Sawmill Point Green Space is in the city of Victoria, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. This is a terrific spot for a stroll, paddle or just to take in the views. Sawmill Point Green Space is a linear 1.3 hectare parkland is on the eastside of the Gorge Waterway. Its four hundred and fifty meter walkway is part brickwork part board walk that extends from the Cecelia Cove Park to Garbally Landing Green Space. Strolling from Garbally Landing walk along the Steamcrane Quay and take in concrete river rock rip-rap and use of rail ties to emulate the working history of the area. The Rocky Bay area was previous a sawmill operated by the Cameron brothers. The pathway continues to Sawmill Point with wharf structure that look like a deck made of old timber, stonework seawalls and a sloping beach which is good for launching small vessels or swimmers. The water is cold though. Pass by the Rowing Center and office buildings to reach the railspur boardwalk and lower level floating dock. A small lagoon has been restored as part of Cecelia Cove. This area is frequently busy with kayakers and rowers who enjoy the placid waters of these sheltered waters. There are some excellent places to rest along this walkway as well as a unique outdoor art of a metallic purple martin to enjoy. The Selkirk Waterfront of the Victoria Harbour is the merger point with the Gorge Waterway as it lies between Point Ellice and Chapman Point. Halkett Island, about 1000 square meters in size, is a the rocky island in the middle of the waterway. It was a burial island for the Lekwungen, which are Songhees and Equimalt First Nations, until the mid eighteen hundreds. It was named after a British Navy family. To extend your walk in your backyard stroll toward the Selkirk Trestle and Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Here you can head south to cross the trestle and visit Banfield Park. Selkirk Green, Cecelia Cove Park and Viaduct are also nearby. The Victoria Heritage Foundation has further information on the Selkirk area.
Geographic coordinate N48° 26’ 19” W123° 22’ 35”
Selkirk Waterfront Sawmill Point can be reached from the Trans Canada Highway. Continue along the highway as it becomes Douglas Street. Turn west onto Hillside Avenue and continue onto Gorge Road East at the five way intersection with Douglas and Government Street. Continue on Gorge Road East to Garbally Road. The walkway starts along the waterside of Garbally Road and continues toward Jutland Road and Waterfront Crescent. There is limited roadside parking along these roads. A city bus travels along Gorge Road East from downtown.
Walks in Your Backyard 