Illustration by DL MacPhail
Kirby Park is in the seaside community of Sooke, one of thirteen communities that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. The linear park has a three hundred and eight five meter trail along Kirby Road in the Milnes Landing area of Sooke. The multi-user pathway connects the Galloping Goose Trail – Sooke to the core area of Sooke. This trail is called the Stickleback Trail. A stickleback is small fish with two large dorsal and one free ventral spines. With an length of about ten centimeters and colors ranging from silver to greenish black, stickleback fish is difficult to see. They are eaten by fish eating birds, seals and other fish. The route parallels Kirby Road then follows along Sooke River Road and to Sooke River Park connect at the bridge for Sooke Road. There are several tall trees that shade the asphalt pathway. Cottonwood, cedar and hemlock trees with a varied understory of ocean spray, snow berries, blackberries and salal can be seen.
Geographical location N48º 23’ 45” W123º 41’ 45” at junction with the GGT-Sooke
Kirby Park can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway. Take the Langford Parkway exit and follow along to reach Sooke Road (Hwy 14). Follow Sooke Road to the Sooke River Road. Turn right onto Sooke River Road continue along to reach Kirby Road. There is limited parking along this road. This is about a forty minute drive from Victoria. There is a city bus stop along Sooke Road near the Sooke River Road.
Walks in Your Backyard 