Haldon Park is in the municipality of Central Saanich, one of the thirteen which form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Located on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island, this park lies on the south side of Mount Newton and borders on John Dean Park. The park is commemorates Mr. John Haldon, initially from Ireland who purchased property here in eighteen seventy two. Mr. Haldon became the postmaster and school trustee for the area. The road is named for his son Lawrence whom was a long-term municipality councilor. Gail Wickens’ Trail or Thunderbird Trail lies on the west border of the park and connects with trails of Dean Park. The rough steep pathway climbs up the ninety meters over a distance of about four hundred meters. The slopes of Mt Newton in this park support second growth cedar, fir, Garry oak and arbutus trees. The slopes of Mount Newton were selectively logged in the mid nineteen hundreds. The understory has some ferns, salal and alder shrubs. Spring flowers include shooting stars, sea blush and blue camas lilies. The forests support a variety of birds and mammals of which eagles and turkey vultures are often most visible. Glimpses of the Mount Newton Valley can be seen between the tree boughs. Browns’ Trail is near by. This is a good place to walk in your back yard.
Geographical location N48º 36’ 21” W123º 26’ 38”
You can get to Haldon Park from the Trans Canada Highway, Highway 1. Exit onto MacKenize Avenue and continue along to the exit for Pat Bay Highway. Follow Pat Bay Highway, Highway 17, to Mount Newton Cross Road. Turn left onto Mount Newton Cross Road and continue to East Saanich Road. Turn right onto East Saanich Road. Follow East Saanich Road to reach Haldon Road. Turn left onto Haldon Road which becomes Thomson Place. The trail marker is across the road from house 8257 and you should see a small sign for the park on the right. There is limited roadside parking. City busses travel along East Saanich Road.
Walks in Your Backyard 