CRD PARKS 2011
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PARKS For All Seasons
2011
Introduction CRD PARKS 2011 2
3 Parks Four Seasons in CRD CRD PARKS 2011
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Index
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Come and Explore
This is your BEACHES AND COASTAL
REGIONAL TRAIL
East Sooke
6
Albert Head Lagoon
6
Devonian
7
East Point
6
Witty’s Lagoon
8
Island View Beach
8
Coles Bay
15
PARK RESERVES
Galloping Goose
5
HILLTOP Bear Hill
11
Gonzales Hill
12
North Hill
12
Lone Tree Hill
13
Mill Hill
13
Mount Norman
9
Ayum Creek
16
Mount Parke
9
Mill Farm
16
Mount Work
14
Mount Wells
16
Sooke Hills Wilderness
16
FOREST Francis/King
14
East Sooke
6
7
Thetis Lake
10
Mount Norman
9
Roche Cove
15
Mount Parke
9
GULF ISLANDS East Point
LAKE/RECREATION Elk/Beaver Lake
10
Thetis Lake
10
Matheson Lake
11
natural heritage. Shooting Star wildflowers explode across the slopes of Mill Hill in March. On a hot August afternoon, a harbour seal breaks the surface in Coles Bay, scans the shoreline, and vanishes. On a cool October morning, a bald eagle swoops low, looking for fish in Witty’s Lagoon. After a December downpour, water droplets glisten on Sword Ferns in Mount Work. Aboriginal peoples here, not long ago, trapped migrating salmon, hunted elk, and dug Camas Bulbs. The Coast Salish people crafted baskets, clothing, and canoes from cedar and moved quietly with the seasons. James Douglas claimed this land in 1842, for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Over 150 years and 250,000 people later much has changed including the original landscape.
Today, the Capital Regional District (CRD) protects and preserves more than 8,100 hectares of spectacular and easily accessible coastal island landscapes – rocky coast, lake, forest, marsh, lagoon, hilltop, beach, and dune – in all 25 CRD parks. Our mandate is to manage these heritage lands for present and future generations. To assist us in this goal, we offer parks for a variety of recreational uses, from protected wilderness to creation in a natural setting. Read on to find brief descriptions of each park.
Geoff Young, Board Chair
4 Capital Regional Parks CRD PARKS 2011 District
REGIONAL CRD PARKSTRAIL 2011
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Galloping Goose Trail 10
Map Locations
Albert Head Lagoon Ayum Creek Bear Hill Coles Bay Devonian East Point East Sooke Elk/Beaver Lake
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Galloping Goose Trail Gonzales Hill North Hill Island View Beach Lone tree hill Matheson Lake Mill Farm Mill Hill
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
The 157 km trail that was once a railway line begins in Victoria and connects with Saanich, View royal, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke. Cyclists, pedestrians, in-line skaters, and horse riders share the trail through urban neighborhoods, farmland, forest, and rocky shoreline. Deer and raccoon, heron and hawk, squirrel and rabbit can be seen with a watchful eye.
