A GUIDE TO
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS USER-FRIENDLY adjective 1. easy to learn, use, understand, or deal with
Easy to use walking, hiking and wheeling trails in Greater Victoria, BC
Our Story Our story begins with the Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (IACDI). In 2006, the committee envisioned an accessible trail guide that would encourage people of all abilities to participate in the outdoors. With the assistance of West Shore Parks & Recreation, IACDI received a grant from 2010 Legacies Now/Measuring Up. The funds allowed for the City of Colwood, City of Langford, District of Highlands, District of Metchosin and the Town of View Royal to implement a total of 13 accessible improvements.
CRD Regional Parks received a grant from UBCM to increase visitor accessibility. It included implementing a trail assessment for recreation needs of seniors and communication tools to share the results. In partnership, IACDI, CRD Parks and West Shore Parks & Recreation began to develop a tool that highlights easy to use outdoor experiences in our region. The Guide to User-Friendly Trails is a pilot project which has focussed on the West Shore communities and CRD parks. In its creation we hope to inspire others to look at their trail systems with a user-friendly lens.
“We can achieve more together than alone; the power is in our partnerships.� ~ Marnie Essery IACDI Chair
Table of Contents
Galloping Goose Regional Trail
PAGE
1 Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle
6
2 Sooke River Rd. to Charters River Trestle
8
3 Roche Cove to Rocky Point
10
East Sooke Regional Park 4 Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay
12
5 Aylard Farm to Becher Bay
14
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park 6
West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter 16
7
Tower Point (Seasonal)
18
Esquimalt Lagoon 8 Art Space (Amenity)
20
West Shore Parks & Recreation 9 Trail at JDF Recreation Centre
24
Colwood Creek Park 10 Colwood Creek Trail
26
Langford 11 Glen Lake Park
28
Greater Victoria FP Accessible Fishing Piers
30
Portage Park 12 Portage Trail
32
Francis/King Regional Park Reading Trail Profiles
2
Map Legend
3
Being Prepared
4
Adapted Equipment Loans
5
Overview Map
22-23
13 Elsie King Trail
34
Mount Work Regional Park 14 Munn Road Loop
36
Lochside Regional Trail 15 Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle
38
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Partners & Sponsors
44
Links & Resources
45
Island View Beach Regional Park
Additional Contributors
45
17
16 Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch
Beach Trail
40 42
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
How To Read a Trail Profile A trail profile is an elevation diagram which is included with each of our highlighted trail maps.
These profiles show key features about the trail such as trail length, rest stops, view points, washrooms and grade changes. The numbers on the profile correspond with the numbers on the map to identify the key feature’s location. Most of the trails highlighted have grades of 6% or less; this means that in 10 metres of a horizontal run you would climb or descend 0.6 metres. When we think of ramps for people with disabilities, the range of acceptable grades is between 5% to 8.3%. This means a ramp will rise between 0.5 metres to 0.83 m metres in a 10 metres horizontal run. The lower the percentage grade the gentler the climb or descent. Trail profiles are a tool to allow the user to make an informed decision to determine the level of access for themselves. Please note there is always some level of risk with any outdoor activity. DISCLAIMER This guide is for general information purposes only. The creators of this document make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information or the suitability of the maps for any purpose. The creators of this document will not be liable for any damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of the guide.
