User Friendly Trails Guide

Transcription

User Friendly Trails Guide
A GUIDE TO
USER-FRIENDLY
TRAILS
USER-FRIENDLY
adjective
1. easy to learn, use, understand, or deal with
Easy to use walking, hiking and wheeling trails in Greater Victoria, BC
Our Story
Table of Contents
Our story begins with the
Intermunicipal Advisory Committee
on Disability Issues (IACDI). In 2006,
the committee envisioned an
accessible trail guide that would
encourage people of all abilities to
participate in the outdoors.
With the assistance of West Shore Parks
& Recreation, IACDI received a grant
from 2010 Legacies Now/Measuring
Up. The funds allowed for the City of
Colwood, City of Langford, District of
Highlands, District of Metchosin and
the Town of View Royal to implement a
total of 13 accessible improvements.
Galloping Goose Regional Trail
CRD Regional Parks received a
grant from UBCM to increase visitor
accessibility. It included implementing
a trail assessment for recreation needs
of seniors and communication tools
to share the results. In partnership,
IACDI, CRD Parks and West Shore Parks
& Recreation began to develop a tool
that highlights easy to use outdoor
experiences in our region.
PAGE
1 Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle
6
2 Sooke River Rd. to Charters River Trestle
8
3 Roche Cove to Rocky Point
10
East Sooke Regional Park
4 Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay
12
5 Aylard Farm to Becher Bay
14
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
The Guide to User-Friendly Trails is a
pilot project which has focussed on
the West Shore communities and CRD
parks. In its creation we hope to inspire
others to look at their trail systems with
a user-friendly lens.
6
West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter 16
7
Tower Point (Seasonal)
18
Esquimalt Lagoon
8 Art Space (Amenity)
20
West Shore Parks & Recreation
9 Trail at JDF Recreation Centre
24
Colwood Creek Park
10 Colwood Creek Trail
26
Langford
11 Glen Lake Park
“We can achieve more together than
alone; the power is in our partnerships.”
28
Greater Victoria
FP Accessible Fishing Piers
30
Portage Park
~ Marnie Essery IACDI Chair
12 Portage Trail
32
Francis/King Regional Park
Reading Trail Profiles
2
Map Legend
3
Being Prepared
4
Adapted Equipment Loans
5
Overview Map
22-23
13 Elsie King Trail
34
Mount Work Regional Park
14 Munn Road Loop
36
Lochside Regional Trail
15 Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle
38
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Partners & Sponsors
44
Links & Resources
45
Island View Beach Regional Park
Additional Contributors
45
17
16 Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch
Beach Trail
40
42
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
| 1
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Map Legend
Beach
How To Read a Trail Profile
A trail profile is an elevation diagram which is included with each of our
highlighted trail maps.
These profiles show key features about the trail such as trail length,
rest stops, view points, washrooms and grade changes.
The numbers on the profile correspond with the numbers on the map to
identify the key feature’s location. Most of the trails highlighted have grades
of 6% or less; this means that in 10 metres of a horizontal run you would climb
or descend 0.6 metres.
When we think of ramps for people with disabilities, the range of acceptable
grades is between 5% to 8.3%. This means a ramp will rise between 0.5 metres to
0.83 m metres in a 10 metres horizontal run. The lower the percentage grade the
gentler the climb or descent.
Trail profiles are a tool to allow the user to make an informed decision to
determine the level of access for themselves. Please note there is always some
level of risk with any outdoor activity.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for general information purposes only. The creators of this document make no
representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information or the
suitability of the maps for any purpose. The creators of this document will not be liable for any
damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of the guide.
2
Location Number
Bench
Featured Trail
Bike Parking
Other Featured Trail
Boat Launch
Trail
Camping (RV/Tent)
Municipal Boundary
Cycling
Major Road
Fishing
Highway
Hiking
River/Creek
Horseback Riding
Regional Trail
Nature Centre
Park
Parking
Building
Accessible Parking
Parking Lot
Picnic Area
First Nation Reserve
Accessible Picnic Shelter
DND
Picnic Shelter
Capital Regional District
Playground
Lake / Reservoir
Accessible Public Toilet
Drinking Water Supply Area
(Not open to the public)
Public Toilet
Rowing
Shelter
Trail / Park Information
View Point
Water Fountain
2 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
| 3
Being Prepared
How to Dress
• Even in summer, be prepared for wet,
cool conditions. West coast weather
can change quickly.
