Shorter hike near Victoria
Jun 9th, 2012, 08:24 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the city itself, you might visit Beacon Hill Park: http://www.beaconhillpark.ca/
Otherwise, close by, I am thinking Goldstream Provincial Park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...gs/goldstream/
Check out both www.bcparks.ca and www.hellobc.com. here are a couple of links to get started:
http://www.hellobc.com/victoria/things-to-do.aspx
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html
Otherwise, close by, I am thinking Goldstream Provincial Park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...gs/goldstream/
Check out both www.bcparks.ca and www.hellobc.com. here are a couple of links to get started:
http://www.hellobc.com/victoria/things-to-do.aspx
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.html
Jun 9th, 2012, 12:26 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks.
I think have actually been to Beacon Park a long time ago; it is so close to downtown. From looking at the map, it appears that Beacon Park has a lot of the sports activities but is less a place to hike? Is that a correct assessment? It is hard to distinguish the trails from the roads on the map. Also, part of the ocean front says cliffs--but then there are steps to the beach as well. Is there a beach we can actually walk along near there? Here's two maps I found:
http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/graphics/mapsA.htm
http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Depart...l-park-map.pdf
We also thought about just doing a walking tour near Oak Bay, maybe walk along the beach somewhere and see some of the architecture.
If the kids want a more true-nature hike, Goldstream does appear to be the first choice. Have you been and what are your thoughts? Is 20 minutes' drive from downtown a valid assessment?
What are your thoughts on Gowlland Todd Provincial Park? The viewpoints look like they'd be stellar. Would we want to do this one the same day as Butchart Gardens since they are so close?
Thanks again
I think have actually been to Beacon Park a long time ago; it is so close to downtown. From looking at the map, it appears that Beacon Park has a lot of the sports activities but is less a place to hike? Is that a correct assessment? It is hard to distinguish the trails from the roads on the map. Also, part of the ocean front says cliffs--but then there are steps to the beach as well. Is there a beach we can actually walk along near there? Here's two maps I found:
http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/graphics/mapsA.htm
http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Depart...l-park-map.pdf
We also thought about just doing a walking tour near Oak Bay, maybe walk along the beach somewhere and see some of the architecture.
If the kids want a more true-nature hike, Goldstream does appear to be the first choice. Have you been and what are your thoughts? Is 20 minutes' drive from downtown a valid assessment?
What are your thoughts on Gowlland Todd Provincial Park? The viewpoints look like they'd be stellar. Would we want to do this one the same day as Butchart Gardens since they are so close?
Thanks again
Jun 9th, 2012, 01:47 PM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that Beacon Hill is not so much for hiking, but just wanted to offer a green area inside Victoria.
Gowlland Todd Provincial Park would also be a great choice, IMO, although I haven't been there. Hopefully one of our local fodorites will chime in on these two.
Am thinking you could do Butchart on the same day, as it is usually a half-day visit for me. It's less crowded first thing in the morning. Unless you fear that you might run out of steam after that, I'd do it first and then head out to one of the parks for a picnic and the afternoon.
If nothing else, you could make a decision as to which park once you are there in Victoria.
Gowlland Todd Provincial Park would also be a great choice, IMO, although I haven't been there. Hopefully one of our local fodorites will chime in on these two.
Am thinking you could do Butchart on the same day, as it is usually a half-day visit for me. It's less crowded first thing in the morning. Unless you fear that you might run out of steam after that, I'd do it first and then head out to one of the parks for a picnic and the afternoon.
If nothing else, you could make a decision as to which park once you are there in Victoria.
Jun 13th, 2012, 08:44 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gowlland Todd Park would be a great short hike for your group especially if you combine it with Butchart Gardens, as they are side by side...Gowlland Todd park is a wonderful place for a picnic rather than paying for expensive Butchart Gardens fare. You can come to the gardens and access Gowlland Todd Park from there. Gowlland Todd Park is a wonderful,pastoral,place!!
