The District of Saanich is on southern end of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This district of one of thirteen that form an area broadly called Victoria. The Capital Regional District includes Victoria, Saanich, View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Highlands, Oak Bay, Central Saanich, Sidney, North Saanich, Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral area. With over 103 square kilometers to explore there are a variety parks, playgrounds and green spaces that would stimulates most people to explore their backyard. Saanich has placed signs and markers to help you explore the parks, green space and playgrounds.
This book/blog describes the parks, playgrounds, and green spaces within Saanich. Its goal is to encourage you to explore your neighborhood by foot. Each place takes less than an hour to explore. 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 in established residential areas have the added bonus of frequent rest stops for young and old.
The Trans Canada Highway or Patricia Bay Highway divides the area of Saanich into east and west. Haro Strait forms the east border of the district while the Highlands abuts the west side. The City of Victoria, the Municipality of Oak Bay and the Corporation of Esquimalt form the southern borders. Central Saanich lies along the north. There are nearly two hundred parks, playgrounds, and green spaces in Saanich. These are described from north to south (noted by following areas Elk and Beaver Lake, Prospect Lake, Cordova Bay, Wilkensen, Royal Oak, Upper Quadra and Mt Doug, Cedar Hill, Gordon Head 10Mile Point and Cadboro Bay, UVic, Gorge waterway. A brief description of the nature of each park in the city is provided with directions. There are signposts marking many of the trails and beach access points and greeting signs at the entrances to the parks.
As all else, trails are altered and the conditions of the parks and green spaces that I describe in this book change. As I cannot be held responsible for errors or discrepancies in the text. 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, keep dogs on a leash, and do not pick the wildflowers, mushrooms or other vegetation.
Exploration is footsteps away in your backyard.
Walks in Your Backyard 