• Dress in layers.
• Wear clothing that stays warm
when wet and dries quickly
(i.e. fleece - not cotton).
• Wear appropriate footwear
(i.e. sturdy hiking shoes).
Hike Safely
• Plan your trip and stick to the plan.
• Check weather forecasts before
heading out.
• Make sure your equipment is in good
working order.
• Know the trails of the parks you visit.
Read park brochures and information
kiosks.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Hike with a friend, in a group, or
leave a trip plan with a friend. If you
don’t return on schedule, your friend
can contact emergency personnel.
• If lost, make yourself visible and stay
where you are until help arrives.
Adapted Equipment Loans
What to Bring
Always carry a daypack filled with
essentials. Although your plan may be for
a short walk it’s a good idea to plan for a
full day event in case of an emergency
Here are some suggestions:
• current map of area
• water
• snacks and extra food
• cell phone
• flashlight or head lamp
and spare batteries
• large orange plastic bag (useful as
rainwear, shelter or for signalling)
• extra clothing in a waterproof plastic
bag (i.e. raingear, hat, gloves)
• sunscreen
• first aid kit
(be familiar with the contents)
• whistle
• pack of tissues
• plastic bags for pet droppings
• fully charged mobility device, ie:
electric wheelchair/scooter battery
Recreation Integration Victoria (RIV) is an intermunicipally funded service
that facilitates active lifestyles for people with disabilities. RIV works closely
with West Shore Parks & Recreation, the Capital Regional District, and the
Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues. RIV has a variety of
specially designed or adapted equipment for loan including an all terrain
wheelchair, TrailRiders™, and a variety of handcycles available for those
with mobility and agility issues. People using this service call and reserve
the equipment, fill out a registration form and waivers, pay a nominal
maintenance fee, and a refundable deposit. You can view the equipment
online at www.rivonline.org/Outdoor%20Equipment.html
Below: Partners Trail Scouting
Protect Your Valuables
Unfortunately, thieves strike where
people gather. Leave your valuables at
home, or take them with you. Don’t forget
to lock your car.
Facilitating active lifestyles
for people with disabilities
4 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
| 5
GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL
Parking Lot 2
Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle
Getting There
From Sooke Road travel 6.4 km north
on Sooke River Road to the Sooke
Potholes parking lot 2.
Crescent Beach
2
Parking Lot 1
Todd Creek
Trestle
3
Todd Creek
0
100
Metres
200
Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
Sooke Ri ve
r
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of Rick Leche
What to Expect
• Year round parking for
40+ vehicles (seasonal pay
parking May 1– September 30)
• 2 accessible parking stalls
• Room for mid-size buses
• No public transit
Extend Your Experience
• Visit the Old Lodge site and
take in the views of the Sooke
River Canyon
• From Sooke Potholes Trail
parking lot #1 hike the short
trail to Crescent Beach
• From Todd Creek Trestle
continue on the Galloping
Goose Regional Trail 2 km to the
Charters River Trestle do hike #2
Galloping Goose
Regional Trail
Sooke
Potholes
Regional
Park
er Rd
e Riv
Sook
6 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Old Lodge
Site
S ooke River
Bracken Fern
Sea to Sea
Regional Park Reserve
About the Hike
2.2km (return)
• Multi-use recreational trail
• Accessible toilets and a picnic
area at the trailhead
• Smooth gravel surface with less
than 2% grades
• Viewpoints from
Todd Creek Trestle
Black-Tailed Deer
1
Barnes Station
Historic Site
1
1
Distance (m)100
200
300
400
500
600
700
2
800
900
1,000
3
1,100
GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL
2
Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle
Salmon Interpretive
Centre
Charters River Rd
rters R
C ha
2
iv er
Charters River
Trestle
Sea to Sea
Regional Park Reserve
What to Expect
• Year round parking for 15
vehicles (seasonal over-flow
parking available)
• Room for mini buses
• No designated accessible
parking stalls
• No public transit
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Golden Eagle
Extend Your Experience
• Continue north on the
Galloping Goose to the Todd
Creek Trestle (Hike #1)
• Visit the Charters River
Salmon Interpretive Center
at 2895 Sooke River Road
So
o
ke
Galloping Goose
Regional Trail
Riv
er
Sooke River Rd
1
0
Metres
200
100
Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE
Elevation Change (m)
Rest Station
8 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
d
rR
ive
eR
ok
So
About the Hike
2km (return)
• Multi-use recreational trail
• Accessible toilets and a rest area
at the trailhead
• Smooth gravel surface with less
than 2% grades
• Viewpoints from Charters
River Trestle
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Getting There:
From Sooke Road travel 2.3 km north
on Sooke River Road to the Sooke
River Road parking lot.
