Arbutus Park is in the seaside city of Victoria, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. At two and half hectares, Arbutus Park is a lovely grass covered refuge along the shores of the Gorge Waterway. Surrounded by high rise apartments and hotels, it has some wonderful views of the Selkirk Trestle bridge and surrounding waters. This park borders along one hundred and thirty five meters of shore line that is the mudflat estuary of Cecelia Creek. Home to many local and migratory birds, such as ducks and geese, the estuary habitat of Cecelia Creek and Cove is enhanced by the freshwater from Cecelia Creek as it flows into the Gorge Waterway. You may be fortunate to spot a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) fishing in the mudflats or perhaps a river otter or two. The mud and cobble beach can be accessed from a rough trail at end of Washington Street. It is about a three meter drop to the waters edge. The rest of the southern edge of the park is lined with twinned split cedar log fences which limits beach access. The fences contain a native plant garden bed which forms the riparian border for the waterways. As you walk in this park of your neighborhood and backyard, stop at the benches and picnic tables that are shaded by Garry oaks and arbutus trees. This is popular area for dogs as well as people. At the moment, this is an off leash park for dogs all day long.
Geographic coordinates N48° 26’ 31” W123° 22’ 57”
Arbutus Park can be reached from the Trans Canada Highway. Continue along the highway as it becomes Douglas Street. Turn west onto Finlayson Street and continue across Douglas Street to reach Gorge Road East. Turn right onto Gorge Road East and after crossing the bridge turn left onto Washington Street. Washington Street has an hotel and a couple of apartment buildings but there should be some roadside parking. The park is toward the end of the road on the left.
Walks in Your Backyard 