Mount Norman Mount Parke Mount Wells Mount Work Roche Cove
1987
157 KILOMETERS
Sooke Hills Wilderness Thetis Lake
FEATURES Accessible at numerous points along the trail that allow for scenic stops
LEECHTOWN
Witty’s Lagoon
10km section from Victoria to Colwood is paved for convenience SOO K E R I V ER ROAD
Francis/King
ACTIVITIES Cycling, hiking, walking, horse riding, in-line skating, jogging
FACILITIES Parking, pit toilets, picnic benches, public phone access, recycling and garbage depository
S OO KE
RIV
ER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5
MAYNE ISLAND
TR
SATURNA ISLAND SOO
SOUTH PENDER ISLAND
METCHOSIN
AD
B AY
CK
YP
EY
W
IL
LI
AM
AD
RO
ESQUIMALT LAGOON
ENZIE
AVEN U
T
RD STR EE
N
OINT R O A D
HE
SE
D
METC H O
OA
VIEW ROYAL
DOUGLAS STREET
MCK
L AL
AD
11
HELMCKEN ROAD
ER
RO
RO
BECHER
ATKINS ROAD
RG
O
HA
V P PY
AD
SAANICH
9 10
OAK BAY VICTORIA
WAY
GO
O RO IE
7
AR
12 km
NG
8
L
4
2
GI
SOOKE
AREA OF MAP
P
8
COLWOOD
20 1 22 25 15 5
3
LE S
AD
10 LANGFORD
17
RO
24
KE
23
VANCOUVER ISLAND
O
14
13
D A HI GH
NR LI OA D CK JA ALDEANE AVENUE
KA
SO
HIGHLANDS
ST
CENTRAL SAANICH
21
EA
NORTH SAANICH
4
SOOKE BASIN
OAD
AN A
RO
12
N
KE R
SC
AD
G
16
AN
RO
N
6
QUADRA STREET
BLA NSH A
RI SP LT ND SA L A IS
19
AD
INNER HARBOUR
PA R RY B AY
JOHNSON STREET BRIDGE
VICTORIA
JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT
E
CRD PARKS 2011
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East Sooke 7
7
Devonian
Tucked in between the beautiful Metchosin farmlands, this small nature sanctuary has much to offer in a quiet and calm setting.
Cobble beaches for picnicking OA
OA
D
Olympic, Race Rocks, and Juan De Fuca Strait Views
ER PI ES
S KE
FEATURES
MET
SOO
OOK
7 HECTARES (17 ACRES) ORIA
CHO SIN ROA
Delgada Road in Metchosin Bird watching, beachcombing
ILL R
ALB LAG ERT H EAD OO N
FACILITIES
OAD DEL
ROY
GAD
AL
A RO
AD
B AY
AD
RR
Y
RO
4 HECTARES (10 ACRES)
Protected lagoon that attracts 32 types of migrational birds
Victoria and Olympic Mountain views
D
FAR H
1978
Cobble beach for picnicking, beachcombing, and bird watching
LOCATION
AM
Located on the Western side of the Saanich Peninsula this small park offers a quiet refuge for intimate excursions.
This small lagoon serves as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge for a variety of birds. A popular spot for the avid bird watcher.
VICT
VICTORIA
East Point 6
Albert Head Lagoon 1
AD E RO
BA
Y
D
PA
OA
AD
RO
FACILITIES Parking, trills, pit toilets
HE
IN
T
beachcombing, nature study D
LI
IT
BA YR
OA
PO
RIA
AD
ACTIVITIES Hiking, horse riding, bird watching, ER
IL
ER
OK
Y
CH
TO
SO
W
RA
BE
ST
CK
VIC
ST
FACILITIES Parking, pit toilets, picnic tables,
LOCATION William Head Road, Metchosin
LL EA
CA
beachcombing, picnicking
AD
D
GI
FU
ACTIVITIES Hiking, bird watching, nature study,
KANGAROO ROAD
AD
ER
SOOKE ROAD
Bird watching at Sherwood Pond
RO
DE
LOCATION East Sooke Road in East Sooke
AN
Juan De Fuca and Olympic views
JU
Beachcombing, scuba diving, tide pool exploration opportunities
OK
Y
Rocky bays and inlets
SO
RO
N
VICTORIA
SIN
T
VICTORIA
10km winding creeks
HO
LE
FEATURES A gentle, woodland walking trail
LE
Pocket beaches
E B AS I
L VA
E I N
OK
PY
10km of rugged coastline trails
SO OK
AP
SO
H
FEATURES 50km trails
1980
13 HECTARES (32 ACRES)
TC
1966
ME
Discover the place where the West Coast begins, where the forest meets the sea, and trees cling to windswept cliffs. 1,424 HECTARES (5.5 sq. mi.)