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m) 100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL
3
n
Co
Roche Cove to Rocky Point
n ie
Sooke R
d
Rd
Ka
ng
ar
d
pie R
Gilles
10 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Ma
th
es
Matheson Lake
Regional Park
Rd
Roc
on
3
Rd
Mt
ke
La
n
so Rd
he rk
at Pa
0
500
Beecher Bay
First Nation
Metres
1,000
DND
30
15
0
1
Distance (m) 500
2
1,000
Su
tia
cu
m
Rd
Roche Cove to Rocky Point ELEVATION PROFILE
Elevation Change (m)
Roche Cove Rest Station
Matheson
Lake
M
What to Expect
• Parking for 12 vehicles
• Room for mid-size buses
• Accessible toilets
• Public transit (Mon-Fri) route #64
• No accessible parking stalls
Extend Your Experience
• Take the side trail to Matheson
Lake and take the steep access
trail to the beach
• Drive to Aylard Farm in East Sooke
Regional Park and do hike #5
• Drive to Pike Road in East Sooke
Regional Park and do hike #4
2
Roch
e Co
ve
Gillespie Rd
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Red Squirrel
Galloping Goose
Regional Trail
1
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Kerr
About the Hike
4.7km (one way)
• multi-use trail with a smooth
gravel surface
• Gradual slopes in a forested
environment
• Ocean and lake views from
various locations
Rd
ky P
oint
Getting There
Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road)
to Gillespie Road. Drive down
Gillespie Road 2.7 km to Roche
Cove Regional Park.
oo
Roche Cove
Regional Park
BEECHER BAY
F
FIRST
T NATION
1,500
2,000
3
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK
4
Rd
Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay
e
Pik
d
ooke R
East S
1
Silv
er S
pra
yD
r
Aylard Farm
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
About the Hike
1.5km (one way)
• Smooth gravel surface
• Gradual slopes in a forested
environment
• Ocean views from a rest shelter
Pike
Cree
k
Getting There:
Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to
Gillespie Road. Drive down Gillespie
Road to the junction with East Sooke
Road. Turn west onto East Sooke
Road and travel 7.8km to Pike Road.
Park in the parking lot at the end of
Pike Road.
East Sooke
Regional Park
12 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Extend Your Experience
• Take the short steep trail down
to Iron Mine Bay beach
• Drive to Aylard Farm in East Sooke
Regional Park and do hike #5
• Drive to Roche Cove and do hike
#3 from Roche Cove to Rocky
Point Road
2
Iron Mine
Bay
0
Metres
200
100
Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
What to Expect
• Parking for 20+ vehicles
• Room for mid-size buses
• Accessible toilets at both
ends of the trail
• No public transportation
• No accessible parking stalls
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m)
250
500
750
1,000
1,250
1,500
5
Becher Bay R
d
EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK
Aylard Farm to Becher Bay
Aylard Farm
Getting There
Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road)
to Gillespie Road.
