A GUIDE TO USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS USER-FRIENDLY adjective 1. easy to learn, use, understand, or deal with Easy to use walking, hiking and wheeling trails in Greater Victoria, BC Our Story Table of Contents Galloping Goose Regional Trail PAGE 1 Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle 6 Our story begins with the CRD Regional Parks received a Intermunicipal Advisory Committee grant from UBCM to increase visitor 2 Sooke River Rd. to Charters River Trestle 8 on Disability Issues (IACDI). In 2006, accessibility. It included implementing 3 Roche Cove to Rocky Point 10 the committee envisioned an a trail assessment for recreation needs accessible trail guide that would of seniors and communication tools East Sooke Regional Park encourage people of all abilities to to share the results. In partnership, 4 Pike Road to Iron Mine Bay 12 participate in the outdoors. IACDI, CRD Parks and West Shore Parks 5 Aylard Farm to Becher Bay 14 With the assistance of West Shore Parks & Recreation began to develop a tool Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park & Recreation, IACDI received a grant that highlights easy to use outdoor from 2010 Legacies Now/Measuring experiences in our region. 6 West-Mont School to Teaching Shelter 16 Up. The funds allowed for the City of The Guide to User-Friendly Trails is a 7 Tower Point (Seasonal) 18 Colwood, City of Langford, District of pilot project which has focussed on Esquimalt Lagoon Highlands, District of Metchosin and the West Shore communities and CRD the Town of View Royal to implement a parks. In its creation we hope to inspire 8 Art Space (Amenity) 20 total of 13 accessible improvements. others to look at their trail systems with West Shore Parks & Recreation a user-friendly lens. 9 Trail at JDF Recreation Centre 24 Colwood Creek Park 10 Colwood Creek Trail 26 Langford 11 Glen Lake Park 28 “We can achieve more together than Greater Victoria alone; the power is in our partnerships.” FP Accessible Fishing Piers 30 Portage Park ~ Marnie Essery IACDI Chair 12 Portage Trail 32 Francis/King Regional Park Reading Trail Profi les 2 13 Elsie King Trail 34 Map Legend 3 Mount Work Regional Park 14 Munn Road Loop 36 Being Prepared 4 Lochside Regional Trail Adapted Equipment Loans 5 15 Lochside Drive to Blenkinsop Trestle 38 Overview Map 22-23 Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Partners & Sponsors 44 16 Filter Beds to Brookleigh Boat Launch 40 Links & Resources 45 Island View Beach Regional Park Additional Contributors 45 17 Beach Trail 42 Photo Courtesy of William Ng USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS | 1 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Map Legend Beach 2 Location Number Bench Featured Trail Bike Parking Other Featured Trail How To Read a Trail Profi le Boat Launch Trail A trail profi le is an elevation diagram which is included with each of our highlighted trail maps. Camping (RV/Tent) Municipal Boundary Cycling Major Road Fishing Highway Hiking River/Creek Horseback Riding Regional Trail Nature Centre Park These profi les show key features about the trail such as trail length, rest stops, view points, washrooms and grade changes. Parking Building The numbers on the profi le correspond with the numbers on the map to Accessible Parking Parking Lot identify the key feature’s location. Most of the trails highlighted have grades Picnic Area First Nation Reserve of 6% or less; this means that in 10 metres of a horizontal run you would climb or descend 0.6 metres. Accessible Picnic Shelter DND When we think of ramps for people with disabilities, the range of acceptable Picnic Shelter Capital Regional District grades is between 5% to 8.3%. This means a ramp will rise between 0.5 metres to 0.83 m metres in a 10 metres horizontal run. The lower the percentage grade the Playground Lake / Reservoir gentler the climb or descent. Accessible Public Toilet Drinking Water Supply Area Trail profi les are a tool to allow the user to make an informed decision to (Not open to the public) Public Toilet determine the level of access for themselves. Please note there is always some level of risk with any outdoor activity. Rowing DISCLAIMER Shelter This guide is for general information purposes only. The creators of this document make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information or the Trail / Park Information suitability of the maps for any purpose. The creators of this document will not be liable for any damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of the guide. View Point Water Fountain 2 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS | 3 Being Prepared Adapted Equipment Loans Recreation Integration Victoria (RIV) is an intermunicipally funded service that facilitates active lifestyles for people with disabilities. RIV works closely How to Dress What to Bring with West Shore Parks & Recreation, the Capital Regional District, and the • Even in summer, be prepared for