Central Saanich Parks, Playgrounds and Green Spaces
From the fields of daffodils in the spring to the towering conifers on the surrounding landscape, Central Saanich contains a variety of beautiful parks, unique landscapes and bucolic green spaces. Central Saanich is a district of the CRD that includes the communities of Brentwood Bay, Saanichton and Keating. Walking along the country roads of rural Central Saanich means taking as stroll along agricultural land since farmland forms about two thirds of the municipality. Your excursion can take you past peaceful pastoral farmland and the abundant vineyards. Two large properties are First Nations with the Twasout bordering on Haro Strait and the Tsartlip’s along Saanich Inlet.
Central Saanich is located on the Saanich Peninsula of southern Vancouver Island; its about fourty one square kilometers. Central Saanich is bounded on the north by the District of North Saanich, on the South by the District of Saanich. The eastern border is Haro Strait while Saanich Inlet lies to the west. Walks along the country roads of this rural area are very pleasant and scenic views provide a link to oceans, creeks, trees and fields.
This book describes the parks, playgrounds, and green spaces within Central Saanich. Its goal is to encourage you to explore your neighborhood by foot. Each place takes less than an hour to explore. Take in some longer strolls by using roads to link the hiking trails. There are stimulating walks and breathtaking sights in your backyard. It is a great way to get out of your house with limited use of your car. Walking is established residential areas have the added bonus of frequent rest stops for young and old. A brief description of the nature of each park in the city is provided with directions. The parks are described from north to south.
As you head off to explore a particular park, you may wish to take in the walkway along Brentwood Bay which can be access from Brentwood Drive. There are many hiking trails in rural Central Saanich. Walking the country roads through lovely pastoral landscapes of rolling fields and hedgerows can be very pleasant, with many of the quiet roads being used to link up the more popular hiking trails. One such walk commences at on Mount Newton in John Dean Provincial Park, descends southward following the Gail Wicken’s Horse Trail, Thomson Road, Mount Newton Cross Road, Malcolm Road (at Saanichton School) and Tomlinson Road to Centennial Park, which is crisscrossed with walking trails. Willow Way is a pleasant 10-km circle route through narrow roads and along unopened road rights-of-way beside fences, in the flat or rolling farmlands of Central Saanich. Commencing at Centennial Park, the route takes in Gore Nature Park, Hardy Park, and the seawall promenade at Brentwood Bay, before returning via Wallace Road and West Saanich Road to Centennial Park.
As all else, trails are altered and the conditions of the parks and green spaces that I describe in this book change. I ask that you help to keep this book current and useful. For the enjoyment of all parks, playgrounds, and green spaces, please carry out any litter, respect adjacent property, and do not pick the wildflowers, mushrooms or other vegetation. As a pet owner please pick up after your pet and keep dogs on a leash.
Lochside Trail – Central Saanich
John Dean / Lauwelnew Provincial Park
Mount Newton Cross Road Green Space
Saanich School District Individual Center Green Space
St Stephen Anglican Church and Cemetery Green Space
Saanich School District Individual Learning Center Green Space
Hagan Bight Green Space
Our Lady of Assumption Church and Cemetery Green Space
Walks in Your Backyard 