Island View Regional Park is a Capital Regional District (CRD) Park that offers an expansive beach along the eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula, great trails, excellent bird watching, panoramic seascape views of Haro Strait, James Island and Mount Baker, and a self-contained RV and tent campground.
Access trails from the beach and parking lot will take you to an inland trail that winds through the old salt marsh and back dunes.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
Seabirds and shorebirds land at Island View Beach during migration times in the spring and autumn. Migratory seabirds graze on the eel grass beds at low tide or probe for worms, clams and other creatures in the sand. They are often exhausted from their long travels and need all the nourishment and rest they can get. Watch these animals from a distance and keep dogs on the trail and under control.
Some of BC's most threatened shorebirds nest on the ground on isolated rocky islets, spits and shorelines. Oystercatchers, for example, are one species at risk. They lay their well-camouflaged eggs in a scrape — nothing more than an arrangement of pebbles or even the bare rock itself. Oystercatchers also rely on distraction to fend off predators. Stay well clear of any bird displaying evasive behaviour and watch where you walk.
Overnight Parking
Overnight parking permits are available for kayakers and canoeists planning to launch from the park for overnight excursions. Permits are processed during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm except Statutory holidays). Permit application form
Dog Restrictions
Dogs are required to be on a leash at the park campground. From June 1 to September 15, dogs must be on leash when passing through all beach areas above the natural boundary of the sea, and are not allowed to stay.
More information can be found at CRD Parks