wet, Always carry a daypack fi lled with Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues. RIV has a variety of cool conditions. West coast weather essentials. Although your plan may be for specially designed or adapted equipment for loan including an all terrain can change quickly. a short walk it’s a good idea to plan for a wheelchair, TrailRiders™, and a variety of handcycles available for those • Dress in layers. full day event in case of an emergency with mobility and agility issues. People using this service call and reserve • Wear clothing that stays warm Here are some suggestions: the equipment, fi ll out a registration form and waivers, pay a nominal when wet and dries quickly • current map of area maintenance fee, and a refundable deposit. You can view the equipment (i.e. fl eece - not cotton). • water online at www.rivonline.org/Outdoor%20Equipment.html • Wear appropriate footwear • snacks and extra food Below: Partners Trail Scouting (i.e. sturdy hiking shoes). • cell phone Hike Safely • fl ashlight or head lamp • Plan your trip and stick to the plan. and spare batteries • Check weather forecasts before • large orange plastic bag (useful as heading out. rainwear, shelter or for signalling) • Make sure your equipment is in good • extra clothing in a waterproof plastic working order. bag (i.e. raingear, hat, gloves) • Know the trails of the parks you visit. • sunscreen Read park brochures and information • fi rst aid kit kiosks. (be familiar with the contents) • Stay on designated trails. • whistle • Hike with a friend, in a group, or • pack of tissues leave a trip plan with a friend. If you • plastic bags for pet droppings don’t return on schedule, your friend • fully charged mobility device, ie: can contact emergency personnel. electric wheelchair/scooter battery • If lost, make yourself visible and stay where you are until help arrives. Protect Your Valuables Unfortunately, thieves strike where people gather. Leave your valuables at home, or take them with you. Don’t forget to lock your car. Facilitating active lifestyles for people with disabilities 4 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS | 5 GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL Parking Lot 2 Barnes Station Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle 1 Historic Site 1 Sea to Sea Getting There Regional Park Reserve Old Lodge From Sooke Road travel 6.4 km north Site on Sooke River Road to the Sooke Potholes parking lot 2. About the Hike 2.2km (return) Sooke Galloping Goose • Multi-use recreational trail Potholes Regional Regional Trail • Accessible toilets and a picnic Park area at the trailhead S • Smooth gravel surface with less o o Black-Tailed Deer k than 2% grades e R Sooke River Rd • Viewpoints from i v e Todd Creek Trestle r What to Expect • Year round parking for 40+ vehicles (seasonal pay parking May 1– September 30) Crescent Beach • 2 accessible parking stalls 2 • Room for mid-size buses • No public transit Parking Lot 1 Extend Your Experience Todd Creek • Visit the Old Lodge site and Trestle take in the views of the Sooke 3 Photo Courtesy of Rick Leche Todd Creek River Canyon • From Sooke Potholes Trail Bracken Fern Metres parking lot #1 hike the short 0 100 200 trail to Crescent Beach Sooke Potholes to Todd Creek Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE • From Todd Creek Trestle continue on the Galloping 30 r e Goose Regional Trail 2 km to the v 15 i R Charters River Trestle do hike #2 0 e k 1 o 2 3 o Elevation Change (m) Elevation S Distance (m)100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 6 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle 2 r Rive Salmon Interpretive arters Centre 2 Ch Charters River Rd Charters River Trestle Sea to Sea Getting There: Regional Park Reserve From Sooke Road travel 2.3 km north on Sooke River Road to the Sooke River Road parking lot. About the Hike 2km (return) • Multi-use recreational trail • Accessible toilets and a rest area at the trailhead • Smooth gravel surface with less Sooke River Rd than 2% grades • Viewpoints from Charters River Trestle Galloping Goose Photo Courtesy of William Ng Regional Trail What to Expect • Year round parking for 15 S oo vehicles (seasonal over-fl ow ke Ri parking available) ver Rest Station • Room for mini buses • No designated accessible Sooke River Rd parking stalls Golden Eagle • No public transit Extend Your Experience 1 • Continue north on the Galloping Goose to the Todd Creek Trestle (Hike #1) Metres • Visit the Charters River 0 100 200 Salmon Interpretive Center at 2895 Sooke River Road Sooke River Road to Charters River Trestle ELEVATION PROFILE 30 15 0 1 2 Photo Courtesy of Phil Petersen Elevation Change (m) Elevation Distance (m) 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 8 | USER-FRIENDLY TRAILS GALLOPING GOOSE REGIONAL TRAIL Connie Rd 3 Roche Cove to Rocky Point Sooke Rd Kangaroo Rd Roche Cove Gillespie Rd Regional Park Getting There Take Highway 14 (Sooke Road) to Gillespie Road.