Island View Beach Regional Park and Campground, Central Saanich
A gem in Central Saanich! Island View Beach provides long rocky and sandy beaches for your pleasure. With the bonus of there not usually being a lot of people. A fantastic place to commune with nature and get your dose of positive ions. Photos, there are photo ops everywhere you look, especially when Mt. Baker is out showing its glorious snow crested peak. And, lots of parking. Scattered about are a few display boards with local information to learn a little more about the area.
The park borders the Tsawout Nation and the area is of great cultural and spiritual significance to them. Conservation and protection of the wetlands and fragile grass and tree species are of great importance to all. Of particular importance is the bird area, it is a vital breeding ground for a variety of species.
Ahh the views. Did I mention the views here? It is exquisitely spacious, beach, grassland, sunrise, sunset, star gazing, and full moons to drink in. The park is kept wonderfully clean, with the exception lazy dog owners. Look to the north and you see the Hope range, to the south we have the Olympic range and to the east Mount Baker. Often you will see the eagles fly overhead or the deer playing in the fields. And just a stone’s throw away from the beach, you can see Darcy Island, James Island, and Sidney Island. The official name of the body of water your are looking at is the Haro Strait.
Your dog(s) will love it, it is dog friendly! There are many areas for them to roam on and off the leash. They must be on the leash from May to September. With paths throughout the area to enjoy rambling and of course just walking on the beach. You will also find your share of pooches frolicking in the water.
For the agile there are plenty of interesting clumps of driftwood to play on. You can jog the paths for those looking for cardio exercise. Fantastic spot for wind and kite surfing. Easy access to launch you kayak or canoe as well.
Your kids will never get bored here. Play in the sand, swim in the ocean, explore, fly kites, or just lay in the sun with them. Logs and branches abound making it easy for the children to make forts and castles. Naturally there are the requisite cool rocks and shells to discover. You might even find the occasional fossil as well. A night you can come out and view the stars with them and enjoy the falling stars. It is wonderful that there are no city lights to interfere with night time gazing. A great place for the family.
There are picnic tables and restrooms close by for your convenience. It is also equipped with a group fire ring and drinking water station.
It is also so easy to find; drive down the Pay Bay Hwy. and turn East on Island View Rd.; you will know you are the right place when you see Michell’s Farms. Drive for about 3 km and before you know it, you will be at the beach. The campground is open from the Victoria Day long weekend in May and closes on the Labour day long weekend in September. For your convenience they have online reservations at crdregionalparks.perfectmind.com.
