 Dallas Road
James O'Mara photo A word or two on your excursion:
- Do not disturb the wildlife
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
A word or two on safety:
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park
Discovery Island is a sensitive seabird nesting area and ecological reserve. Seals, sea lions, otters and bald eagles also call it home. While there's a lot of wildlife to see at any time of year, you must come in spring or autumn to view migratory birds. A single hiking trail runs from the lighthouse on Sea Bird Point to the western shore of the park. If you desire relatively untouched natural surroundings, you'll enjoy viewing wildlife at Discovery Island.
Book a kayaking tour of the island or rent a kayak for a more independent visit. Inexperienced kayakers should take a guided tour. There are no anchorage or moorage facilities in the park. It is also strictly prohibited to land on any of the Chain Islets that lie between Oak Bay and Discovery Park.
Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park is located two nautical miles east of Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by boat only. The closest boat launch is at Cattle Point in Oak Bay.
A word or two on safety:
Waters can be treacherous - make crossings at slack tide in calm weather
> Discovery Island Marine Park website.
Sidney Spit
All kinds of wildlife are on view at Sidney Spit, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Large numbers of shorebirds populate the island during their spring and fall migrations. Eagles and blue herons are permanent residents. Indeed, the blue heron colony is the largest in the southern Gulf Islands. The island is also home to large herds of fallow deer.
The island is well equipped for camping and boating, with many well-marked walking trails as well.
Downtown Sidney is a 30-minute drive north of downtown Victoria via Highway 17. Boat, kayak or take the seasonal ferry from there to Sidney Spit. The spit is open from mid-May through late September.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Camping fee in effect
- Moorage and docking fees in effect
> Gulf Islands Park website.
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
Race Rocks is a remarkable showcase for Pacific marine life. It is made up of nine islets and 251 ha (620 ac) of marine area. Gulls, cormorants, pigeon gillemots, black oyster-catchers and migratory birds nest or rest on the islets. River otters swim along their shorelines. Occasionally, Orca and grey whales as well as Dall's and harbour porpoises pass by.
While Race Rocks is one of the most challenging dive sites in Juan de Fuca Strait, the rewards beneath the surface are rich indeed: anemones, sponges, hydroids, soft corals, urchins, sea stars, sculpin, rockfish and lingcod flourish here.
The best time for viewing the wildlife around Race Rocks is June through October. A number of companies in Sooke and Victoria offer guided marine eco-tours.
Race Rocks is located 17 km (10.5 m) southwest of Victoria at the eastern end of Juan de Fuca Strait. Access is by boat only.
> Race Rocks Reserve website.
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