Island View Beach Regional Park is located on the eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula. It has a long sandy beach for exploring, picnicking, and swimming. The park features beach, dune, wetland, and shrub ecosystems, and is home to numerous resident and migratory bird species, and many fragile plants.
You can explore Island View Beach Regional Park on a circular route – start by heading north along the beach, then take one of the trails through the foredunes. On your way back, use the inland trail through the old salt marsh and back dunes, and stop at the picnic area for a snack.
During spring and autumn, seabirds and shorebirds visit Island View Beach while migrating. They feed on eelgrass and search for worms, clams, and other creatures in the sand at low tide. These birds are often tired from their long journey and need food and rest. Please watch them from a distance and keep dogs on the trail and on leash or under control.
Trail Rating: Easy
Size: 48 hectares
Location: Island View Road in Central Saanich
Established: 1966
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
To help preserve the park:
Campground
The Island View Beach Campground is currently closed. It operates seasonally from the Victoria Day long weekend in May to the Thanksgiving Day long weekend in October. Dogs must be on leash in the campground.
All sites at Island View Beach Campground must be reserved; there are no first-come first-serve sites.
Online Reservations
The CRD’s secure online reservation site allows you to reserve and pay immediately for a campsite with no wait. Reservations can only be made up to 30 days in advance. You will first have to create an account.
Fees
- $25/night; $10 additional vehicle.
- Payable online by Visa or Mastercard. Payable on site by Visa, Mastercard or cash.
- Fees apply to all changes or cancellations.
Facilities and Services
The campground has 18 beach front RV sites, 5 treed tent trailer sites and 24 treed tent sites. All the camping sites are self-contained. The campground provides:
- waterfront views
- public garbage bins
- pit toilets
- drinking water station
- picnic areas
- group fire ring (for use only when a campfire ban is not in effect)
The campground does not provide hydro, dumping station, showers or individual fire pits.
Campground Rules
- Maximum length of stay 14 days per calendar year
- Reservations can only be made up to 30 days in advance
- No more than 7 persons per campsite with a maximum of 4 adults
- Quiet time 10pm to 7am
- Generator use permitted 9 - 11am and 6 - 8pm
- Checkout by 11am
- Fires permitted in designated area only and only when a campfire ban is not in effect
- Dogs on-leash in campground
- Pick up your dog’s droppings
- Alcohol not permitted outside campsite
- Smoking is prohibited
- Invasive Plant Management areas closed to visitors and pets
Amenities
Detailed Park Accessibility Information
How to Get There
Follow the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria. Turn right on Island View Road, then left on Homathko Road, which leads to the park entrance. Allow approximately 30 minutes driving time from Victoria.
- 12km from the Victoria Airport
- 17km from Swartz Bay Ferry terminal
- 20km from downtown Victoria
- Easy bike commute from the Lochside Regional Trail