ parks/index.htm
Inner Harbour
Juan de Fuca Strait
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into deep forest, and past rocky shorelineDeer and raccoon, heron and hawk, squirrel and field mouse can be seen by the watchful eye Size: 57 km long Acquired: 1987
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This former railway line offers a unique experienceThe 57 km trail begins in Victoria and connects with Saanich, View royal, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, and SookeCyclists pedestrians, in-line skaters,and horse riders share the trail through urban neighbourhoods (paved trail), rolling farmland,
Victoria
Ave.
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MOUNT WORK PARK This popular recreation spot offers a variety of landscapes and activitiesThree freshwater lakes - Durrance, Fork, and Peace - for swimming, canoeing, and
fishing11 km of trails through forest to the summit of Mount Work Size: 536 hectares (1,325 acres) Aquired: 1970
Wallace Drive
P y Pat Ba
To Royal Oak
Locatedon Island View Road in Central Sannich
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swimming a fragile sand dune area, home to several rare and beautiful plantsa boat launch for access to Cordova Channel and Haro Strait
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Ross/Durrance Rd.
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Activities: hiking, picnicking, mountain biking ( in Hartland section only), canoeing, swimming, fishing Facilities: trails, parking, pit toilets
Nestled along the eastern shore of the Sannich Peninsula, this park providesa panorama of land and seascapesa long, sandy beach for beachcombing, picnicking, and
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Located off Willia Point Road in the Highlands
ISLAND VIEW BEACH
Homathko Road Park Entrance
Hwy. CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
WITTY�S LAGOON
THETIS LAKE This popular recreation area offers numerous outdoor activities in a natural setting, including swamp and lake ecosystems for nature study;
fresh watrer to swim in; canoeing and fishing. There are beaches with seasonal life guards and a picnic area Size; 635 hectares (1569 acres) Acquired;1993 Activities; Hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating (electric motors), fishing, nature study, horse riding..
To Highlands
Highlands Rd.
Facilities; parking, wash rooms, changing rooms, life guard, supervised swimming., concessions, picnic tables, To Victoria trails.
P To Duncan
Six Mile Rd.
Trans-Canada Hwy.
Old Island Hwy. To Sooke
CRD Parks Guide
Visit this park and discover its charm; a lovely lagoon, excellent for bird watching at any time of the year. More than five km of trails through the woodland, past lagoon and marsh. d.
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Duke Rd.
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Olympic View Dr.
P Witty’s Lagoon
Witty Beach Road
Parry Bay
To Victoria
A sandy beach overlooking rocky headlands and offshore islets, also a nature information center. Size; 56 hectares (118acres) Acquired; 1966 Activities; hiking, bird watching, beachconbing, horse riding, swimming, picnicking, nature study. Facilities; parking, trails, nature house, pit toilets.
Making a difference...
GONZALES HILL This protected natural landscape in the heart of the city features unparraleled views of Victoria, Juan De Fuca Starit, the Olympic Mountains and the Sooke Hills.
Fairfield R
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Dallas Rd.
Rd.
Located on a large rocky knoll on Denison Road in Victoria/Oak Bay
Bay Fou l
Gonzales Hill
Offers habitat for California quail, rare wild flowers and and a stand of Gary Oak trees; Gonzales Observatory, a weather station for 75 years, now a heritage building. Acquired in 1992
Denison Rd.
P Crescent Rd
. h Dr c a e B
Activities: sightseeingfacilities: parking
NORTH HILL Follow the summit trail of this hilltop park and enjoy panoramic views of Saanich Peninsula, Satellite Channel and Gulf Islands.; a close up view of wildflowers in the spring and
Tatlow Rd.
P
Wain Rd.
mushrooms in the fall. There are trails for hikers and horse riders. Size; 31 hectares (77acres) Acquired;1966
To Swartz Bay Located on Tatlow Rd. in North Saanich. y Activities; hiking, bird watching sight w H seeing, horse riding. ya B Facilities; parking,trails,pit toilets. t Pa
Tsehum Harbour
To Victoria
Strait of Juan De Fuca
CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
MATHESON LAKE This neighbour to Roche Cove Regional Park offers everything from nature appreciation to swimming and fishing. Some of the main features are, a picturesque Ha
To Sooke
Gillespie Rd.
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Roche Cove Park
Located on Matheson Lake Park Road in Metchosin. Facilities; Parking, trails and pit toilets.
Ro ck y
Sooke Rd.
Located on the Gillespie Road in East Sooke Avtivities: hiking, horse riding, birdwatching Facilities: trails, parking, pit toilets
lake set behind orested hills, several kilometers of trails including the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Size; 162 hectares ( 400 acres). Acquired; 1994
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through cedar forest and along the Galloping Goose trailHilltop views of Roche Cove and the Sooke Basin Size: 159 hectares (393) Acquired: 1985
Me tch os
Hike along a cool creek at midday or paddle atill waters in early morning light, and enjoySerentity and seclusion on a mossy slope or by a quite cove Seven km of trails
in R
ROCHE COVE
P Matheson Lk. Pk. Rd. To East Sooke Regional Park
Sooke Basin
LONE TREE HILL
Roche Cove
Matheson Lk Regional Park
From the summit of this smal park you can view the Malahat, the Highlands, Victoria and the distant Olympic Mountains. Look closer and find rare and beautiful plants nestled P
To East Sooke Rd.
Millstream Rd.
Lone Tree Hill To Victoria
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CRD Parks Guide
To Duncan
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in the steep, dry rock faces. Bald eagles, ravens and red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures can be seen riding the thermals. Locted on Millstream Rd. in the Highlands.
Making a difference...
PARK RESERVES CRD Parks builds a system of parks by occasionally acquiring land for future regional parks. These landscapes have few, if any, visitor facilities and public use is not encouraged. CRD Parks will only
AYUM CREEK This five hectare park protects the regionally significant stream estuary of Ayum Creek, which empties into Sooke Basin. Syum is also a spawning stream for wild coho and chum salmon. The park is an important link in the seato-sea green/ blue belt between Sooke Basin and the Saanich Inlet. (Acquired in 1998)
develop visitor facilities based on public interest, and following completion of a natural resource inventory, and approval of a management plan. Our primary goal for park reserves is the protection of natural and cultural resources.
MILL FARM Located on the western slopes of Mount Bruce on Salt Spring Island, Mill Farm (65 hectares) includes oldgrowth Douglas fir, an old mill site and views of the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan Valley. (Acquired in 1996.)
MOUNT WELLS This 88 hectare park features a hill with wildflower and Garry oak meadows, and views of the Sooke Hills, Colwood and Langford. (Acquired in 1996.)
SOOKE HILLS WILDERNESS This former non-catchment area of the Greater Victoria Water District in Sooke is know for is wilderness character, ecological importance, and watershed values. Located in Sooke, public access to this 4,107 hectare park is prohibited.
CRD Parks Guide
Making a difference...
PARKS GUIDE PARKS GUIDE
Capital Regional District Parks, 490 Atkins Avenue, Victoria, B.C.Canada, V9B 2Z8 Telephone; 250-478-3344, fax; 250-478-5416, 250-474-PARK (recorded information). www.crd.bc.ca/parks/index.htm
Making a difference together CRD Parks Guide