Harling Point Green Space is in the community of Oak Bay, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. The green space is formed by a promontory that projects into the Strait of Juan de Fuca which is part of the Salish Sea. the green is along the perimeter of a cemetery that is known as the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point and is a National Historic Site of Canada since 1996. There are several interpretive panels that discuss the cultural history, geology and some natural history of the area. The cemetery was opened in 1903 and is maintained by the Chinese Benevolent Association. The cemetery, a feng shui site, contains gravestones of the early Chinese residents and was closed in 1950. The twin pillars of the stone altar are frequently decorated with incense and flowers.
Wild flowers carpet this attractive green space in the spring time. The cemetery lies on a flat promontory that is along the shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The green space includes the rough pathway along the perimeter and the high tide line that makes for a shoreline rough walk. The walkway strolls across the fault line of two ancient terraines, Wrangellia and Leech River, as noted by the change in color from the pale green to the dark color basalt rocks. The shore line has several glacier erratics that further protect the green space. The waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca forming part of the Salish Sea provide a beautiful setting for the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. Harling Point was named after a brave local dentist who lost his life trying to save a family whom were tossed in from a small boat by waves during a storm. The shoreline hosts some good tide-pools and it is lovely place to watch sunrises and sunsets. There are a few benches within this green space. Gonzales Park, Gonzales Hill Regional Park, Quimper Park and Trafalger Park are nearby.
Geographic Location N48º 24’ 24” W123º 19’ 25”
Harling Green Space can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway. Continue along the Hwy 1 into Victoria as it becomes Douglas Street. Turn off Douglas onto Hillside Avenue to head east. Stay on Hillside Avenue as it becomes Lansdowne Road. Continue along Lansdowne Road to reach Foul Bay Road. Continue along Foul Bay Road to reach Fairfield Road. Turn left onto Fairfield Road and continue along to King George Terrace. Turn left onto Crescent Road and follow to the end. Or turn right onto Penzance Road and continue to the end. There is limited off street parking. City buses travel close to this park.
Walks in Your Backyard 