Blue Grouse Plateau Park is in the Bear Mountain neighborhood of Langford, BC. The park is about one and half hectares in size with steep terrain. The trail into the park is accessed along the gravel trail near the storm water collection ponds. The trail continues into the park which is formed and protects part of the gully of Gardner Creek. The collection ponds drain through a series of gravel filtration beds and wetlands before reaching Gardner Creek, a tributary of Mill Stream. Mill Stream, or Millstream Creek as it is often called, is the main waterway in a watershed that starts in the Gowlland Tod range of the Highlands and includes seven lakes and numerous ponds. Mill Stream supports many organisms in its riparian and wetland areas as well as in the creek water such as salmon, trout, frogs and turtles. Blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) and sooty grouse (D. fuliginosus) may dwell in the second growth forests that line the gully of Gardner Creek; it also appears that the names are synonymous. Blue Grouse Plateau has a rough trail that slopes down through the second growth forest. Douglas fir and cedar trees are found along the slopes with several large weathered tree stumps. The footpath exits the parkland and continues to Bear Mountain Parkway to reach the road near the BMP Green Space. Players Drive Park is across the road. This is a great play to walk in your backyard.
Geographic location N48° 28’15” W123°31’4”
Blue Grouse Plateau Park can be reached from the Trans Canada Highway also called Hwy1. Turn at Millstream Road and turn left onto Bear Mountain Parkway. Continue along BMP to reach Players Drive. Turn left onto Players Drive then left onto Blue Grouse Drive. The park is near the split cedar fencing that forms a partial border for the gravel collection ponds. There is limited parking along Blue Grouse Drive.
Walks in Your Backyard 