2 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Map Legend Beach
2
Location Number
Bench
Featured Trail
Bike Parking
Other Featured Trail
Boat Launch
Trail
Camping (RV/Tent)
Municipal Boundary
Cycling
Major Road
Fishing
Highway
Hiking
River/Creek
Horseback Riding
Regional Trail
Nature Centre
Park
Parking
Building
Accessible Parking
Parking Lot
Picnic Area
First Nation Reserve
Accessible Picnic Shelter
DND
Picnic Shelter
Capital Regional District
Playground
Lake / Reservoir
Accessible Public Toilet
Drinking Water Supply Area (Not open to the public)
Public Toilet Rowing Shelter Trail / Park Information View Point Water Fountain
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
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Being Prepared How to Dress • Even in summer, be prepared for wet, cool conditions. West coast weather can change quickly. • Dress in layers. • Wear clothing that stays warm when wet and dries quickly (i.e. fleece - not cotton). • Wear appropriate footwear (i.e. sturdy hiking shoes). Hike Safely • Plan your trip and stick to the plan. • Check weather forecasts before heading out. • Make sure your equipment is in good working order. • Know the trails of the parks you visit. Read park brochures and information kiosks. • Stay on designated trails. • Hike with a friend, in a group, or leave a trip plan with a friend. If you don’t return on schedule, your friend can contact emergency personnel. • If lost, make yourself visible and stay where you are until help arrives. Protect Your Valuables Unfortunately, thieves strike where people gather. Leave your valuables at home, or take them with you. Don’t forget to lock your car.
4 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
What to Bring Always carry a daypack filled with essentials. Although your plan may be for a short walk it’s a good idea to plan for a full day event in case of an emergency Here are some suggestions: • current map of area • water • snacks and extra food • cell phone • flashlight or head lamp and spare batteries • large orange plastic bag (useful as rainwear, shelter or for signalling) • extra clothing in a waterproof plastic bag (i.e. raingear, hat, gloves) • sunscreen • first aid kit (be familiar with the contents) • whistle • pack of tissues • plastic bags for pet droppings • fully charged mobility device, ie: electric wheelchair/scooter battery
Adapted Equipment Loans Recreation Integration Victoria (RIV) is an intermunicipally funded service that facilitates active lifestyles for people with disabilities. RIV works closely with West Shore Parks & Recreation, the Capital Regional District, and the Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues. RIV has a variety of specially designed or adapted equipment for loan including an all terrain wheelchair, TrailRiders™, and a variety of handcycles available for those with mobility and agility issues. People using this service call and reserve the equipment, fill out a registration form and waivers, pay a nominal maintenance fee, and a refundable deposit. You can view the equipment online at www.rivonline.org/Outdoor%20Equipment.html Below: Partners Trail Scouting
Facilitating active lifestyles for people with disabilities
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
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GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL
Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle
Getting There From Sooke Road travel 6.4 km north on Sooke River Road to the Sooke Potholes parking lot 2. About the Hike 2.2km (return) • Multi-use recreational trail • Accessible toilets and a picnic area at the trailhead • Smooth gravel surface with less than 2% grades • Viewpoints from Todd Creek Trestle
Photo Courtesy of Rick Leche
Black-Tailed Deer
Bracken Fern
6 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
What to Expect • Year round parking for 40+ vehicles (seasonal pay parking May 1– September 30) • 2 accessible parking stalls • Room for mid-size buses • No public transit Extend Your Experience • Visit the Old Lodge site and take in the views of the Sooke River Canyon • From Sooke Potholes Trail parking lot #1 hike the short trail to Crescent Beach • From Todd Creek Trestle continue on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail 2 km to the Charters River Trestle do hike #2
Parking Lot 2
1
Barnes Station Historic Site
1
Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve
Old Lodge Site
Galloping Goose Regional Trail
Sooke Potholes Regional Park
er Rd e Riv Sook
S ooke River
Crescent Beach
2
Parking Lot 1 Todd Creek Trestle 3
Todd Creek
100
Metres 200
Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
Sooke Ri ve r
Elevation Change (m)
0
1
Distance (m)100
200
300
400
500
600
700
2 800
900
1,000
3 1,100
GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL
Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle
About the Hike 2km (return) • Multi-use recreational trail • Accessible toilets and a rest area at the trailhead • Smooth gravel surface with less than 2% grades • Viewpoints from Charters River Trestle What to Expect • Year round parking for 15 vehicles (seasonal over-flow parking available) • Room for mini buses • No designated accessible parking stalls • No public transit
Rest Station
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Golden Eagle
8 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Extend Your Experience • Continue north on the Galloping Goose to the Todd Creek Trestle (Hike #1) • Visit the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Center at 2895 Sooke River Road
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Getting There: From Sooke Road travel 2.3 km north on Sooke River Road to the Sooke River Road parking lot.
