Saxe Point Park is in the seaside community of Esquimalt, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Come to wander along relaxing seaside and forest pathways at Saxe Point. This is a popular waterfront park with beautiful landscaped gardens with a grass covered area and trails through the coastal forest. Relax at the fine gravel beach that is sheltered from prevailing winds. This is a place to become encouraged by the vistas of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State that are inspirational. The great variety of habitats in Saxe Point Park makes it the gem of Esquimalt parks. The 7.5 hectare park has extensive cultivated borders, woodland trails, spectacular views and picnic areas. It is a favorite with local photographers, scuba divers and birders. There are several platform areas for taking in the surrounding water views and many benches throughout the park. The grass field has picnic tables and several granite rocky outcrops. Follow the trail through the Douglas and grand fir trees to find the forty step staircase on the east border of the park that leads to a small cobble beach.
The asphalt road leads to a terrific viewpoint of Royal Roads Bay and over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Saxe Point, Saxe Place and the park were named for Prince Albert in eight-teen fifties. Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was Queen Victoria’s consort and had German heritage. The Lt. James Wood of the Pandora, a British survey ship, named the point and many others in this area. The British Monarch adapted Windsor as their formal name, due the wars, in the first half of the nineteen hundreds. This parkland was once part of the Viewfield Farm that included Macaulay Point. The farm was reverted back to the Hudson Bay Company then given to the community of Esquimalt. Parts of the park were used for garbage disposal, during the nineteen twenties. This site was near the entrance. During the nineteen forties the turnabout at the end of Saxe Point was cleared and paved for defense purposes and install a search light. The base platform for the light can been seen near the turnabout. . The park has many memorial trees for local citizens and plaques that describe the area. Sturdee Park, Foster Park, Fleming Park, Macaulay Park and Esquimalt Adventure Park are nearby. There are pedestrian trails into the park from Munro and Bewdley streets.
Geographical Location N48º 25’ 19” W123º 25’ 7”
Saxe Point Park can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy1). Exit onto Tillicum Road to head south. At the junction with Craigflower Road continue along as the road curves to become Lampson Street. Follow Lampson to Munro Street. Turn right onto Munro Street and continue along to Fraser Street. Turn left onto Fraser Street which becomes Saxe Place as the road enters the park. There is parking on the right as well as parking near the turnabout at the end of road. The city bus access route is along Fraser and Munro streets.
Further Information
Secret Beaches of Greater Victoria
Archaeological review (mostly of Macaulay Park)
Walks in Your Backyard 