emailIsland View Beach Regional Park
This park offers an expansive beach along the eastern
shore of the Saanich Peninsula, and excellent bird watching.
Features
- a panorama of land and seascapes
- a long, sandy beach for exploring, picnicking and swimming
- a fragile sand dune area, home to several rare and beautiful plants
- a boat launch for access to Cordova Channel and Haro Strait
Trail Rating: Easy
Size: 42.03 hectares
Location: Island View Road in Central Saanich
Established: 1966
Hours: sunrise to sunset
)Things to Do
Circle Walk
Explore Island View Beach Regional Park along a circle route. Head north down the beach, then join one of the access trails through the foredunes. Return by way of the inland trail through the old salt marsh and backdunes, and stop at the picnic area for a snack.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
Seabirds and shorebirds land at Island View Beach during migration times in the spring and autumn. Migratory seabirds graze on the eel grass beds at low tide or probe for worms, clams and other creatures in the sand. They are often exhausted from their long travels and need all the nourishment and rest they can get. Watch these animals from a distance and keep dogs on the trail and under control.
Some of BC's most threatened shorebirds nest on the ground on isolated rocky islets, spits and shorelines. Oystercatchers, for example, are one species at risk. They lay their well-camouflaged eggs in a scrape — nothing more than an arrangement of pebbles or even the bare rock itself. Oystercatchers also rely on distraction to fend off predators. Stay well clear of any bird displaying evasive behaviour and watch where you walk.
RV and Tenting Campground Closed for Cleanup
Regional Parks is making improvements to the campground. Work underway includes:
- Site cleanup
- Campground assessment and modification
- Re-naturalize the foreshore to provide public access to the beach
- Contain an infestation of Carpet Burweed (Soliva sessilis), an invasive plant
Campground Temporarily Closed
Due to work in the campground, we request the public stay out of the area. Please watch for trucks and heavy equipment working in and travelling through the area.
Watch For Updates
The future use of the RV and tenting campground will be determined through a park management planning process. It will include consultation with the public, Tsawout First Nation and the District of Central Saanich.
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.