2 Salmon Interpretive Centre Charters River Rd
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Charters River Trestle Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve
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Galloping Goose Regional Trail
Riv er
Sooke River Rd
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Metres 200
100
Elevation Change (m)
Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
2
1
Distance (m) 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL
Roche Cove to Rocky Point
About the Hike 4.7km (one way) • multi-use trail with a smooth gravel surface • Gradual slopes in a forested environment • Ocean and lake views from various locations Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Red Squirrel
What to Expect • Parking for 12 vehicles • Room for mid-size buses • Accessible toilets • Public transit (Mon-Fri) route #64 • No accessible parking stalls Extend Your Experience • Take the side trail to Matheson Lake and take the steep access trail to the beach • Drive to Aylard Farm in East Sooke Regional Park and do hike #5 • Drive to Pike Road in East Sooke Regional Park and do hike #4
Roche Cove Rest Station 10 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Kerr
Getting There Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to Gillespie Road. Drive down Gillespie Road 2.7 km to Roche Cove Regional Park.
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Roche Cove Regional Park
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Galloping Goose Regional Trail
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Gillespie Rd
Matheson Lake
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Matheson Lake Regional Park
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Beecher Bay First Nation
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DND
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30 15 0
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Distance (m) 500
2 1,000
Su tia cu m
Elevation Change (m)
Roche Cove to Rocky Point ELEVATION PROFILE
BEECHER BAY F T NATION FIRST 1,500
2,000
3 2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK
Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay
About the Hike 1.5km (one way) • Smooth gravel surface • Gradual slopes in a forested environment • Ocean views from a rest shelter
Aylard Farm
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
What to Expect • Parking for 20+ vehicles • Room for mid-size buses • Accessible toilets at both ends of the trail • No public transportation • No accessible parking stalls
12 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Extend Your Experience • Take the short steep trail down to Iron Mine Bay beach • Drive to Aylard Farm in East Sooke Regional Park and do hike #5 • Drive to Roche Cove and do hike #3 from Roche Cove to Rocky Point Road
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Getting There: Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to Gillespie Road. Drive down Gillespie Road to the junction with East Sooke Road. Turn west onto East Sooke Road and travel 7.8km to Pike Road. Park in the parking lot at the end of Pike Road.
4
e Pik
d ooke R East S
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Silv er S pra yD r
Pike Cree k
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East Sooke Regional Park
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Iron Mine Bay 0
Metres 200
100
Elevation Change (m)
Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay Trail ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
2
1
Distance (m)
250
500
750
1,000
1,250
1,500
EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK
Aylard Farm to Becher Bay
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Aylard Farm
Photo Courtesy of Vearl Brown
Red-tailed Hawk
14 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
About the Hike 300m (one way) • Smooth gravel surface • Gradual slopes through old farmland and coastal forest environments • Ocean views from rest shelter What to Expect • Parking for 70+ vehicles (summer overflow parking also available) • Room for full-size buses • 4 accessible parking stalls • Accessible toilets at trailhead • Picnic areas • No public transit Extend Your Experience • Take the short steep trail down to Becher Bay beach • Drive to Pike Road in East Sooke Regional Park and do hike #4 • Drive to Roche Cove and do hike #3 from Roche Cove to Rocky Point Road • Walk along one of the numerous trails in the Aylard Farm fields
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Getting There Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to Gillespie Road. Drive down Gillespie Road to the junction with East Sooke Road, turn east onto East Sooke Road and travel 2.0km to Becher Bay Road. Drive 1.6km to the end of Becher Bay Road.
Becher Bay R d
5 Aylard Farm
East Sooke Regional Park
1
2
3
20
Elevation Change (m)
0
Becher Bay
Metres 40
Aylard Farm to Becher Bay ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
2
1
Distance (m)
50
100
150
200
250
3
WITTY’S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK
Getting There Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to Metchosin Road and drive 6.8 km to the entrance to the West-Mont Montessori School. The trailhead is off the elementary school parking lot close to the school. (Parking is very limited – busy times are during early morning drop off and mid afternoon pick up).
