Each tour will leave from the CRD Field Office on a school bus that will be guided to various stops within our protected watersheds to let you discover these special places first hand. All tours require advanced reservations.

Online registration opens on Wednesday, April 20th

Tour 1: Source to Tap (5.5 hours)

Follows the flow of water starting at the north end of Sooke Lake Reservoir. This tour explores the surrounding forests, Rithet Creek (main tributary to Sooke Lake Reservoir), water supply facilities and the treatment process that ensures the water delivered to your tap is optimal. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

When:

• Monday to Saturday May 2 – 7 (BC Drinking Water Week)
• Friday June 10 & 24
• Friday July 8 & 22

Time: 9:30am to approximately 3pm

Location: Meet at the CRD Field Office parking lot – 2955 Sooke Lake Road (near Goldstream Park campground). Directional signs will be posted. 

Tour 2: Behind the Red Gate (3 hours)

Ever wondered what’s behind the red gate? This is your chance to discover the protected watersheds and water supply facilities. This tour focuses on visits to Sooke Lake and Goldstream Lake reservoirs and the ultraviolet disinfection facility. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

When:

• Saturday June 11 & 25
• Saturday July 9 & 23

Time: 1pm to approximately 4pm

Location: Meet at the CRD Field Office parking lot – 2955 Sooke Lake Road (near Goldstream Park campground)

Tour 3: Family Tour (3 hours)

Hey young explorers, bring your favourite adults along to discover where your water comes from. We’ll explore the plants and animals that call this special place home and learn how we’re all sharing this precious resource. This tour includes a walk in the forest and several other short stops. Please note there are no baby changing facilities and strollers cannot be accommodated on the bus. Recommended for all ages.

When:

• Saturday June 11 & 25
• Saturday July 9 & 23

Time: 9:30am to noon

Location: Meet at the CRD Field Office parking lot – 2955 Sooke Lake Road (near Goldstream Park campground)

2016 School Tours are already fully booked.

Educators of grade 6 – 12 students are invited to register their class / group for a free half day tour that offers a first-hand look at how water gets from the source to your tap. This tour explores the surrounding forest, Sooke Lake and Goldstream Lake reservoirs, water supply facilities and the treatment process that ensures the water delivered to your tap is optimal.

School Program

We make it easy!

To get the most out of the field trip, we recommend you explore topics in the classroom with a complimentary “Water in Our Community” educator’s kit (includes lesson plans, videos, maps and classroom water monitoring kits) for the school. For information or to request learning resources for your school, please email.

Getting There

The school bus will pick you up from your school at the designated time and will return you in time for dismissal. That’s right - you don’t need to book a bus. The bus and driver are part of the program and will be with us for the day.

Booking Information

2016 School Tours are fully booked.

School Tours are limited, so please call 250.474.9627 for more information.

Other Age Groups

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate lower grades on a tour at this time.

The CRD is proud to support advanced learning opportunities. Come discover the many professional, technical and specially trained staff involved in providing drinking water to over 350,000 residents. Please email for more information.