Drive down Gillespie Road to the
junction with East Sooke Road, turn
east onto East Sooke Road and travel
2.0km to Becher Bay Road. Drive
1.6km to the end of Becher Bay Road.
Photo Courtesy of Vearl Brown
Red-tailed Hawk
14 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
What to Expect
• Parking for 70+ vehicles (summer
overflow parking also available)
• Room for full-size buses
• 4 accessible parking stalls
• Accessible toilets at trailhead
• Picnic areas
• No public transit
Extend Your Experience
• Take the short steep trail down to
Becher Bay beach
• Drive to Pike Road in East Sooke
Regional Park and do hike #4
• Drive to Roche Cove and do hike
#3 from Roche Cove to Rocky
Point Road
• Walk along one of the numerous
trails in the Aylard Farm fields
2
3
0
Becher
Bay
Metres
40
20
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
Aylard Farm
About the Hike
300m (one way)
• Smooth gravel surface
• Gradual slopes through old
farmland and coastal forest
environments
• Ocean views from rest shelter
East Sooke
Regional Park
1
Aylard Farm to Becher Bay ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m)
50
100
150
200
250
3
WITTY’S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK
West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
West-Mont
Montessori
School
What to Expect
• 1 accessible parking stall
• Teaching shelter
• Public transit on routes
#54 or #55
• Accessible toilet near the
teaching shelter
Extend Your Experience
• Drive to Tower Point in Witty’s
Lagoon Regional Park and do
Hike #7
16 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
1
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
About the Trail
300m (one way)
• Smooth gravel surface.
• Gradual slopes through
a forested environment
h
tc
Me
Witty’s Lagoon
Regional Park
2
Teaching
Shelter
Sitting Lady
Falls
0
20
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of Rick Leche
Orange-Crowned Warbler
6
Rd
ek
Cre
by
Ru
Getting There
Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to
Metchosin Road and drive 6.8 km
to the entrance to the West-Mont
Montessori School.
The trailhead is off the elementary
school parking lot close to the school.
(Parking is very limited – busy times
are during early morning drop off and
mid afternoon pick up).
in
os
Witty's
Lagoon
Metres
40
West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m)
50
100
150
200
250
300
WITTY’S LAGOON REGIONAL PARK
Tower Point Trail (Seasonal)
Oly
mp
ic V
iew
7
Dr
Bra
den
eR
d
1
Getting There
Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to
Metchosin Road and drive 5.7km to
Duke Road. Take Duke Road 650m to
the intersection with Olympic View
Drive and turn west onto Olympic
View Drive and drive 250m to Witty’s
Lagoon-Tower Point parking lot.
Witty’s Lagoon
Regional Park
About the Trail
500m (one way)
• Footpath with mixed gravel and
dirt surfaces.
• Ocean and mountain views
Note: The trail to Tower Point
can be muddy and slippery in
the rainy season.
2
What to Expect
• Parking for 15 vehicles, plus
overflow parking (June-Sept)
• No accessible parking
• No public transit
18 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
3
Parry Bay
0
Metres
60
30
Tower Point
Tower Point Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
Elevation Change (m)
Harbour Seals
Photo Courtesy of MIke Baird
Extend Your Experience
• Take the side trails to the picnic
areas in the field
• Drive to Witty’s Lagoon Regional
Park and do Hike #6 to the
Teaching Shelter
30
15
0
Distance (m)
2
1
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
3
450
500
ESQUIMALT LAGOON
8
Art Space
“Leisure... a personal experience: it is a
state of mind and being that is related to
a perceived sense of timelessness, intrinsic
satisfaction, pleasure and choice” (RIV, 1992)
Getting There
Travel along Island highway, turn east
at the lights immediately past West
Shore Parks & Recreation, turning
onto Ocean Boulevard. Turn left
again, and head toward Fort Rodd
Hill. The art space is located at the
southern end of the lagoon on the
ocean side of the road.