Photo Courtesy of Rick Leche
Orange-Crowned Warbler
About the Trail 300m (one way) • Smooth gravel surface. • Gradual slopes through a forested environment What to Expect • 1 accessible parking stall • Teaching shelter • Public transit on routes #54 or #55 • Accessible toilet near the teaching shelter
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
Extend Your Experience • Drive to Tower Point in Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park and do Hike #7
16 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter
in os
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Rd
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West-Mont Montessori School
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
2
Teaching Shelter
Sitting Lady Falls
20
Elevation Change (m)
0
Witty's Lagoon
Metres 40
West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
2
1
Distance (m)
50
100
150
200
250
300
WITTY’S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK
Tower Point Trail (Seasonal)
Getting There Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to Metchosin Road and drive 5.7km to Duke Road. Take Duke Road 650m to the intersection with Olympic View Drive and turn west onto Olympic View Drive and drive 250m to Witty’s Lagoon-Tower Point parking lot. About the Trail 500m (one way) • Footpath with mixed gravel and dirt surfaces. • Ocean and mountain views Note: The trail to Tower Point can be muddy and slippery in the rainy season.
What to Expect • Parking for 15 vehicles, plus overflow parking (June-Sept) • No accessible parking • No public transit
Harbour Seals 18 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of MIke Baird
Extend Your Experience • Take the side trails to the picnic areas in the field • Drive to Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park and do Hike #6 to the Teaching Shelter
Oly
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iew
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Dr
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Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
2
3
Parry Bay
0
Metres 60
30
Tower Point
Elevation Change (m)
Tower Point Trail ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0 Distance (m)
2
1 50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
3 450
500
ESQUIMALT LAGOON
Art Space “Leisure... a personal experience: it is a state of mind and being that is related to a perceived sense of timelessness, intrinsic satisfaction, pleasure and choice” (RIV, 1992)
20 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
8
Getting There Travel along Island highway, turn east at the lights immediately past West Shore Parks & Recreation, turning onto Ocean Boulevard. Turn left again, and head toward Fort Rodd Hill. The art space is located at the southern end of the lagoon on the ocean side of the road. About the Trail • Stable surface to accessible picnic table What to Expect • 1 Accessible parking space • Accessible Picnic table • Accessible washrooms located at the base of Lagoon road • Beautiful views of the Juan de Fuca strait • Views of Fisgard Lighthouse • Wildlife such as seals, ducks, herons and swans • Mural on the degaussing house • Public Transit on Route 52 Extend Your Experience • Drive to West Shore Parks & Recreation and walk the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Trail #9 • Drive to the Colwood Creek Park and walk along the creek trail #10
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS MAP
Find a user-friendly trail in your neighborhood Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Otter
Point
Rd Hu mp ba ck
1 Sooke River Rd
Sooke Potholes Regional Park
Trans-Canada Hwy
Greater Victoria Water Supply Area (No Public Access)
2
Rd
Galloping Goose Regional Trail
Sooke
Metchosin Ka ng
Ea st S ook eR d
4 East Sooke Regional Park
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
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Gille spie Rd
Sooke Basin
Rd
Be ch er Rd Bay
oast
tC Wes
aro Roche Cove oR d Regional Park Matheson Lake 3 Regional Park
5
Rd int Po y k c Ro
15
Langford
12
Esquimalt
Bay St Pandora Ave
8
Oak Bay
Da lla sR d
Cook S t Moss S t
Victoria
Du ke Rd Me tcho sin Rd
Colwood
6
9
d eR ok So
10
Go rge Rd W Cr aig flo we rR d
McKenzie Ave
St ard nsh Bla
11
Lochside Regional Trail
Foul Bay Rd
View Royal
Shelbourne St
13
Blenkinsop Rd
Francis/King Regional Park
Saanich
16 Lochside Dr
d Munn R
Rd
Millstream Rd
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
ch ni aa tS es W
14 Highlands
Rd
Prospect Lake Rd
Mount Work Regional Park
Patricia Bay Hwy
Willis P oint
Central Saanich Rd
m Ar
Island View Rd 17
Oldfield Rd
on ys a l Fin
Central Saanich
Island View Beach Regional Park
7 Witty's Lagoon Regional Park
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WEST SHORE PARKS & RECREATION
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Trail
“The outdoors is a non-judgmental non-condescending, environment.” ~ Almut Beringer La Trobe Univ., AUS
24 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
9
Getting There Take the Island Highway to the West Shore Parks & Recreation at 1767 Island Highway. About the Trail 2.8km (loop) • Smooth gravel surface • Trail wanders in and out of the perimeter around the outdoor facilities at West Shore Parks & Recreation • Some grades are greater than 6% on the west portion of the trail What to Expect • 35 Accessible parking stalls (located in various locations) • Room for full-size buses • Picnic shelter with picnic tables • Numerous rest areas • Accessible washrooms in Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre • Playground • Public transit on Western Exchange Routes 25, 39, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 61 Extend Your Experience • Drive to Esquimalt Lagoon Roadand enjoy the view at the Art Space #8 • Travel to the Colwood Creek Trail #10 and enjoy the open green space.
