Walk the West Shore Trails Guide - WestShore Recreationwestshorerecreation.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdf/walk_westshore.pdf · Walk the West Shore The West Shore area of Victoria consists

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MUNICIPALITIES OF COLWOOD, METCHOSIN, HIGHLANDS, LANGFORD, VIEW ROYAL, THE CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT & WEST SHORE PARKS & RECREATION SOCIETY

THE WEST SHOREA Walking Guide to Victoria’s West Shore Communities

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2

3

45

6

131415

1011

12

98

7

Metchosin

Colwood

ViewRoyal

Langford

Highlands

Sooke

CapitalRegional

District

Strait ofJuan de Fuca

Saanich

North Saanich

Esquimalt

Colwood

Highlands

Langford

Metchosin

ViewRoyalHighlands

ViewRoyal

Langford

Colwood

Metchosin

References 36–37

LOOKFORTHISSYMBOLWalking tips are placed throughout the guide.

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GetoutandWalk 2–3GettingStarted 4–5

Ross-Durrance Trail 6 – 7Gowlland Tod Trail 8 – 9Stewart Mountain 10 – 11

1.2.3.

Craigflower Creek 12 – 13Thetis Lake 14 – 15Portage Park Trails 16 – 17

4.5.6.

Millstream Creek 18 – 19Strachan Trail 20 – 21Ed Nixon Trail 22 – 23

7.8.9.

Royal Roads & Coburg Peninsula 24 – 25Havenwood/Latoria Trail 26 – 27Royal Bay Walk 28 – 29

10.11.12.

Sea Bluff Loop 30 – 31Devonian Lombard Loop 32 – 33Matheson Lake 34 – 35

13.14.15.

Walk the West ShoreThe West Shore area of Victoria consists of five communities: Langford, Colwood, Highlands, Metchosin and View Royal; providing a diverse region of both rural and urban communities. The extraordinary natural beauty of the area, and the variety of parks and trails offer many wonderful opportunities for walking and hiking. From the breathtaking views from the hilltops of the Gowlland-Tod Trail to the old growth forest and beaches of Metchosin, this guide will help you to discover the splendor of the West Shore.

This Walk the West Shore Guide features walking routes of varying lengths located throughout the region, including maps photos and descriptions. Walking tips are provided throughout the guide to inform and motivate you to get active by walking.

Canada’s number one physical activityWalking is the single most beneficial, all-purpose physical activity you can do. It is an easy and effective way to get exercise and yet it is a gentle activity that is not overly stressful on the joints. People of all ages and virtually all levels of physical ability can walk comfortably with little risk of injury. As walking is inexpensive, enjoyable, relaxing, and good for you it should be no surprise that it is Canada’s most popular physical activity.

Walk your way to healthTry to walk every day. Ideally adults should get a total of 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most days of the week. The more exercise you can do the better. Research has shown that regular brisk walking for 30 minutes or light walking for 60 minutes on 4 to 7 days a week will reduce the risk of disease and some cancers. Regular walkers benefit from increased energy levels, more stamina, better sleep, and lower stress. Make walking a part of your everyday; it is free, easy and fits any schedule.

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Before getting started on a walking program talk to your doctor if you:

have been inactive for a long time

are very overweight

are a smoker

have high blood pressure

have a history of heart disease or chest pains

have diabetes

When walking, wear light, loose, comfortable clothing and well-cushioned, flat-soled shoes.

You may feel sore in the early stages of your program, as your body adjusts to the new demands being placed upon it. As your body adapts, the soreness will decrease.

Warm up and cool down with 5 minutes of walking at a moderate pace. Follow this with some leg stretches, which will help minimize stiffness and sore muscles.

Walk steadily; focus on maintaining a fluid heel-to-toe motion, letting your arms swing freely by your sides. After a while you’ll develop a rhythm and stride natural for your height and weight.

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Getting Started

Highway to Health Greater Victoria’s Highway to Health is a free, on-line activity tracker that allows you to log-on to your own personal web site, enter your daily steps and/or activity minutes and then watch your progress as you travel across a virtual map.

Steps can be earned by participating in many activities! All participants are eligible to win great prizes in selected contests indicated on the map along the way! The more steps you take, the more chances to win!

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the program and anyone can join. The tracker will monitor your progress, give you helpful tips and advice along the way and inspire you to help achieve Greater Victoria’s goal of increasing physical activity levels 20% by 2010!

Visit www.fitinfitness.ca for free registration and information.

