emailFrequently Asked Questions
Can I have an open fire in a regional park?
No. Open fires are not allowed in regional parks. Check with your local municipality to find out where open fires are allowed in the Capital Region.
Can I camp in regional parks?
Campground to re-open this summer
CRD Regional Parks operates a self-contained RV and tent campground at Island View Beach Regional Park in Central Saanich.
The Land Conservancy (TLC) operates a campground adjacent to Sooke Potholes Regional Park. Please visit the TLC web site or call 250.383.4627 for information.
All other regional parks and trails are day-use only. No overnight camping is permitted.
Do I need to notify Regional Parks if our school or community group plans a large outing in any regional park?
Many areas in regional parks cannot be reserved and issued a permit as they are intended for public use at all times (e.g. beach areas). However, if you advise us of your park outing in advance by submitting a park use confirmation form, we will advise you if another group has already submitted one for the same date and time. If you plan on using a group picnic shelter please see below.
How do I get a permit for the group picnic facilities?
Reservations of group picnic shelters are available at Elk/Beaver Lake, East Sooke Park and Island View Beach. To reserve a shelter, call Parks Headquarters at 250.478.3344. Read more 
How much does parking cost in regional parks?
Parking is free in most regional parks and trails. At Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake regional parks only, pay parking is in effect from May 1 to September 30.
Read more
Can I take my dog to regional parks and trails?
Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs to most regional parks and trails, as long as the dogs are on the trail and under control. CRD Parks recommends you keep your dogs on leash in all high use areas.
Dogs are required to be on leash on the Lochside Regional Trail and on the Elsie King Trail at Francis/King Regional Park.
Dogs are allowed to pass through but not stay in beach and picnic areas during the summer (June 1 - September 15).
For more details, visits the Pets in Parks page. Watch for signs on trails and in parks where specific dog regulations apply.
Where can I cycle in regional parks and trails?
For details, visit the Cycling page. Cyclists are welcome on CRD Parks' two connected regional trails, built on former railway lines. The 55-kilometre Galloping Goose Regional Trail connects downtown Victoria with Sooke. The 29-kilometre Lochside Regional Trail begins in Saanich and ends at the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay.
Cycling is also permitted:
- in the Hartland mountain biking area of Mount Work Regional Park
- on the western portion of the 10K Trail at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
- on designated multi-use trails at Thetis Lake Regional Park
- on the E&N Rail Trail, which is currently under construction
Cycling is not permitted on other trails or in other regional parks. Please lock up your bikes and explore the parks on foot.
Can I ride my electric bicycle on the regional trails?
Yes. Following a comprehensive review, CRD Parks now allows the use of electric bicycles on regional trails. Electric bicycles must meet the BC Motor Vehicle Act definition of "motor-assisted cycle" and display the required sticker.
For a detailed description of motor-assisted cycles, visit:
)Where can I boat in regional parks?
Boating is permitted in the following lakes, with some restrictions:
- Beaver Lake: 10 horsepower maximum
- Durrance Lake: electric motors only
- Elk Lake: 10 horsepower maximum (over 10 horsepower in area marked by buoys only)
- Matheson Lake: electric motors only
- Prior Lake: no power boats
- Thetis Lake: electric motors only
Where can I find brochures on the regional parks and trails?
Our most popular brochures can be downloaded from this web site. From Find-a-Park, click on the park that interests you.
All CRD Parks publications are also available at our office: 490 Atkins Avenue in Langford. Office hours are Monday –- Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Where can I find out information on the water quality of Regional Parks swimming beaches?
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is responsible for monitoring the quality of recreational water. They monitor the water quality at beaches in the summer months only and post the reports on the VIHA website.
Which Regional Parks are accessible by BC Public Transit?
Each park listing provides directions to the park by public transit where applicable. You can also download the information sheet listing all parks accessible by bus.