COLWOOD CREEK PARK
Colwood Creek Trail
About the Trail 300m (one way) • Smooth gravel surface • Very gentle slopes • Beautiful green space located in a suburban setting within the City of Colwood What to Expect • Rest stops • Lighting along the paths • Foot bridge over Colwood Creek • Playground • Off leash dog area • Picnic tables • Open green spaces • Public transit on route 59 to Jacklin Road • Public parking Extend Your Experience • Drive to Esquimalt Lagoon Art Space #8 for views of the Fisgard lighthouse • Travel to the JDF Recreation Centre trail #9 and walk to the Rotary Picnic Shelter • Drive to West-Mont School #6 and walk to the teaching shelter at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
26 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
Getting There Travel along Jacklin Road and turn east onto Sunridge Valley Drive.
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Colwood Creek Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
75 Elevation (m)
Elevation Change (m)
80
70 30 65 15 60 0 55
1
2
3
4
5
6
50
Distance (m)100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,100
1,200
LANGFORD
Glen Lake Park
User-Friendly trails are welcoming and enable participation from everyone.
28 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
11
Getting There Turn north onto Glen Lake Road then turn south east on Glenview Place which enters the parking lot located on Shoreview Drive. About the Trail • Smooth gravel surface • Very gentle slopes What to Expect • 2 accessible parking stalls • Rest stops • Accessible fishing pier • Accessible playground • Off leash dog area • Accessible picnic tables • Open green spaces • Rain garden • Boating • No public transit Extend Your Experience • Drive to Francis/King Regional Park to walk the Elsie King Trail #13 and experience the interpretive centre
GREATER VICTORIA
Accessible Fishing Piers
Parks and trails provide opportunities to connect with nature and our neighbors; they contribute to the overall quality of life and well being of all residents of the region.
30 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Visit accessible fishing piers at 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Durrance Lake Elk/Beaver Lake Trail #16 Florence Lake, Glen Lake on Trail #11 Langford Lake, Ed Nixon Trail
See page 22-23 for locations
FP
PORTAGE PARK
Portage Trail
About the Trail 1.1km (loop) • A mix of course gravel and paved surfaces • Paved entrance to the park located between the View Royal Municipal Hall parking lot and the 4 Mile Restaurant parking lot What to Expect • 1 wheelchair accessible parking space at the Town of View Royal Municipal Hall • Trail loop that leads down to beach on Thetis Cove • Great surface for scooters, power wheelchairs • Surface can be challenging for manual wheelchairs • Picnic table • Public washrooms • Rest areas Extend Your Experience • Drive to West Shore Parks & Recreation #9 and walk along the golf course • Drive to Francis/King Regional Park and walk the boardwalk on the Elsie King Trail #13
32 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
Getting There Turn south off of the Old Island Highway onto View Royal Avenue.