5
RO
CRD PARKS 2011
Parking, camp area, picnic tables
BC SW Ferr & AR ies GUSOU TZ B LF THE AY ISL RN AN DS
GE
1966
FEATURES Winding nature, creek side trail
OR
SA TU
through towering cedar trees
GI
A
ST TU
RN
AI
SL
AN
A secluded bay for picnicking, bird watching, and beachcombing
RA
MB
IG
OC
HA
D EA
LOCATION Inverness Road in North Saanich
HT
ACTIVITIES Bird watching, hiking, picnicking FACILITIES Hiking Trails, parking, picnic tables,
NN
ST
EL
PO
pit toilets, dock area RO
INT
AD
CRD PARKS 2011
CRD PARKS 2011
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Witty’s Lagoon 25
Mount Norman 18
Visit this easy-to-find, quaint little park and discover its natural, eclectic charm! Located on Metchosin Road it is easily accessible.
A Hilltop in the quiet channels of the Gulf Islands. It provides a high viewpoint on South Pender and has many Connector Trails.
1966
VICTORIA
FEATURES A large lagoon excellent for bird
SO
watching and canoeing
OK
SOOKE
FEATURES High Views of Gulf Islands,
Connector Trails to Beaumont Provincial Marine Park
TC
A sandy beach overlooking rocky headlands and offshore inlets
ME
LOCATION Canal Road / Ainslie Pt. Road, South Pender Island - Gulf Islands
Rocky bays and islets
LOCATION Metchosin Road in Metchosin
North Pender Island
Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and Mount Baker
HO
5+ km of trail through woodland marsh and lagoon
ER
1988
101 HECTARES (250 ACRES)
D OA
SIN ROA D
56 HECTARES (138 ACRES)
9
FACILITIES Parking, trails, viewpoint
FACILITIES Parking, trails, nature house lodge
AINSLIE POINT ROAD
WITTY’S LAGOON WITTY BEACH ROAD
South Pender Island
PA R RY B AY
Mount Parke 19
Island View Beach 13
This Parks offers a high viewpoint on Mayne. There are a beautiful variety of birds and flowers to observe while hiking the ridge.
Nestled along the Eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula, this park provides some of the best views of all the CRD parks. 53 HECTARES (126 ACRES)
CORDOVA CHANNEL
SIDNEY & SWARTZ BAY
HOMATHCO ROAD ISLAND VIEW ROAD
Park Entrance
1989
40 HECTARES (99 ACRES)
FEATURES Panoramic seascapes, land & views A sandy beach for beachcombing, picnicking, and swimming A sand dune area Access to the Cordova Channel and Haro Strait
HIG BAY PAT
LOCATION Island View Road in Central Saanich ACTIVITIES Beachcombing, picnicking, swimming, Trekking
Y (17 HWA
VICTORIA
BEDWELL HARBOUR ROAD CANAL ROAD
OLYMPIC VIEW DRIVE
beachcombing, horse riding, swimming, picnicking, nature study
MACKINNON ROAD
ACTIVITIES Hiking, Picnicking
DUKE ROAD
ACTIVITIES Hiking, bird watching,
BC Ferries SWARTZ BAY & SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS
FACILITIES Parking, boat launch, recycling and garbage depository, picnic benches
G
FEATURES High viewpoint of Gulf Islands and
EO
M AY N E I S L A N D
the Lower Mainland
RG
IA
FERNHILL ROAD BC Ferries SWARTZ BAY & SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS
1992
VILLAIGE BAY ROAD
Bird sanctuary for avid birdwatchers
ST
RA
Ridges and slopes to walk for all the Hiking extremists
IT
MONTROSE ROAD
LOCATION Montrose Road on Mayne Island ACTIVITIES Hiking, bird watching FACILITIES Parking, pit toilets, picnic tables,
)
CRD PARKS 2011
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Matheson Lake 15
Elk/Beaver Lake 8
This neighbor to Roche Cove Regional Park offers everything from nature appreciation to swimming and fishing.
This popular recreation area offers a variety of outdoor opportunities for everyone as well as a large, freshwater lake.
