The summit is accessible by foot and by car, and either way, it promises an astounding 360-degree panoramic view of Victoria and the surrounding area.  On a clear day, the sight lines extend as far as the Olympic and Cascade mountains in the United States.

Although the park is named after a mountain, many visitors stick to sea level.  The park’s long, sandy beach is a popular destination—especially in the summer months.

The park carries a piece of Canadian culture, too.  Emily Carr found comfort at Mt. Doug and painted some of her final works in the area.

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Saanich park page

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Port Alberni’s Hole in the Wall really is a unique feature. It is, quite literally, a hole in the wall. Water empties into Roger’s Creek through a large tunnel set in an eroding cliff face. It is a rare and beautiful formation, and it is well worth the journey inland.

Stokes Falls lies only a short distance downstream. In the past, there was a small dam, but it succumbed to strong currents. Now, the water cascades freely over eroding, shale cliff faces, and the result is a sight that stands out even amongst the treasure trove of natural beauty on Vancouver Island.

Unfortunately, a large part of the surrounding landscape has been marred by logging. Although tall trees still stand in the immediate area around the hole, they serve only as a reminder of what once flourished across the whole region.

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Hiking to the hole in the wall

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Every year, in late October and early November, the salmon spawn draws a number of Bald Eagles and, in turn, a great many wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can learn about the park’s ecosystem in the information center, which features nature displays, art, and other attractions.

Several trails allow visitors to explore the park. There are many small footpaths that wind about the streams and creek beds. These make for casual strolls, and for the more adventurous, there is a selection of larger trails. The highlights include a trek to the top of Mount Finlayson, and a path to the beautiful Niagara Falls (no, not that Niagara Falls).

Text by Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Official park website

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All year round, Clover Point is a hot spot for shorebirds and other ocean life that thrives on the rocky shoreline.

In the warmer months, it offers calming sunsets and sets the table for summer picnics. Observers may also notice paragliders and kiteboarders taking advantage of the ocean winds.

During the winter, Clover Point offers a view of some impressive winter storms for those willing to brave the elements

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• History of Clover Point

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The park features a unique meadow of Garry Oaks that offers a wonderful view for birdwatchers.  The oaks provide an ideal environment for a variety of birds: look carefully, and you may find a resident humming bird or even a more exotic migratory bird.

For a visitor with broader horizons in mind, Mount Tolmie Park offers a panoramic view of the city of Victoria and, across the water, the Olympic Mountains.

During the summer months, Mount Tolmie makes a great place to have a picnic or to watch the sun sink behind the mountains.

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Mount Tolmie is a smaller urban park located in Saanich near Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Further Info

• Saanich park page

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In the summertime, the lake provides a popular refuge from the desert conditions in the surrounding area. There is a decent-sized beach, and visitors can picnic on a grassy area. Parking, however, is limited.

As winter creeps in, the park remains a popular destination. Many visitors embrace the snowfall and turn to cross-country skiing to explore the park.

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Official park website

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While sand and pebbles compose most of the beach surface, sandstone shapes the northern end of the beach, and when the tide goes out, some peculiar tidal pools linger in the rock.

On occasion, Gray Whales pass by French Beach on the migration trail—either north in the summer or south in the fall. An observer equipped with both patience and luck might spot one of these enormous creatures from the shore.

In addition to the Gray Whale, many other animals make their homes in the park. Killer Whales often appear offshore along with otters, seals, and sea lions. And, as with most of the west coast, French Beach is an excellent spot to observe Bald Eagles and other birds.

The park includes a campground that can accommodate visitors year-round, though service is limited in the winter. The campground is very close to the beach, and in this way, camping at French Beach epitomizes outdoor life on Vancouver Island. It is extremely busy in the summertime, and it requires guests to plan well in advance.

For those unlucky enough to miss out on the campground, French Beach also offers an excellent day-use area.

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Official park website
• Tides

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To reach Sandcut Beach, drive west from Sooke along West Coast Rd. Before Jordan River, there is a bridge that spans Sandcut Creek. Just beyond this bridge, there is a parking area on the coastal side of the road. From this parking area, a ten minute hike winds through coastal trees and down to the secluded beach.

Nature lovers will enjoy the privacy of this spot—Sandcut Beach is a portrait of isolation. A visitor might spend an entire day exploring the coast and not encounter another soul. Accordingly, wildlife enthusiasts can hope to see both eagles and river otters; they enjoy the seclusion and are common sights at the beach.

Photo: Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Trail Description
• Victoria Club Tread

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Although the lighthouse and the surrounding area are fenced off, visitors can still get quite close to it. The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society is currently working to create a park out of the lighthouse grounds.

The Canadian Coast Guard currently owns and manages the land.

Text by Bryn Tassell & Jason Procyk, Photos by Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society
• Wikipedia
• Lighthouse Friends

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The park is well known for its spectacular river gorge.  Throughout the park, visitors can view several beautiful waterfalls and cascades as the river shoots down narrow canals and surges over broad cliffs.

The river is not, however, the only sight at Little Qualicum Falls.  The river is framed by large fir trees that are, in turn, bordered by impressive coastal mountains.  In short, there is a wealth of natural beauty in the area.

Even though the park is not exceptionally large, there are many things to do.  Hikers and walkers might enjoy an easy stroll along the trail that skirts the river.  There are a few spots to go swimming along the river, but swimmers should be careful and must be sure to read any posted warnings.

There are a number of campsites available at Little Qualicum Falls from May 1st to September 30th—check the official park website for more information.  The campground is quite nice, but it gets busy in the summer months, so plan accordingly.

A ten minute drive west from the campground leads to Cameron Lake, which has a day use area for swimming, boating, picnics, and other recreational activities.

There several more locations to explore nearby—highlights include Englishman River and MacMillan Provincial Park (the famous Cathedral Grove).

Photos: Bryn Tassell

Further Info

• Offical park website

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