Island H
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Thetis Cove
25
Elevation Change (m)
0
Metres 50
Portage Park Trail ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
1
2
Distance (m) 100
4
3 200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,100
FRANCIS/KING REGIONAL PARK
Elsie King Trail
Getting There From Prospect Lake Road travel 300m northwest on Munn Road to Francis/King Regional Park.
Note: boardwalk surfaces can be slippery when wet, please stay on wire meshed surface for your safety
Photo Courtesy of Deb Thiessen
Banana Slug
Elsie King Trail
What to Expect • Interpretive panels and numerous rest areas • Accessible toilets • Picnic tables • Water fountain • Nature center • Year round parking for 17 vehicles • 4 accessible parking stalls • Room for full-size buses • No public transit
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Extend Your Experience • Travel northwest 6.8 km on Munn Road to Mount Work Regional Park and do hike #14
34 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
About the Trail 800m (loop) • Boardwalk and smooth gravel surfaces
13
4
5
3
Francis/King Regional Park
6
2
7 1
nn
Mu Rd Forester's Cabin
20
Elevation Change (m)
0
To Prospect Lake Rd
Metres 40
Elsie King Trail ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
Distance (m)
1 100
2 200
4
3 300
6
5 400
500
7 600
700
800
MOUNT WORK REGIONAL PARK
Munn Road Loop
Getting There Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the #14 exit to Highlands. Keep right at the fork. Turn right at Millstream Lake Road and slight right at Munn Road.
Barred Owl
About the Trail 650m (loop) • Smooth gravel surface • Gradual slopes in a forested environment What to Expect • Parking for 10 vehicles • 3 accessible parking stalls • Room for full and mid-size buses • Accessible toilet at trailhead • No public transit Extend Your Experience • Visit the Caleb Pike Homestead at 1589 Millstream Road
36 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
14
2
3
Mount Work Regional Park
1 4
Munn Rd
20
Elevation Change (m)
0
Metres 40
Munn Road Loop ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
2
1
Distance (m)
100
200
4
3 300
400
500
600
LOCHSIDE REGIONAL TRAIL
Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle
About the Trail 900m (one way) • Gravel surface multi-use trail that follows a bygone rail line • Views of agricultural lands and wetlands. • The historic Blenkinsop trestle Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Salmonberry
Photo Courtesy of Deb Thiessen
Great Blue Heron
38 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
What to Expect • Year round parking for 40+ vehicles • Room for full-size buses • Public transit on route 26 & 51 to Borden Street and McKenzie Avenue and on route 6 to Quadra Street and Mckenzie Avenue • 1 accessible parking stall • Several rest areas • No washroom facilities Extend Your Experience • Continue north 750m to the continuation of Lochside drive • Walk 500m east from rest area #2 on the Blenkinsop Greenway (part of the Saanich Centennial Trail route) to Blenkinsop Road
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Getting There: From McKenzie Avenue travel north onto Borden Street, turn south east onto Cedar Hill Cross Road, turn north onto Lochside Drive and continue 250m to parking area.
15
Blenkinsop Lake
5
Blenkinsop Rd
4
Blenkinsop Trestle
3
Lochside Regional Trail
sop lenkin
way
Green
B 2
Lochside Dr
Metres 200
100
Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE
Loc hsi de Dr
Elevation Change (m)
0
1
30 15 0 2
1
Distance (m)
100
200
300
4
3 400
500
600
700
800
5 900
ELK/BEAVER LAKE REGIONAL PARK
Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch
Getting There From West Saanich Road turn east onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 1.2km to the Filter Beds parking lot.
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
From Elk Lake Drive turn west onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to the Filter Beds parking lot.