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Waterfalls and streams

MckenzieBight

PeaseLake

100 50 0 100 Metres

Ro

ss-Durance Road

Willis Point Road

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

Keep your eyes open for native plant life like trillium

HighlightsRugged trail system

Various wildlife opportunities

Elevation change 147m

Pets allowed (dogs on leash)

Views of Finlayson Arm and rocky beach access

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Walk the loop and access the beach with

a beautiful view of Finlayson Arm

Ross-Durrance TrailHighlands

Trail System 3 km

Two Or Three Weeks Of Regular Walking Will

Increase your energy level and stamina

Relieve stress and tension

Help you sleep better

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LegendRoss-Durrance Trail

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksNearby Trails

Beach Access

Parking

Roads

6 7

FinlaysonArm

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

Lone Tree HillRegional Park

HazlittCreekPark

300 150 0 300 Metres

Highlands Park Terra

ce

Red Cedar Crt

Caleb PikeRo

ad

MillsteamRoad

Millstr eam Road

Martlett Road

Emma Dixon

W

hitePine

Tr.

Rockridge Pl

So

uthwind D

rive

Lake

Road

Blac

ktai

l Road

Lorimer Road



Pets allowed (dogs on leash)

Horse trails

Views of Finlayson Arm

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Get a PedometerWearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your steps each day. Start by wearing the pedometer every day for one week. Put it on when you get up in the morning and wear it until bed time. Record your daily steps in a log or notebook. By the end of the week you will know your average daily steps. You might be surprised how many (or how few) steps you get in each day.

View of Finlayson Arm in Winter

Horse trails

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Trail System 7 km

LegendGowlland Tod Trail

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksParking

Roads

Gowlland Tod TrailHighlands

TeanookLakeMatson

Lake

Thetis Lake Regional Park

Scafe Hill

100 50 0 100 Metres

Taylor Way

Stewart Mountain Road

Millstream

Road

Mill streamRd

Lost Lake Road

Prepare for a challenging trail system

A view from

the top

Stewart Mountain Highlands



Elevation Change 75m

Pets Allowed

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Daily Step GoalsHighlyActive(Children, Youth, and Fit Adults) 10,000 -16,000

Active (Adults) 10,000

SomewhatActive (Older Adults) 7,000 - 9,999

LowActive(Adults with a Chronic Health Condition) 4,000-7,000

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Trail System 3 km

LegendStewart Mt. Trail

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksParking

Roads

Midwood Road

E&N Railway

Galloping Goose TrailGalloping Goose Trail

Trans Canada Highway

Helmcken Road

Helm

cken

Road

PortageInlet

View Royal Park

Burn

ett R

oad

Padd

ock Pl

ace

Island Highway

GullRoad

Talcott Road

Pheasant Lane

Caton Place

Parkcrest DriveCraig�ow

er Creek

130 65 0 130 Metres

Vickery Road

Expect a gravel path through flat land

Craigflower Creek View Point

View Royal Park View Royal

HighlightsOpen space park with 1.5 km of trails including a riverside walk

Play area

Pets allowed


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Prevent IllnessRegular brisk walking will increase bone density, thereby helping to prevent osteoporosis as well as help increase flexibility and coordination and hence prevent falls.

Walking reduces high cholesterol and lowers your risk of high blood pressure, cancer of the colon, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis

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LegendCraigflower Creek Trail

StreamsWater Bodies

ParksParkingTrain Tracks

Roads

Trail System 1.5 km

UpperThetisLake

LowerThetisLake Thetis Lake

Regional Park

Mill HillRegional Park

350 175 0 350 Metres

E&N Railway

Galloping Goose Trail



Island Highway

SixM

ileRoad

Lang

vist

aD

rive

Highland

Road

Atkins Road

Park Ridge Place

Chilco Rd

ThetisValeCr

ChilcoRdCahilty

Ln

CheamRd

View of Thetis Lake

Thetis Lake Loop View Royal

HighlightsAll purpose trail system

Sand beaches for swimming


Seasonal dog restrictions

For trails within the park and a map of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

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It’s easier than you think!More than half the body’s muscles are designed for walking. It is a natural activity every body is designed to do.

Trail System 3 km

LegendThetis Lake Loop

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksNearby Trails

Beach Access

Parking

Roads

Chip trails

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Portage Inlet

Esquimalt Harbour

ThetisCove

PortagePark

RichardsIsland

160 80 0 160 Metres

Adm

irals

Road

Shoreline Drive

Glentana

Road

Demos Pl

Falst

a�

Place

View Royal Avenue

Plow

right

Road

Pallister Ave

View Royal Ave

Stor

mon

t Ave

Glenairlie Drive

Suza

nne Pl

ace

Brian Pl

Abinger Pl

Fenton Road

Island HighwayBeau

mon

tAve

nue

Aldersmith Pl.