About the Trail
• Stable surface to accessible
picnic table
What to Expect
• 1 Accessible parking space
• Accessible Picnic table
• Accessible washrooms located at
the base of Lagoon road
• Beautiful views of the
Juan de Fuca strait
• Views of Fisgard Lighthouse
• Wildlife such as seals, ducks,
herons and swans
• Mural on the degaussing house
• Public Transit on Route 52
Extend Your Experience
• Drive to West Shore Parks &
Recreation and walk the Juan de
Fuca Recreation Centre Trail #9
• Drive to the Colwood Creek Park
and walk along the creek trail #10
20 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Central
Saanich
m
View
Royal
15
Langford
Point
Rd
Hu
mp
ba
ck
2
Rd
Sooke
Metchosin
Ka
ng
aro
o
Ea
st S
ook
eR
d
4
East Sooke
Regional Park
Juan de Fuca
Electoral Area
22 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Gille
spie
Rd
t
Wes
Roche Cove
Rd
Regional Park
Matheson Lake
3
Regional Park
Rd
int
Po
y
k
c
Ro
6
Esquimalt
Bay St
Pandora Ave
8
Oak
Bay
Victoria
Da
lla
sR
d
7
Witty's Lagoon
Regional Park
t
aS
rai
t
c
e
nd
Fu
a
Ju
Be
ch
er
Rd Bay
Sooke
Basin
d
st R
Coa
Colwood
Galloping Goose
Regional Trail
9
d
eR
ok
So
10
Go
rge
Rd
W
Cr
aig
flo
we
rR
d
Du
ke
Rd Me
tcho
sin
Rd
Juan de Fuca
Electoral Area
Otter
1
Sooke River Rd
Sooke Potholes
Regional Park
12
McKenzie Ave
St
ard
nsh
Bla
11
Lochside
Regional Trail
Foul Bay Rd
13
Shelbourne St
Francis/King
Regional Park
Saanich
16
Blenkinsop Rd
Millstream Rd
d
Munn R
Rd
Trans-Canada Hwy
Elk/Beaver Lake
Regional Park
ch
ni
aa
tS
es
W
14
Highlands
Rd
Prospect
Lake Rd
Mount Work
Regional Park
Greater Victoria
Water Supply Area
(No Public Access)
Lochside Dr
Willis P
oint
Cook S
t
Moss S
t
Juan de Fuca
Electoral Area
Ar
Island View
Rd
17
Patricia Bay Hwy
on
ys
a
l
Fin
Island View Beach
Regional Park
Oldfield Rd
Find a user-friendly trail in your neighborhood
Central Saanich Rd
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS MAP
5
0
1
2
3
km
4
WEST SHORE PARKS & RECREATION
9
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre Trail
Getting There
Take the Island Highway to the
West Shore Parks & Recreation at
1767 Island Highway.
About the Trail
2.8km (loop)
• Smooth gravel surface
• Trail wanders in and out of
the perimeter around the
outdoor facilities at West
Shore Parks & Recreation
• Some grades are greater than 6%
on the west portion of the trail
What to Expect
• 35 Accessible parking stalls
(located in various locations)
• Room for full-size buses
• Picnic shelter with picnic tables
• Numerous rest areas
• Accessible washrooms in
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre
• Playground
• Public transit on Western
Exchange Routes 25, 39,
50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 61
“The outdoors is a non-judgmental
non-condescending, environment.”
~ Almut Beringer La Trobe Univ., AUS
24 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Extend Your Experience
• Drive to Esquimalt Lagoon
Roadand enjoy the view at the
Art Space #8
• Travel to the Colwood Creek
Trail #10 and enjoy the open
green space.