40 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
About the Trail 5km (one way) • Multi-use trail with a smooth gravel surface • Gradual slopes in forested and lakeshore environments • Several rest areas • Opportunities for fishing, swimming and cycling What to Expect • Ample parking at several locations with accessible stalls at Beaver Beach (7), Eagle Beach (2) and Hamsterly Beach (5) • Room for full-size buses • Public transit on routes #70 & #72 stopping at Elk Lake Drive and Sayward Road • Accessible toilets (closed NovApr) and playgrounds at Beaver and Hamsterly Beaches Extend Your Experience • Continue on the west side of the lake and complete the 10km trail • Explore lakeside trails between Beaver and Eagle Beaches
16
Brookleigh Boat Launch
8
7
5
Ski Beach
Hamsterly Beach
6
Elk Lake Fishing Pier
4
Eagle Beach
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Equestrian Centre
North Beach
3
Beaver Lake
Beaver Beach 2
Filter Beds
1
Metres 500
250
Elevation Change (m)
0
Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
Beaver Beach
1
Distance (m) 500
North Beach
2
Eagle Beach
4
3 1,000
Hamsterly Beach
1,500
2,000
2,500
5 3,000
3,500
Brookleigh
6 4,000
7 4,500
8 5,000
ISLAND VIEW BEACH REGIONAL PARK
Beach Trail
About the Trail 900m (one way) • Smooth gravel surface • Gradual slopes in a seashore environment, above the high watermarks • Ocean, island and mountain views
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Photo Courtesy of Mike Baird
Oystercatchers
42 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
What to Expect • 6 accessible parking stalls • Parking for 120+ vehicles • Room for full-size buses • Accessible toilet at trailhead • Picnic shelter • Seasonal campground (May long weekend to September long weekend) • No public transit Extend Your Experience • Continue north along the shoreline trail until it merges with the beach • Drive to Elk/Beaver Lake and do hike #16
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Getting There Take Highway 17 (Pat Bay Highway) to Island View Road. Drive east 2.7km on Island View Road until you reach Island View Beach Regional Park.
17
3 2
Cordova Channel
4
Island View Beach Regional Park
Rd athko Hom 1
Island View Rd Metres 100
50
Elevation Change (m)
0
Island View Beach Trail ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0
2
1
Distance (m)
100
200
300
400
500
600
4
3 700
800
900
PROJECT PARTNERS For more information about the User–Friendly Trails project contact:
CRD Regional Parks www.crd.bc.ca/parks 250-478-3344 Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Dissability Issues (IACDI) www.colwood.ca 250-478-5999 West Shore Parks & Recreation www.westshorerecreation.ca 250-478-8384
Sponsors Measuring Up Progressive, Inclusive, Community Legacies 2012 www.2010legaciesnow.com UBCM Union of British Columbia Municipalities Provincial funding administered by UBCM
Government of British Columbia BCRPA BC Recreation and Parks Association’s Active Communities® Initiative Thank you to all whom have contributed their time and effort to “A Guide to User Friendly Trails”.
44 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Additional Contributors Recreation Integration Victoria www.rivonline.org
District of Highlands www.highlands.ca
Power to Be www.powertobe.ca
District of Metchosin www.district.metchosin.bc.ca
City of Colwood www.colwood.ca
Town of View Royal www.viewroyal.ca
City of Langford www.cityoflangford.ca
Check out the trails and parks in each municipality.
Links & Resources Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability www.ala.ca/content/home.asp
CRD Regional Parks www.crd.bc.ca/parks/accessibility.htm www.crd.bc.ca/parks/events
Active Living Coalition for Older Adults www.alcoa.ca
Greater Victoria Active Communities www.fitinfitness.ca
British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association www.bcrpa.bc.ca Caleb Pike Heritage Park www.calebpikeheritagepark.org Canada’s Physical Activity Guide www.paguide.com Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity www.caaws.ca Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute www.cflri.ca Canadian Institutes of Health Research www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca Coalition for Active Living www.activeliving.ca
Juan de Fuca Pathfinders Walking Club www.jdfpathfinders.ca Metchosin Community House www.metchosincommunityhouse.com Public Health Agency of Canada’s Healthy Living Unit www.phac-aspc.gc.ca SPARC BC www.sparc.bc.ca Union of British Columbia Municipalities www.ubcm.ca Victoria Airport www.victoriaairport.com/news Victoria Volkssport www.vvpf.ca Walk Victoria www.walk-victoria.com USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
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Go beyond the parking lot, experience user-friendly trails.
Front Cover Photo Courtesy of William Ng / Back Cover Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal