Island View Beach Regional Park stretches along the eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula in Central Saanich. The park boasts a long sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming on a warm summer day. There is a small, self-contained campground with sites for r.v.s and tents that is open between the Victoria Day long weekend in May and Labour Day weekend in September.
The park is part of the Cordova Shore, an area containing the largest contiguous dune system in southern BC. Many fragile and endangered species live within this rare ecosystem, including the Sand-verbena Moth, Georgia Basin Bog Spider, Grey Beach Peavine and Contorted-pod Evening Primrose.
You can enjoy an easy hike through this unique ecosystem; there is a loop trail that follows the beach north from the park entrance, returning inland through the salt marsh and dunes. A wide variety of seabirds and shorebirds reside at Island View Beach or stop by during migration, with some nesting along the shoreline, so keep your dogs under control and watch your step!
How to Get to Island View Beach Regional Park
Take the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria and turn right on Island View Road, then left on Homathko Road, which will take you to the park entrance. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Victoria. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