SteepStairs

Be prepared for gravel trails, where as some of the minor

trails are dirt and or chip

Portage Park Trails View Royal

HighlightsSteep stairs lead to an all purpose trail system

Shoreline and beach access at Thetis Cove

Pets allowed

Views of Richards Island and Esquimalt Harbour


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Walk a little EverydayWalking a little every day is more beneficial than an occasional, intense bout of exercise. Alternating short, 15 minute walks with 45 to 60 minute walks every second day will help maximize the health benefits of walking.

Trail System 1 km

LegendPortage Park Trails

StreamsWater Bodies

ParksNearby Trails

Beach Access

ParkingTrain Tracks

Roads

Richards Island

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250 125 0 250 Metres

Ranson Rd

Gourman Place

Trans Canada Hwy

SelwynRoad

Setc

h�el

dAv

e.

Hoylake Avenue

MillstreamRoad

M

illstreamRoad

Mis

tyW

ay

McCallum Road

Mo

yesRd.

Hansen Avenue

MillstreamCreek

To Florence Lake Trail

MILLSTREAMVILLAGE

HOMEDEPOT

Treanor Avenue

Treanor Avenue

Bellamy Road

Goldie Ave.

Bella

my Road

Phelps AvenueBe

lair

Road

Ashley Pl

.

View of Millstream Creek

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Millstream Creek Langford




Pets allowed

3 km is walking full length of trail and back

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The Talk TestIf you can carry on a conversation while walking briskly, you are setting a good pace. If you are breathless and unable to talk while walking, you are going faster than you need to. Activity should be done at a moderate, comfortable level.

Chip/Dirt TrailsLegend

Millstream Creek Trails

Connecting Trails

Water Bodies

ParksTrain Tracks

Roads

Pedestrian Bridge

Trail System 3 km

��

COSTCO

Preston Way

Spen

cer R

d

FlorenceLake

Boat Launch

250 125 0 205 Metres


Savo

ryRo

ad

FlorenceLake

Road

Brock Avenue

McCallum Road

Setch�eld

Road

Jack

linRo

ad

Mat

son

Road

Stra

thm

ore

Road

Fleet

woo

d Road

Pros

pect

orW

ay

Millstone

Rd

Martin

Road

FlorenceLake

RoadBrock Avenue

Watch for wildlife like this Yellow Throat Warbler

View of Florence Lake from the trail

Strachan Trail Langford



Elevation change 3m

Pets allowed

3 km is walking full length of trail and back

Also called Florence Lake Trail

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Set a GoalWhen setting a walking goal, many experts recommend taking 10,000 steps a day. It takes roughly 5,000 steps to walk a kilometer. In normal daily activity, most reasonably active people walk between 4,000 and 6,000 steps a day.

Indigenous plant life20 2�

Trail System 3 km

LegendFlorence Lake Trail

Boardwalk

Streams

Water Bodies

Parks

Fishing Location

RoadsF


Wes

tSho

rePa

rkw

ay

400 200 0 400 Metres


GoldstreamAvenue

Lake End Rd

Leigh Road

Henry Ing PlaceLe

igh

Roa d

Dunford Ave

LangfordLake

GlennLake

S

Be sure to check out the boats fishing on the lake

Langford Lake bridge

Ed Nixon Trail Langford



Elevation change 2m

Pets allowed

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The walking trail is in excellent condition

Stay motivated:Walk with a friend or in a group, or with your spouse and family.

Plan your walks in advance.

Join a walking group.

Dress for the weather, and walk rain or shine.

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Trail System 5 km

LegendEd Nixon Trail

Boardwalk

StreamsWater Bodies

Parks Fishing Location

RoadsSwimming Location

Washroom

250 125 0 250 Metres

Esquimalt Lagoon

Esquimalt LagoonBird Sanctuary Since 1938

Hatley ParkRoyal Roads University

Fort Rodd HillNational Park

Metchosin

Road

Milburn Drive

Portsmouth Drive

Ocean Blvd

Ocean

Blvd

Ocean

Blvd

Lagoon Road

Hea

ther

bell

Road

Matilda

Dr

Sea�eld Road

Anchor

age

Ave

Aloha Ave

Belmont Road

Sooke Road

Wish

art R

oad


Trail inside fence of Royal Roads

Stairs atCreek

Crossing

Pump Station

College Drive

Beautifully constructed trails throughout Hatley Park

Esquimalt Lagoon

Royal Roads & Coburg Peninsula Colwood

HighlightsRoyal Roads forest (moderate)

Waterfowl viewing opportunities


Pets are required to be on a leash

The short 3 km loop rises from about 35 m to 75 m

The long loop (7 km) rises from sea level to 35 metres

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Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University

Make walking part of a your daily routine

Walk to the store, or on other errands.

Walk all or part of the way to work or school.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

Walk around the block or near by trail on your lunch break.

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LegendRoyal Roads University

& Coburg Trails

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksRoads

Trail System 3 km & 7 km

24 25

Latoria Road

Latoria Road

200 185 0 200 Metres

Vetra

nsM

emor

ial P

arkw

ay

Olympic View Golf Course

Latoria Creek Park

Stairs &Steep Slope


Albert Head Lagoon

Colwood

Metchosin

GrattonRoad

Met

chos

inRo

ad

MetchosinRo

ad

Duk e

Road

DelgadaD

rPark

Drive

Bunkerr RoadRoyal Bay Driv

ePromenad

eCr

esce

nt

Longworth Pl

Wis

hart

Road

Pain

ter R

oad

Benhomer Drive

Cotlow Drive

Lagoon Road

Aloha Drive

Milburn Drive

Hat

ley

Driv

e

Permieter Pl

Pelican DriveBriarwood Lane

Windthrop Road

Wish

art R

oad

Granrose Terrace

Brookside Road

Bidwell Pl.

Anchora

geAve

Dressler Road

Beach Walk

Royal Bay Walk Colwood

HighlightsA long walk over mixed surfaces

Enjoy the lapping waves under the big maples along the beach or take in the long view from the lookout above Rockwood Terrace



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Safety TipsAlways let someone know where you’re going and your expected time of return.

Keep hydrated. If you’re going on a long or strenuous walk, drink water before you start, and carry a supply with you, especially in hot weather. A small backpack is useful for carrying water, sunglasses, sunscreen and other important items.

Be prepared for loose sand and some driftwood dodging

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Trail System 8 km

LegendRoyal Bay Walk

StreamsWater Bodies

Parks Beach Access

LookoutRoads

140 70 0 140 Metres

Granrose Terrace

Castlewood Rd

Brookside Road

Granrose Terrace

Bunker Road

Kelly

Dawn

Plac

e

Wendey Drive

Des

mon

dD

rive

Sun Estates

Sunheights Drive

SunH

ills RoadSun Vista

Fulto

nRo

ad

Windthrop Road

Vetra

nsM

emor

ial P

arkw

ay

Vetr

ans M

emor

ialP

arkw

ay

Latoria Road

Latoria Road

Havenwood Park

Olympic View Golf Course

Mar

yAn

neCr

Pattison Way

Walk on RoadNarrow Shoulder

Trail is easy to spot o� the end

of Desmond Drive

Gravel pathways

Look for nearby trails in Havenwood Park

Havenwood / Latoria Trail Colwood

HighlightsEntrance off Veterans Memorial parkway is marked by two white posts along the road near the crest of the hill

A combination of urban and park trails



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Increasing IntensityIncrease the intensity of your walks gradually. Rather than increasing the intensity and length of your walks simultaneously, begin by slowly increasing the amount of time spent walking, up to 60 minutes if you can. Follow this by adding hills and slowly increasing your pace.

LegendHavenwood/Latoria Trail

Nearby Trails

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksRoads

Trail System 2.4 km

2� 2�

Will

iam

Hea

dRo

ad

Still

Mea

dow

Road

Witty Beach Road

Wooton Road

Parry Road

Parr

yCr

oss Ro

ad

Met

chos

inRo

ad

Parry Bay

Witty’sLagoon

200 100 0 200 Metres

Keep your dog on a leash! There are farm animals on this trail

Stop to see beautiful views of Parry Bay

30 min of Walking will ..Walking for 30 minutes or more at a quick pace 4 to 7 days a week will help you manage your body weight, reduce body fat and tone muscles.

Don’t forget to close all gates behind you!

