The Saanich Centennial Trail Interurban Rail Trail is in the District of Saanich, one of thirteen areas that form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. This multi-user pathway parallels much of West Saanich Road from Interurban Road to Wallace Drive for about four and half kilometers. This route was the original corridor for the British Columbia Electric Railway and is a wide flat trail. It is mostly gravel although there are sections that are paved. The Interurban Rail Trail connects to the pathways at Glendale Trail at Camosun College – Interurban Campus and the Pacific Horticultural Center. This trail passes the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a Rural Saanich Park and Prospect Lake Park. Enjoy the canopy of the forest composed of garry oak, Douglas fir, cedar, arbutus, big leaf maple and cottonwood leaves. There are many areas were bushes like blackberry, ocean spray and red currant are abundant. This is a good trail to walk in your backyard.
Geographical Location 48°32’ 9”N 123°26’ 15”W at Wallace and West Saanich Road
The Saanich Centennial Trail Interurban Rail Trail can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway. Exit onto Mackenzie Avenue to reach Pat Bay Highway (Hwy 17). Continue along Pat Bay Highway to exit the highway at Royal Oak Drive, cross over the highway to lights at the intersection with West Saanich Road. Turn right and drive down West Saanich Road to Wallace Drive, which is past the road that leads to the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. The park in the gravel area at the junction of Wallace and West Saanich Road. Alternatively park near the Pacific Horticultural Center or Interurban Campus of Camosun College. There may be a small fee to park on Campus. The trail can be accessed between Camosun College campus and the Vancouver Island Technology Center.
Walks in Your Backyard 