COLWOOD CREEK PARK
Colwood Creek Trail
ping
Gallo
10
il
l Tra
iona
g
e
se R
Goo
ns M
ra
Vete
Brittany Dr
emo
P
rial
ky
Kana
ca Pl
5
es
Cr
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
s
26 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Dr
bu
C
Cec
il B
log
gD
r
Ma
ol
ca
wo
0
50
nP
l
od
Cr
eek
3
2
6
1
So
ok
eR
d
Metres
100
Colwood
C
ollwoodd C
Creek
reekk TTrail
raiil EElevation
levation PProfile
roffile
Colwood Creek Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
80
75
Elevation (m)
Elevation Change (m)
Extend Your Experience
• Drive to Esquimalt Lagoon
Art Space #8 for views of the
Fisgard lighthouse
• Travel to the JDF Recreation
Centre trail #9 and walk to the
Rotary Picnic Shelter
• Drive to West-Mont School #6 and
walk to the teaching shelter at
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
eV
alle
y
tro
What to Expect
• Rest stops
• Lighting along the paths
• Foot bridge over Colwood Creek
• Playground
• Off leash dog area
• Picnic tables
• Open green spaces
• Public transit on route 59
to Jacklin Road
• Public parking
ridg
An
About the Trail
300m (one way)
• Smooth gravel surface
• Very gentle slopes
• Beautiful green space located
in a suburban setting within the
City of Colwood
Sun
4
Getting There
Travel along Jacklin Road and turn
east onto Sunridge Valley Drive.
70
30
65
15
60
0
55
1
2
3
4
5
6
50
Distance (m)100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,100
1,200
LANGFORD
11
Glen Lake Park
Getting There
Turn north onto Glen Lake Road then
turn south east on Glenview Place
which enters the parking lot located
on Shoreview Drive.
About the Trail
• Smooth gravel surface
• Very gentle slopes
What to Expect
• 2 accessible parking stalls
• Rest stops
• Accessible fishing pier
• Accessible playground
• Off leash dog area
• Accessible picnic tables
• Open green spaces
• Rain garden
• Boating
• No public transit
User-Friendly trails are
welcoming and enable
participation from everyone.
28 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Extend Your Experience
• Drive to Francis/King Regional
Park to walk the Elsie King
Trail #13 and experience the
interpretive centre
GREATER VICTORIA
FP
Accessible Fishing Piers
Parks and trails provide
opportunities to connect
with nature and our
neighbors; they contribute
to the overall quality of
life and well being of all
residents of the region.
30 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Visit accessible fishing piers at
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Durrance Lake
Elk/Beaver Lake Trail #16
Florence Lake,
Glen Lake on Trail #11
Langford Lake, Ed Nixon Trail
See page 22-23 for locations
PORTAGE PARK
Island H
Portage Trail
12
wy
1
d
on R
Fent
2
Extend Your Experience
• Drive to West Shore Parks &
Recreation #9 and walk along the
golf course
• Drive to Francis/King Regional
Park and walk the boardwalk on
the Elsie King Trail #13
32 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
al
Ro
y
Vie
w
Portage
Park
Al
de
rs
m
ith
Pl
4
Thetis
Cove
0
25
Elevation Change (m)
What to Expect
• 1 wheelchair accessible parking
space at the Town of View Royal
Municipal Hall
• Trail loop that leads down to
beach on Thetis Cove
• Great surface for scooters, power
wheelchairs
• Surface can be challenging for
manual wheelchairs
• Picnic table
• Public washrooms
• Rest areas
3
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
About the Trail
1.1km (loop)
• A mix of course gravel
and paved surfaces
• Paved entrance to the park
located between the View Royal
Municipal Hall parking lot and the
4 Mile Restaurant parking lot
Av
e
Getting There
Turn south off of the Old Island
Highway onto View Royal Avenue.
Metres
50
Portage Park Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
1
2
Distance (m) 100
4
3
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,100
FRANCIS/KING REGIONAL PARK
Elsie King Trail
13
4
5
3
Getting There
From Prospect Lake Road travel
300m northwest on Munn Road
to Francis/King Regional Park.
