Willis Point Parks and Playgrounds

Willis Point borders along the Highland District, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Located on the Saanich Peninsula and not part of the actual Highlands District, it is included here. The Willis Point Community, located in the Capital Regional District Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, is clustered on the end of a promontory that projects into Saanich Inlet.  While it also borders on the districts of Central Saanich and Saanich, it,curiously, is outside the boundaries of all three areas.

The community borders on and provides access to the Gowlland – Tod Provincial Park.  You can access the park from either end of Mark Lane. On the eastern end of Mark Lane is a small beach overlooking the entrance to Tod Inlet, a small inlet off of Saanich Inlet. Often you can see the yachts anchored in the bay or look across to Butchart Gardens. The western end of Mark Lane permits access to a trail that leads to McKenzie Bight, a small bay forming the outlet of Pease Creek.  Both areas are lovely to visit year round.

There is a small neighborhood park, Pears Memorial Park, on Willis Point Road. Situated near the Fire Hall and Community Center, the park has a tennis and basketball court. There is a slide, swing, and merry-go-round.  A grassy covered area provides a great space to toss a frisbee too.

Geographical location of Pears Memorial Park N48° 34’16” W123°28’51”

You can get to the both Mark Lane and the Pears Memorial Park by from the Trans Canada Highway. Exit onto Mckenzie Ave to reach Hwy17, the Pat Bay Highway. Exit off Hwy 17 onto Royal Oak Drive and turn left to cross the bridge (over the hwy) to connect with West Saanich Road. Turn right onto West Saanich Road and continue to the junction with Wallace Drive. Make a left turn onto Wallace Drive and look for Willis Point Road which exits off Wallace Drive shortly after that junction. Stay on Willis Point Road until the Fire Hall and Community Center is seen to the right. This is a lovely curving and narrow road. There is limited parking near Pears Memorial Park on the gravel parking lot in front of the hall. If you continue along the road only a bit further it connects to Mark Lane to allow access the park and trails.