ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱/John Dean Park is situated on top of Mount Newton, which overlooks the pastoral Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and the Cascade Mountains. John Dean Provincial Park is the only place left on the Saancih Peninsula where you can still walk through virgin stands of old-growth Douglas Fir forests and untouched Garry Oak meadows.
When arriving and departing Victoria, BC either by air or a BC Ferry to the mainland, you'll pass by the quaint city of Sidney (or Sidney-by-the Sea). I strongly urge you to make the short drive back there while you're in the area and check it out! In addition to being known as 'booktown' (see
For a unique biking or walking experience, I suggest you drive up to see the amazing century old Kinsol Trestle which is now part of the Trans Canada Trail. It's about an hour's drive up the beautiful Malahat (Hwy #1) to the parking lot. (See below for directions) It stands 44 metres high and is
After moving to Central Saanich recently I've enjoyed searching out new parks to walk and hike in the area. Today we explored a small-ish park (about 36 hectares/90 acres) in North Saanich called Horth Hill. It seems to be a very popular hike for walking your dog ... there were dozens we met on the
The Sooke Potholes The Sooke Potholes are actually comprised of 2 different parks, Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and Sooke Potholes Regional Park. As you drive along Sooke River Rd, it is he provincial park the you first enter. This park is comprised of 7.28 acres along both sides of the Sooke River and extends north
One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island is the West Coast Trail. This is not a trail to be taken lightly - it's not a Sunday afternoon type of hike. This is a major expedition that can take anywhere from a few days to over a week to complete - depending on your condition
When visiting Victoria, a really nice day trip is out to Port Renfrew - there you'll find a wonderful place to explore, particularly at low tide - Botanical Beach. The drive to Botanical Beach is approximately 115 kms (72 miles) and will take you approximately 2 hours. Plan a little more time though, as there
A SATURNA ISLAND DAY TRIP While you're in Victoria, you should definitely think about exploring some of the Gulf Islands. If you want a quiet, outdoorsy get away, Saturna Island is probably your choice. With a population of only 350 full time residents, spectacular shoreline features, mountainous terrain and two thirds of the island incorporated
Roche Cove Regional Park Hike along a cool creek at midday or paddle still waters in early morning light at this serene 163-hectare park. You’ll find a secluded cove, ocean views and lush vegetation, including old-growth cedar trees. Explore the park’s seven kilometres of forested trails, or picnic at the secludedbeach. Roche Cove Roche Cove
East Sooke Park If you want to have a true 'west coast' experience - without going too far away from civilization, nothing beats East Sooke Park! East Sooke is the largest CRD Park, encompassing 1422 hectares ( 3512 acres) of natural and protected coastal landscape. In this Wilderness Recreation Park, you’ll experience solitude and harmony