About the Trail
800m (loop)
• Boardwalk and smooth
gravel surfaces
Forester's
Cabin
0
20
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
34 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
1
Rd
Extend Your Experience
• Travel northwest 6.8 km on
Munn Road to Mount Work
Regional Park and do hike #14
7
nn
Elsie King Trail
What to Expect
• Interpretive panels and
numerous rest areas
• Accessible toilets
• Picnic tables
• Water fountain
• Nature center
• Year round parking for 17 vehicles
• 4 accessible parking stalls
• Room for full-size buses
• No public transit
2
Mu
Photo Courtesy of Deb Thiessen
Banana Slug
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Note: boardwalk surfaces can be
slippery when wet, please stay on
wire meshed surface for your safety
Francis/King
Regional Park
6
To Prospect
Lake Rd
Metres
40
Elsie King Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
Distance (m)
1
100
2
200
4
3
300
6
5
400
500
7
600
700
800
MOUNT WORK REGIONAL PARK
Munn Road Loop
14
2
3
Mount Work
Regional Park
Getting There
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway
from Victoria, and take the #14 exit to
Highlands. Keep right at the fork. Turn
right at Millstream Lake Road and
slight right at Munn Road.
Barred Owl
About the Trail
650m (loop)
• Smooth gravel surface
• Gradual slopes in a forested
environment
What to Expect
• Parking for 10 vehicles
• 3 accessible parking stalls
• Room for full and mid-size buses
• Accessible toilet at trailhead
• No public transit
Extend Your Experience
• Visit the Caleb Pike Homestead
at 1589 Millstream Road
1
4
Munn Rd
20
Elevation Change (m)
0
36 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Metres
40
Munn Road Loop ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m)
100
200
4
3
300
400
500
600
LOCHSIDE REGIONAL TRAIL
15
Blenkinsop
Lake
Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle
5
Blenkinsop Rd
4
Blenkinsop
Trestle
Getting There:
From McKenzie Avenue travel north
onto Borden Street, turn south east
onto Cedar Hill Cross Road, turn north
onto Lochside Drive and continue
250m to parking area.
way
Green
B
2
0
1
Metres
200
100
Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE
Loc
hsi
de
Dr
Photo Courtesy of Deb Thiessen
38 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
Extend Your Experience
• Continue north 750m to the
continuation of Lochside drive
• Walk 500m east from rest area #2
on the Blenkinsop Greenway (part
of the Saanich Centennial Trail
route) to Blenkinsop Road
sop
lenkin
Lochside Dr
Great Blue Heron
What to Expect
• Year round parking for
40+ vehicles
• Room for full-size buses
• Public transit on route 26 & 51
to Borden Street and McKenzie
Avenue and on route 6 to Quadra
Street and Mckenzie Avenue
• 1 accessible parking stall
• Several rest areas
• No washroom facilities
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Salmonberry
Lochside
Regional Trail
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
About the Trail
900m (one way)
• Gravel surface multi-use trail
that follows a bygone rail line
• Views of agricultural lands
and wetlands.
• The historic Blenkinsop trestle
3
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m)
100
200
300
4
3
400
500
600
700
800
5
900
ELK/BEAVER LAKE REGIONAL PARK
Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch
7
5
Ski Beach
Getting There
From West Saanich Road turn east
onto Beaver Lake Road and drive
1.2km to the Filter Beds parking lot.
16
Brookleigh Boat Launch
8
Hamsterly Beach
6
Elk Lake
Fishing Pier
4
Eagle Beach
40 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
About the Trail
5km (one way)
• Multi-use trail with a smooth
gravel surface
• Gradual slopes in forested and
lakeshore environments
• Several rest areas
• Opportunities for fishing,
swimming and cycling
What to Expect
• Ample parking at several
locations with accessible stalls at
Beaver Beach (7), Eagle Beach (2)
and Hamsterly Beach (5)
• Room for full-size buses
• Public transit on routes #70 & #72
stopping at Elk Lake Drive and
Sayward Road
• Accessible toilets (closed NovApr) and playgrounds at Beaver
and Hamsterly Beaches
Extend Your Experience
• Continue on the west side of the
lake and complete the 10km trail
• Explore lakeside trails between
Beaver and Eagle Beaches
Elk/Beaver Lake
Regional Park
Equestrian
Centre
North
Beach
3
Beaver
Lake
Beaver
Beach
2
Filter Beds
1
0
Metres
500
250
Elevation Change (m)
Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal
Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen
From Elk Lake Drive turn west onto
Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to
the Filter Beds parking lot.
Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
Beaver
Beach
1
Distance (m) 500
North
Beach
2
Eagle
Beach
4
3
1,000
Hamsterly
Beach
1,500
2,000
2,500
5
3,000
3,500
Brookleigh
6
4,000
7
4,500
8
5,000
ISLAND VIEW BEACH REGIONAL PARK
17
Beach Trail
3
2
Getting There
Take Highway 17 (Pat Bay Highway)
to Island View Road. Drive east 2.7km
on Island View Road until you reach
Island View Beach Regional Park.
Rd
1
Island View Rd
0
Metres
100
50
Elevation Change (m)
Extend Your Experience
• Continue north along the
shoreline trail until it merges
with the beach
• Drive to Elk/Beaver Lake
and do hike #16
athko
42 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
What to Expect
• 6 accessible parking stalls
• Parking for 120+ vehicles
• Room for full-size buses
• Accessible toilet at trailhead
• Picnic shelter
• Seasonal campground
(May long weekend to
September long weekend)
• No public transit
Hom
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
Photo Courtesy of Mike Baird
Oystercatchers
Island View Beach
Regional Park
Photo Courtesy of William Ng
About the Trail
900m (one way)
• Smooth gravel surface
• Gradual slopes in a seashore
environment, above the high
watermarks
• Ocean, island and
mountain views
Cordova
Channel
4
Island View Beach Trail ELEVATION PROFILE
30
15
0
2
1
Distance (m)
100
200
300
400
500
600
4
3
700
800
900
PROJECT PARTNERS
Additional Contributors
For more information about the User–Friendly Trails project contact:
Recreation Integration Victoria
www.rivonline.org
District of Highlands
www.highlands.ca
Power to Be
www.powertobe.ca
District of Metchosin
www.district.metchosin.bc.ca
City of Colwood
www.colwood.ca
Town of View Royal
www.viewroyal.ca
CRD Regional Parks
www.crd.bc.ca/parks
250-478-3344
Intermunicipal Advisory Committee
on Dissability Issues (IACDI)
www.colwood.ca
250-478-5999
West Shore Parks & Recreation
www.westshorerecreation.ca
250-478-8384
Sponsors
Measuring Up
Progressive, Inclusive, Community
Legacies 2012
www.2010legaciesnow.com
UBCM
Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Provincial funding administered by UBCM
Government of British Columbia
BCRPA
BC Recreation and Parks Association’s
Active Communities® Initiative
Thank you to all whom have contributed their
time and effort to “A Guide to User Friendly Trails”.
44 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
City of Langford
www.cityoflangford.ca
Check out the trails and parks
in each municipality.
Links & Resources
Active Living Alliance for
Canadians with a Disability
www.ala.ca/content/home.asp
CRD Regional Parks
www.crd.bc.ca/parks/accessibility.htm
www.crd.bc.ca/parks/events
Active Living Coalition
for Older Adults
www.alcoa.ca
Greater Victoria Active Communities
www.fitinfitness.ca
British Columbia Recreation
and Parks Association
www.bcrpa.bc.ca
Caleb Pike Heritage Park
www.calebpikeheritagepark.org
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide
www.paguide.com
Canadian Association for the
Advancement of Women and
Sport and Physical Activity
www.caaws.ca
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle
Research Institute
www.cflri.ca
Canadian Institutes of
Health Research
www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Coalition for Active Living
www.activeliving.ca
Juan de Fuca Pathfinders
Walking Club
www.jdfpathfinders.ca
Metchosin Community House
www.metchosincommunityhouse.com
Public Health Agency of
Canada’s Healthy Living Unit
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
SPARC BC
www.sparc.bc.ca
Union of British Columbia
Municipalities
www.ubcm.ca
Victoria Airport
www.victoriaairport.com/news
Victoria Volkssport
www.vvpf.ca
Walk Victoria
www.walk-victoria.com
USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS
| 45
Go beyond the parking lot,
experience user-friendly trails.
Front Cover Photo Courtesy of William Ng / Back Cover Photo Courtesy of Bobbi Neal