JENNINGS ROAD
PAT BAY HIGHWAY (17)
FACILITIES Parking, washrooms, lifeguard supervision, concessions, boat launch, picnic tables, shelters
BEAVER L AKE
ER
AV BE
LA
KE
AD
RO
ELK LAKE ROAD
VICTORIA
AD
AD
RO
ACTIVITIES Hiking, swimming, fishing FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets
Roche Cove Regional Park KY
IN PO
O TR
MATHESON LAKE PARK ROAD EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK
VICTORIA
Bear Hill 3 Wander along the gentle forest trails of this hilltop park and enjoy the collection of beautiful flowers and Western Red Cedar.
This popular recreation area offers numerous outdoor activities in a natural setting, inviting for the whole family. 635 HECTARES (1,569 ACRES)
G AROO
LOCATION Matheson Lake Park Road in Metchosin
Thetis Lake 24
HIGHLANDS
SOOKE ROAD
RO
ELK LAKE
riding, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, sail boarding, rowing, water skiing, fishing
Several kilometers of trails including the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
AD
ACTIVITIES Hiking, cycling, swimming, horse
H VA AP LL PY EY RO
EN
LOCATION Pat Bay Highway (17) in Saanich
AN
K
HAMSTERLY ROAD
SOOKE ROAD
kills, with great views
OS
SAY
FEATURES Picturesque lake set behind forest
CH
Large freshwater swimming lake
VICTORIA
OAD WARD R
ET
BROOKLEIGH ROAD
BEAR HILL ROAD
RO C
FEATURES Outdoor trails and paths of all types
1994
162 HECTARES (400 ACRES)
SIDNEY & SWARTZ BAY
M
1973
411 HECTARES (1,016 ACRES)
11
AD
CRD PARKS 2011
1973
49 HECTARES (121 ACRES)
1970
SIDNEY & SWARTZ BAY
FEATURES A profusion of wildflowers that
LOCATION Six Mile Road in View Royal/Langford DUNCAN
SIX MILE ROAD
TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY OLD ISLAND HIGHWAY (1A)
SOOKE
ACTIVITIES Hiking, boating, fishing, nature
) GHW
Mixed woodland of Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Garry Oak,and Arbutus Trees
tables, garbage facilities
Trails for both hikers and horse riders
SAY
study, horse riding
FACILITIES Parking, trails, washrooms, picnic
Views of the Saanich Peninsula and Haro Strait
HI BAY PAT
VICTORIA
Beaches (with seasonal lifeguards) and many picnic areas
BEAR HILL ROAD
blossom in the spring
CENTRAL SAANICH ROAD
5+ km of trail through woodland Freshwater lakes to enjoy swimming and other activities
KEATING X ROAD
OLDFIELD ROAD
nature study
17 AY (
FEATURES Swamp and lake ecosystems for HIGHLAND ROAD
BROOKLEIGH ROAD
WA
R
OA DR
HAMSTERLY ROAD VICTORIA
D
LOCATION Bear Hill Road in Saanich ACTIVITIES Hiking, horse riding, sightseeing FACILITIES Parking, Trails, garbage facilities
CRD PARKS 2011
CRD PARKS 2011
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13
Lone Tree Hill 11
Gonzales Hill 11
From the summit of this small park, view the Malahat, Highlands, Victoria, and the distant Olympic Mountains.
This protected natural landscape in the heart of the city features great views, greenery, and a popular heritage sight.
1992
2 HECTARES (5 ACRES)
FEATURES Unparalleled views of Victoria, OAD
the steep, dry rocks.
NT
RO
AD
DENISON ROAD
EL D R O A D
C BEA
HD
RIV
E
LOCATION Millstream Road in the Highlands ACTIVITIES Sightseeing
ROA
FAIRF I
CE
BA
YR
Popular spot for Bald Eagles, Ravens, Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures nesting.
