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Parks & Community Services
490 Atkins Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V9B 2Z8
tel: 250.478.3344
email

Nature Outings & Events Calendar

April

May

sat 05

Witty's Lagoon Regional Park Nature's Inventory

Taking inventory in a store may not be much fun but taking an inventory of nature can be a blast! Join forces with CRD Regional Parks' naturalists and the Metchosin Bioblitz team to explore the diversity of plans and animal life within Witty's Lagoon Regional Park. See http://www.metchosinbiodiversity.com. for more details.

BC Transit #54 or #55

10:30 am - 1:30 pm | All ages

sun 06

Island View Beach Regional Park What's That? Ask A Nat!

Come with your curiosity to explore low tide and all the marine critters it reveals. Borrow our dip nets and ask a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist to identify your treasures. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Road, off Island View Road.

10:00 am - 2:00 pm | All ages

sat 12

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Winged Migration

Celebrate the return of our feathered friends! May 12 is International Migratory Bird Day. Join CRD Regional Parks, Rocky Point Bird Observatory and the Victoria Natural History Society to learn more about the journey that birds take from their summer and winter homes. this free drop-in event offers engaging activities for birders of all ages, expertise and abilities. Participate in guided walks, mist-netting demonstrations, hummingbird and passerine banding demonstrations, children's activities and presentations. Meet at the filter beds parking lot off Beaver Lake Road. http://www.rpbo.org/community.htm#imbd

BC Transit #70 or # 75

9:00 am - 2:00 pm | All ages

sun 13

Roche Cove Regional Park Cougar Ridge Hike

This scenic hike led by a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist begins at Roche Cove and follows the Cedar Grove Trail to spectacular viewpoints. We return via the Galloping Goose. Bring sturdy shoes and lunch.  Meet at the parking lot off Gillespie Road.

11:00 am - 3:00 pm | 18 years+

Gonzales Hill Regional Park Mystery Creature at Gonzales Hill

Solve the riddles to the clues with a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist on this 'skill-testing' quest atop Gonzales Hill. The panoramic view is breathtaking! Meet in the parking lot off Denison Road.

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | All ages

sat 19

Mount Work Regional Park Mount Work-Out!

Join a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist on this vigorous hike from marshy lowlands to rugged rocky outcrops. Bring a lunch, water and raingear, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Meet in the Munn Road parking lot.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm | 12 years+

sat 26

Francis/King Regional Park A Historical Afternoon

Join a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist and our guest historical researcher, Kathleen Trayner, for an introduction to researching and writing your own cultural history. Whether it's about yourself, a house or an ancestor, this program will give you the tools to launch your own history project and bring the past to life. Bring paper and pen.

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | 18 years+

sun 27

Island View Beach Regional Park Beginners Birding Basics

Ever wanted to bird watch? This is a great time of year for birding, with courtship and territory disputes filling the air with song. Join us to learn what to look for, and how to use binoculars and field guides. Bring binoculars if you have them. A spotting scope is provided. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Road, off Island View Road.

10:00 am - 12:30 pm | 9 years+

mon 28

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Early Evening Canoeing

Paddle in the lake searching for eagles, herons, turtles and other lake life with CRD Regional Parks' naturalists. Canoe equipment and instruction are provided and no experience is necessary.  You must pre–register: $20+HST (15 yrs+); $10+HST (5–14 years & adult non–paddlers). Phone 250.478.3344.

BC Transit #70 or # 75

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm | 5 years+

June

What You Need to Know

All programs run rain or shine.

Events are drop-in style and free. Come by anytime between the hours that the event is offered.

Outings, such as guided walks and hikes, are free and do not require registration, unless otherwise noted. They usually run 1.5 - 2 hours. Outings with fees or registration are noted in the listing; please book early as they fill up quickly.

Phone
250.478.3344
Use your VISA or MasterCard for fee-paying programs. Registration fees are non-refundable unless outing is cancelled.

Drop-in to our office
Regional Parks headquarters
490 Atkins Ave., Langford
Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

Ages

The age indicated for each outing or event is a recommendation, based on park terrain and program content.

When to meet

Outing: try to arrive 10 minutes before the start of your program.

Event: drop-in anytime between the hours that the event is offered.

What to bring

Carry a day pack with drinking water, a hat, extra clothes and a small snack (or lunch for longer outings).

How to dress

Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring sandals or beach shoes for tidal and canoe programs.

Pets

We like pets too. However, their presence can be disruptive. If you plan to attend one of our programs, please leave your animal friends at home.

Nature Centres

There is a wonderful world of natural and cultural history to explore at our three Nature Centres. After a walk on the trails, drop to see the displays and enjoy free hot spiced apple juice!

Beaver Lake Nature Centre
(Beaver Beach off Elk Lake Drive)
Saturdays, Sundays, holiday Mondays, 12–4 pm
The Nature Centre is wheelchair accessible.

Francis/King Nature Centre
(Munn Road in Saanich)
Saturdays, Sundays, holiday Mondays, 12–4 pm.
The Nature Centre and the Elsie King Trail are wheelchair accessible.

Witty's Lagoon Nature Centre
(Metchosin Road in Metchosin)
Saturdays, Sundays, holiday Mondays, 12–4 pm
The Nature Centre is wheelchair accessible.

East Sooke hike photo courtesy Calypso Orchid; woodpecker photo courtesy Andrew Reding