Island View Beach Regional 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, visit this park to enjoy a wonderful seascape that covers over 50 hectares. This sand and cobble beach park has views of Haro Strait and the San Juan, Sidney, James, and D’Arcy Islands. Often you can see Mt Baker part of the Cascade Mountains, from here. Driftwood along the shore provides sites for photographs and simply watching the waves. The wildlife viewing over the waters can include marine mammals and birds. The open fields behind the beach have rabbits and raptors. The trail along the beam is gravel covered leads to some great sand dunes. The sand dunes are home to some rare and beautiful plants so do be aware of where you step. There are wheelchair access toilet facilities and picnic tables. There is a seasonal camping area for tenting and recreational vehicles. It is a great birding area as the Martindale Flats attract freshwater ducks, migratory birds, raptors and oyster catchers. At low tide it is a 10km walk one way to Mt Doug Park or about 3km one way to Cordova Spit. A park brochure is available from the CRD site. There is a boat ramp that is good a higher tides. It is a good place to launch a kayak, canoe or paddle board. It is also a good place for wind surfers; so check the wind conditions before your visit. This is a good place to walk in your backyard.
Geographical location N48º 34’ 22” W 123º 22’
Island View Regional Park can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway. Exit Hwy 1 to reach Hwy 17, Pat Bay Highway, by turning off at Mackenzie Avenue. Once on Hwy 17 follow along to reach Island View Road exit. Turn right and follow the road as it curves over the ridge to the park. The road name changes to Angle Road part way along then connects to Hamathko Drive. Island View Regional Park is at the end of Hamathko Drive. There is a parking lot.
Walks in Your Backyard 