Nature Outings & Events Calendar
Whether you're 6 or 60, CRD Regional Parks has a nature outing and event for you - for every season. Join a park interpreter for a guided walk, hike, drop-in event or canoe adventure.
See the calendar for an outing and event that piques your natural curiosity and discover your 30+ regional parks and trails!
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January
sat
28
Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist for a hike around this picturesque lake to explore its many inhabitants. Meet in the Durrance Lake parking lot off Durrance Close, off Willis Point Rd.
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| 8 years+
sun
29
This guided walk with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist will help dispel fear and misinformation about these fascinating flying mammals. Meet at the Francis/King nature centre off Munn Road.
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| All ages
February
sat
04
Join Liz Crocker, CRD Regional Parks' guest naturalist and author of 'A Cultural History of Three Regional Parks', to explore the cultural landscape of Mill Hill. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Avenue.
BC Transit #50 or #53
10:30 am
- 12:00 pm
| 12 years+
sun
05
Follow a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to the summit of Mount Maquire. The hike is strenuous and steep in sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Dress for the weather, bring a lunch and water. Meet at the information kiosk in the Anderson Cove parking lot off East Sooke Rd.
11:00 am
- 3:00 pm
| 18 years+
sat
11
Join guest CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist Kem Luther to discover the strange lives of mosses. Learn how to identify the most common species. $7/person + HST. Pre–registration required before February 10. Space is limited. Call 250.478.3344.
BC Transit #50 or #53
10:00 pm
- 11:30 am
| 18 years+
sun
12
Spring traditionally began a new round of collecting, processing and storing foods, textiles and medicines for coastal people. Learn more about common local native plants and their uses with a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon nature centre off Metchosin Road.
BC Transit #54 or #55
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| 12 years+
fri
17
Drop in between 11 am and 2 pm and join in a batty world with CRD Regional Parks' naturalists. Make a 'bat button', enjoy a 'bat walk' through the park at 11:15am or 1:15pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
11:00 am
- 2:00 pm
| All ages
sat
18
Owls are amazing birds! Join CRD Regional Parks’ guest naturalist David Allinson for this exciting adventure into the dark woods to look for and call owls. $7/person + HST. Pre–registration required before February 17. Space is limited. Call 250.478.3344.
BC Transit #50 or #53
7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm
| 8 years+
sun
19
Come take a closer look at the survival strategies of our local evergreen plants. With a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist, you'll learn common species, what keeps these plants green year-round and sip some evergreen tea. Meet at the Francis/King nature centre off Munn Road.
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| 8 years+
sat
25
Here’s a chance to explore Sooke Potholes with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist. Wear sturdy shoes, pack a lunch, and bring a camera if you have one (the photo opportunities are fabulous). Meet at the information kiosk in parking lot 1 off Sooke River Road.
11:00 am
- 3:00 pm
| 18 years+
sun
26
Drop in anytime between 1 and 3:30pm to the nature centre to discover all of the tricks of the woodpecker trade. A guided woodpecker walk with a CRD Regional Park's naturalist begins at 1:30pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
1:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
| All ages
March
sun
04
This scenic hike led by a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist begins at Roche Cove and follows the Cedar Grove Trail to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. After lunch we return via the Galloping Goose. Wear sturdy shoes and pack a lunch. Meet at the parking lot off Gillespie Road.
11:00 am
- 3:00 pm
| 18 years+
sat
10
See February 11 for details. $7/person + HST. Pre–registration required before March 9. Space is limited. Call 250.478.3344.
BC Transit #50 or #53
1:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
| 18 years+
sun
11
What are animals at the lake up to in March? Join a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist as we walk along the shore to solve a lakeside mystery.
Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| All ages
mon
12
A CRD Regional Parks' naturalist will lead you on a raccoon trail for a day in the life of these little rascals. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Road.
BC Transit #54 or #55
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| All ages
tue
13
Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the trail with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist. At the end, piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon nature centre off Metchosin Road.
BC Transit #54 or #55
1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
| All ages
sat
17
Forests are full of plants that make delicious teas. Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist for an interpretive tea tasting featuring some of our local plants. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Atkins Avenue. $7/person + HST. Pre–registration required before March 16. Space is limited. Call 250.478.3344.
BC Transit #50 or #53
1:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
| 12 years+
sun
18
Spring is here, and it’s time to head for the hills. Follow a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist up Lone Tree Hill, looking for early signs of spring along the way. Meet in the parking lot off Millstream Road.
1:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
| 8 years+
tue
20
Come and explore the sights, sounds and smells of spring! Join in the celebration with CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists for exhibits, crafts, activities – fun for the entire family! There will be guided walks at 11:15am and 1:15pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
11:00 am
- 2:00 pm
| All ages
wed
21
Challenge yourself on this ‘skill-testing’ and fun jaunt through the forest. Drop by anytime between 11am and 2pm at the nature centre in the main Beaver Lake parking lot and get the scoop from a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
11:00 am
- 2:00 pm
| All ages
thu
22
Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to create nature-inspired crafts. Drop by anytime between 11am and 2pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
11:00 am
- 2:00 pm
| All ages
fri
23
You've been to the beach but have you been to the summit of Seymour Hill? Take a hike with a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist to explore more of Thetis Lake. Bring a snack, water and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the main Thetis Lake parking lot.
BC Transit #50
12:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
| 13 years+
sat
24
Stroll along with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to peek under fallen logs and leaves in search of the giant gastropod that is one of nature’s best recyclers. Meet at the Beaver Lake nature centre off the main parking lot.
BC Transit #70 or # 75
10:30 am
- 12:00 pm
| All ages
sun
25
If you’ve never hiked to the summit of Mount Wells, here is your opportunity. Join a CRD Regional Parks' naturalist and explore for early spring wildflowers. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Humpback Road
11:00 am
- 2:00 pm
| 12 years+
sat
31
With nature as your inspiration take some time to reflect and write amongst the beauty and magnificence of the ancient trees of Francis/King with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. There is no fee for this program but you must pre-register as space is limited. To reserve a spot call 250.478.3344.
1:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
| 18 years+
Enter To Win!
Enter our draw to win a copy of Coastal Birds of British Columbia by answering this question:
What is the name of this woodpecker species and what makes it unique?
email your answer
by March 1, 2012!
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 in January.
NOTE: The nature centre will be closed for renovations in
February and March.
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.
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