EAM
VICTORIA
ES
FOU L
CR
MILL STR
An existing Habitat Sanctuary for the California Quail Bird
FACILITIES Parking
DALLAS ROAD
D
Gonzales Observatory: weather station for 75 years, which is now a heritage building
FEATURES Rare and beautiful plants nestled in
OAK BAY
Juan De Fuca Strait, the Olympic Mountains, and the Sooke Hills
Rare wildflowers and a group of Garry Oak trees
1984
3.5 HECTARES (7 ACRES)
VIC
LOCATION A large rocky knoll on Denison Road in Victoria/Oak Bay
DUN
FACILITIES Parking
North Hill 12
31 HECTARES (77 ACRES) SWARTZ BAY
A close-up view of wildflowers in the spring and mushrooms in the fall TSEHUM HARBOUR
A
IG
Peninsula, and Satellite Channel
WAY A CAN D A H I G H NS
Trails for hikers and horse riders
LOCATION Tatlow Road in North Saanich ACTIVITIES Hiking, bird watching, sight seeing, horse riding, picnicking VICTORIA
FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets
DUNC
AN
INS RO ATK
AD
VICTO
SIX M
OLD IS HIGHWL AND AY (1A )
T PA
H
FEATURES Panoramic views of the Saanich
ROAD
WAIN ROAD
Y BA
W
CANAD
A HIGH
WAY
50 HECTARES (124 ACRES)
TREAM
D
H
7)
1966
MILLS
OA
(1
TRANS
Walk through cool woodland, along Millstream Creek, or climb to the Park’s summit were you’ll find beautiful wildlife.
TR
AY
CAN
Mill Hill 17
Follow the summit trail of this hilltop park and enjoy panoramic views, seasonal wildflowers, and trails suited for everyone.
WR
IA
JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT
ACTIVITIES Sightseeing
TAT LO
TO R
IL
D E ROA
RIA
FEATURES Delicate wildflowers and arbutus, Douglas Fir and Garry Oak trees Views of Esquimalt Harbour, Victoria, and the surrounding hills Park brochures and other information at CRD headquarters next door
LOCATION Arkins Avenue in Langford ACTIVITIES Hiking, picnicking FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets
1981
CRD PARKS 2011
CRD PARKS 2011
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21
Mount Work
15
Roche Cove 22
This popular recreation spot offers a variety of landscapes and activities including fishing, canoeing and others.
Hike along a cool creek at midday or paddle still waters in the early morning light, enjoying the serenity and exclusion that this park offers.
1970
1985
159 HECTARES (393 ACRES)
FEATURES Serenity and seclusion on a mossy
FEATURES Three freshwater lakes: Durrance,
AC
PO
INT
R OA D
FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets
SOOKE
LOCATION Gillespie Road in East Sooke ACTIVITIES Hiking, horse riding, bird watching FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets
OAD
CE
E
LA
WE ST S A A N I C H R O A D
IL
RIV
canoeing, swimming, fishing
ROSS/DURRANCE ROAD
ED
W
LOCATION Willia Point Road in the Highlands ACTIVITIES Hiking, picnicking, mountain biking,
7km of trails through Cedar forest and along the Galloping Goose Trail
SPIE R
LL WA
11km of trails through forest to the summit of the mountain
O
GILLE
SO
slope or by a quiet cove
Fork, and Peace that are available for swimming in
VICTORIA
AD O
KE
R
536 HECTARES (1,325 ACRES)
SOOKE BASIN Matheson Lake Regional Park
ROYAL OAK
EAST SOOKE ROAD
Francis/King 9
Coles Bay 4
This park is ideal for exploring nature in its most pure form, as it is known for being quiet and secluded from the city. 113 HECTARES (279 ACRES) NN
RO
AD
PROSPECT LA
MU
13 HECTARES (32 ACRES)
1980
DEEP COVE SIDNEY & SWARTZ BAY
Spring wildflower meadows, a nature house with meeting room
KE ROAD
S-CAN
1977
FEATURES 11km of gentle, woodland trails
The Elsie King Trail BU
TRAN
Tucked between Metchosin farmlands, this small nature sanctuary includes gentle walking trails and cobbled beaches.