Sea Bluff Loop Metchosin

HighlightsWalk through a working sheep farm with views of Parry Bay


Please close all gates behind you

Limited parking at the end of paved section of Wootton Road


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LegendPortage Park Trails

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksRoads

Trail System 1 km

30 3�


TaylorBeach

Devonian

Regional Park

390 195 0 390 Metres

William

Head Road

Willi

amHead

Road

Rocky Point Road

Tava

neRo

ad

Parry

Parry Road

Taylor Road

Taylor Road

Walpole

Rd

Mor

iand

Kangaroo Road

Arden Road

Lombard Drive

Swanwick Road

Boblaw Place

Pega

sus Way

Kevere PLace

Gal

lopi

ngG

oose

Trai

l

Devonian Lombard Loop Metchosin

HighlightsOpens on to Taylor Beach with views of Victoria & the Olympic Mountains

Walk beneath historic poplars on Lombard Road planted in 1905 by pioneer farmer, Henry Helgesen

Parking can be found in the Devonian Regional Park lot


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Chocolate Lily

Be alertDon’t wear headphones when walking in congested areas, or near traffic. Keep an eye on roadways, and be aware of cyclists and pedestrians.

If walking alone, carry identification on you, as well as a cell phone or change to make a phone call if need be.

View from the forested trail

Take your dog for a walk on Taylor Beach, a dog can be a great walking motivator

LegendDevonian Lombard Loop

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksRoads

Trail System 3.5 km

32 33

500 250 0 500 Metres

Sooke

Metchosin

Matheson Lake

MathesonLake

Regional Park

Horse Trail

Wayne’s RockTrail

BuckbrushSwamp Trail

Roche Cove

Roche CoveRegional Park

Gill

epsi

eRo

ad

Gillepsie

Rd

Rock

yPo

int R

oad

LaBonne

Road

La Bonne Road

LibertyD

r

Liberty Drive

Woodley Ghyll Drive

Maltoch Road

Matheson Lake Park Road

Mt. Matheson Road

Mt.M

ath e s o n

Rd

Ed’s Lane

Canis

Way


Be prepared for chip trails

Matheson Lake

Matheson Lake Metchosin

HighlightsParking can be found in the Matheson Lake Regional Park lot

This trail is suitable for horses

Walking along the road is necessary in some sections.

Elevation change 61mFor trails within the park and a map of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks

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Dress for the weatherWhen the sun is out that means wearing a hat and sunglasses, and using a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 15+ on any exposed skin. Avoid the hottest times of the day and keep to shaded areas. In cold weather a hat prevents heat loss from your head. Gloves and rain gear are recommended.

LegendMatheson Lake Walk

Streams

Water Bodies

ParksRoads

Trail System 4.3 km

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Walking TipsInformation for this booklet was compiled from a variety of sources, including the following:Pedometer Handbook. British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, 2006.Walking: the Activity of a Lifetime. Published by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. Queens Printer of Ontario, 2005.Walking Handbook. British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, 2006.Walking Program Resource Guide. British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association, 2006.Walking, Weight and Wellness. Written by Dr. Martin Collins. Trafford Publishing, 2006.

Thank You

Walking and Healthy Living Web PagesActive Communities Greater Victoria: www.activecommunities.bc.caActive Communities Greater Victoria Highway to Health: www.stepsout.com/gvAct Now BC www.actnowbc.gov.bc.caBritish Columbia Recreation and Parks Association: www.bcrpa.bc.ca/walking2010 Legacies Now: www.2010legaciesnow.com

West Shore Trails On-line:Colwood www.city.colwood.bc.ca

Metchosin www.district.metchosin.bc.ca/parks.htm

Highlands www.highlands.bc.ca/maps

Langford www.cityoflangford.ca/maps.asp

View Royal town.viewroyal.bc.ca/docs_townmaps

CRD Parks www.crd.bc.ca/parks

and to these organizations ...

Graphic Design & Layout Provided By Kathryn Mullis and West Shore Parks & Recreation

Mapping and Photography provided by Thomas Roy of Cascadia Biological Services

UNION OF

BRITISH

COLUMBIA

MUNICIPALITIES

Cascadia Biological Services

Thank you to West Shore Parks & Recreation, the City of Colwood, the City of Langford, the District of Metchosin, the District of Highlands, the Town of View Royal and Capital Regional District Parks all whom have contributed their time and effort to Walk the West Shore – A Walking Guide to Victoria’s West Shore Communities.

More walking maps to come!Visit West Shore Parks & Recreation online at www.jdfrecreation.com

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Cert no. SW-COC-002226

Documents

Walk the West Shore Trails Guide - WestShore Recreationwestshorerecreation.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdf/walk_westshore.pdf · Walk the West Shore The West Shore area of Victoria consists