This park is an ideal place for visitors of all abilities to explore nature. This 107 hectare Regional Conservation Area is steeped in cultural history and is ideal for exploring nature. Enjoy a stroll along the universally accessible Elsie King Trail, marvel at the heritage grove of ancient Douglas-fir trees, hike connecting trails to Thetis Lake Regional Park or visit the nature centre to discover more of the park’s natural and cultural history.
Features
- Eleven kilometres of gentle woodland trails
- Spring wildflower meadows
- A nature centre and education room
- The Elsie King Trail, a cedar boardwalk with access for people with disabilities
- Trail connections to Thetis Lake Regional Park
Trail Rating: Accessible (Elsie King Trail) to Moderate (Centennial Trail)
Size: 107.33 hectares
Location: Munn Road in Saanich
Established: 1979
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Things to Do
Stroll the accessible Elsie King Trail
The Elsie King Trail is a self-guiding 800 metre loop interpretive trail that brings people with limited mobility and agility closer to nature. It's also perfect for family outings with young children. The Trail is named after a prominent leader in the Victoria Girl Guides and the wife of naturalist Freeman King. This forest loop includes interpretive signs, rest areas with benches and a shelter and an accessible toilet. There is a boardwalk and smooth gravel surfaces. The boardwalk surfaces can be slippery when wet; please stay on wire meshed surface for your safety.
Dogs must be on leash on the Elsie King Trail.
Heritage Grove
Walk under towering trees to one of the several other trails in the park. The trails are narrow dirt pathways, uneven and steep in sections. Look down at the lush ferns and mosses, then up at the light breaking through the canopy far above. In the Heritage Grove, experience magnificent old-growth Douglas-fir trees. Approximately 500 years old, they are some of the tallest in the region.
If you're in the mood for a longer trek, follow the trails of Francis/King Regional Park to neighbouring Thetis Lake Regional Park.
Nature Centre
Regional Parks staff and volunteer naturalists can answer your questions and point you in the right direction on the trails at the nature centre. Pick up a brochure, and check out the interpretive displays on the park's natural and cultural history. The nature centre is located near the main parking lot.
Nature Centre Hours
12pm to 4pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays
Survey
Have you visited the nature centre? We want your feedback. Your feedback is important to us in order to monitor and improve our services.
Amenities
Detailed Park Accessibility Information
- Francis/King Accessibility Info (PDF - Screen reader friendly)
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible trail
- Information kiosk
- Interpretive panels
- Nature Centre
- Parking for 17 vehicles with 4 accessible parking stalls and room for full-size buses
- Accessible picnic area
How to Get There
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Helmcken Road exit. Turn left on Burnside Road West, then right on Prospect Lake Road. From Prospect Lake Road travel 300m and turn left on Munn Road, which leads to the park entrance on the right. Allow approximately 20 minutes driving time from Victoria.