ADA H
RN
SI
DE
W
ES
T M
IGHW
E CK
N
ZI
E
EN AV
UE
A cedar boardwalk with access for people with walking disabilities Trail connections to Thetis Lake
LOCATION Willia Point Road in the Highlands ACTIVITIES Hiking, picnicking, mountain biking,
AY
canoeing, swimming, fishing VICTO
FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets RIA
AR
O DM
R
R ED
C O L E S B AY
IV
E
FEATURES Gentle walking trail through mixed woodland and along a winding creek
INVERNESS ROAD
A cobble beach wonderful for picnicking and beachcombing
McTAVISH ROAD PAT BAY HIGHWAY (17) WEST SAANICH ROAD
VICTORIA
Bird watching at Sherwood Pond Views of the Olympics, Race Rocks and Juan De Fuca Strait
LOCATION William Head Road in Metchosin ACTIVITIES Hiking, horse riding, bird watching, beachcombing, nature study
FACILITIES Parking, trails, pit toilets
CRD PARKS 2011
CRD PARKS 2011
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Park Reserves
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What’s happening?
CRD Parks builds a complex yet functional system of parks specifically for recreation by occasionally acquiring land for future regional parks. These landscapes have few, if any, visitor facilities and public use is not encouraged.
Interpretive Programs
CRD Parks will only develop visitor facilities based on public interest, and following completion of a natural resource inventory and approval of a management plan. Our primary goal for park reserves is the protection of natural and cultural resources.
Join in nature programs for adults, children, and families. They’re fun and informative. Watch for special park events. Visit the wheelchair accessible Nature House at Francis/King Regional park and the Nature Information Centre at Witty’s lagoon Regional Park, open year round.
Facilities Reservation
acquired in 1998
2
acquired in 1996
Ayum Creek
Mount Wells
This five hectare park protects the regionally significant stream estuary of Ayum Creek, which empties into Sooke Basin. Syum is also a spawning stream for wild coho and chum salmon. The park is an important link in the sea-to-sea green/ blue belt between Sooke Basin and the Saanich Inlet.
This 88 hectare park features a hill with wildflower and Garry Oak meadows. It’s complete with views of the Sooke Hills, Colwood and Langford.
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Group picnic shelters in some CRD Parks are available for reservation. The wheelchair accessible Foresters Cabin at Francis/King Regional Park is available for small group meetings. It will accommodate 20 people, and is ideal for presentations, slide shows, or other group activities.
Please remember... To protect your parks the following are prohibited: firearms/hunting alcohol consumption camping and open fires removal of any natural/cultural objects from park
To preserve your parks for the enjoyment of all: carry out any litter respect adjacent private property keep dogs under control at all times pick up your dog’s droppings and deposit in garbage cans or pack out
To book these facilities, contact CRD Parks Headquarters at:
(250) 478-3344 PHONE 1-800-663-5555 TO REPORT WILDFIRES
acquired in 1996
Mill Farm Located on the western slopes of Mount Bruce on Salt Spring Island, Mill Farm (65 hectares) includes old-growth Douglas fir, an old mill site and views of the Saanich Peninsula and the Cowichan Valley.
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acquired in 1997
Sooke Hills Wilderness This former non-catchment area of the Greater Victoria Water District in Sooke is know for is wilderness character, ecological importance, and watershed values. Located in Sooke, public access to this 4,107 hectare park is prohibited.
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For More Information:
Contact:
Dial 474-PARK (474-7275) for 24-hour access to details on nature house hours, nature walks, trail updates, and special parks events.
Capital Regional District Parks 490 Atkins Avenue Victoria, BC, Canada V9B 2Z8
Or find us on the Web at www.crd.bc.ca/parks/index.htm
TELEPHONE FAX
(250) 478-3344
(250) 478-5416 (250) 474-PARK (recorded information)
CRD PARKS 2011
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Capital Regional District Parks 490 Atkins Avenue Victoria, BC, Canada V9B 2Z8 (250) 478-3344
www.crd.bc.ca/parks/index.htm