Gowlland Tod Background Cultural History To Nanaimo The Commonwealth Nature Legacy was established On the east shore and uplands of Tod Inlet visitors Gowlland Ladysmith to commemorate the spirit of the XV Commonwealth will find reminders of the activities of the Vancouver Ferry to Games held in Victoria in 1994. Comprising more Portland Cement Company which thrived between Chemainus Vancouver Tod than 1,200 hectares, the park is a result of a unique 1904 and the 1920s. Nearby, Caleb Pike homestead Cowichan Lake partnership between the provincial and local govern- and an abandoned copper mine provide a reminder PROVINCIAL PARK ments, organizations and companies. The focus of of the area’s pioneer activities. Many of the trails Lake 18 Cowichan Duncan this park is to preserve a heritage of green space on are evidence of previous logging activity. Most significantly, the presence of First Nations peoples southern Vancouver Island for present and future S N a a is evident at Tod Inlet or SNITCEt, the place of blue n Sidney i generations. c W E h I grouse. They also utilize the numerous sites within Gowlland Tod n l This park protects a significant part of the e S t the park for medicinal, ceremonial and spiritual Port Provincial Park Gowlland Range, one of the last remaining natural Renfrew 17 areas in Greater Victoria and a significant portion significance. We ask that visitors respect the unique of the natural shoreline and uplands of Tod Inlet. nature of these values. Victoria The Gowlland Range is a particularly rich area of Jordan River biodiversity with more than 150 individual animal Natural History Sooke 14 and plant species identified. The protected area The park can be divided into there main areas: 0 5 10 15 20 25 preserves a rare, dry coastal Douglas-fir habitat that Scale in km Tod Inlet has long been valued for its natural features grassy meadows, moss covered rocky knolls beauty, ecological significance and recreational and old growth forest. opportunities. The range of habitats and the waters Established in 1995, the park area has long been of the inlet, shoreline, Tod Creek and uplands acknowledged by outdoor enthusiasts for its impor- support a diversity of wildlife. Blue heron, bald tant conservation, cultural and recreational values. A eagle, Peale’s peregrine falcon as well as river otter, parking lot, viewing platform, tables and toilets are blacktail deer and red squirrel frequent this area. located at the Caleb Pike access, and an extensive Dozens of plants species, some rare or threatened trail system exists throughout the Gowlland Range, (Phantom Orchid) are found in the mixed forest of McKenzie Bight and Tod Creek. Partridge Hills and arbutus, western redcedar, alder, and coastal the connector to Tod Inlet remain undeveloped at Douglas-fir. this time. The Gowlland Range is a rich area of biodiversity Conservation where seashore, open forest, and rock outcrops support more than 100 resident species of birds, While much of the park area is accessible by trails, in addition to cougar, blacktail deer and the visitors are reminded of the importance of retaining occasional black bear. During spring and summer and conserving the fragile habitats of the park. the moss covered knolls offer an abundant display Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails, observe of wildflowers, goldstar, fawn lilies, larkspur, camas the code of ethics for hiking or other activities and many more. and to show respect for the cultural and natural For More Information The clear waters of Finlayson Arm are home to a environment. BC Parks rare and fascinating variety of marine life such as Many rare or endangered plant and animal cloud sponges, lamp shells, anemones, wolf eel, http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks species can be found in the park. In order to pro- killer whales, river otter and seals. tect extremely fragile habitat, portions of trails have been closed or seasonally relocated. Recreation Welcome. This 1,200-hectare Enjoy your visit to the park and leave it in its park protects the forested lands and marine natural state for the enjoyment of others. The park contains an extensive network of trails that date back to the area’s history of logging and mineral environments of Tod Inlet, Gowlland Range development. These trails today provide more than and Finlayson Arm and offers day-use, trails 25 kilometres of hiking trails with magnificent and wildlife viewing. opportunities for day trips. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 04/2002 Vancouver Island Brentwood Access Points Gowlland Tod Advisory Group. As the park contains Gowlland Tod Provincial Park See Tod Inlet Inset Saanich Bay cultural features and archaeological sites significant Wheelchair Caleb Pike Parking Lot/South Access: to the people of the Saanich First Nations, BC Parks Parking Diving Site e d Access n Information a a Provides access to Holmes Peak and Jocelyn Hill is committed to involving them in interpretation Inlet o Swimming Anchorage L Kiosk k R r with spectacular viewpoints of the Saanich Inlet and education programs and in the ongoing Picnic AreaViewpoint Toilets a t n M i Ave o Buchart to via the Ridge Top Trail. You can extend your hike management of the park. Beach Park Boundary P nu ue s Gardens n to Mount Work Regional Park parking lot and li B e Trail Users: Please ride bikes and horses at walking speed il McKenzie Bight. To access Mount Finlayson, check Safety Rules & Pointers W T o Trail: Hiking d WALLACE directions at the information shelter and follow DRIVE M Proper Equipment – be prepared with appropri- In signage south to Rowntree Road, then Finlayson let ACCESS ate outerwear and footwear for wet weather, Trail: Hiking, Horseback and Biking Road. W foggy and slippery conditions. Carry adequate a Trail: Hiking, Horseback and Biking ll WARNING ac Wallace Drive/North Access: supplies to allow for an emergency. (to be constructed) Partridge Hills Trails e McKenzie D NOT Signed or Maintained r Bight Provides access to the shores of Tod Inlet. This is Trail: Hiking and Horseback M Emergencies – report Search and Rescue and Trail: Horseback the site of the old Vancouver Portland Cement other emergencies to the RCMP using the 911 (to be constructed) Durrance factory and townsite. The calm waters provide an phone service. Lake ideal setting for a picnic or day visit. M Thieves operate in public areas. Please lock m McKENZIE r BIGHT Mount Work Parking Lot/Middle Access: your vehicle and carry your valuables with you. A ACCESS To Victoria Provides access to McKenzie Bight and the Ridge Willis M Animals – remember this is a wilderness area. Po Top Trail via Timberman Trail. McKenzie Bight is int Black bear and cougar may be present. As a n MOUNT R d Hartland oad ideal for a seaside visit. Ridge Top Trail offers a a WORK precaution, it is recommended that you leave o o Landfill R REGIONAL more challenging hike to rocky outcroppings s e Jocelyn c PARK pets at home. Keep young children from y n a with spectacular viewpoints. You can make a Peak r a r wandering alone into brush areas. If you see u l D longer hike to Caleb Pike parking lot or enjoy the s bears or cougars, please report sightings to the n s o i extensive trail systems of Mount Work CRD Park. R Park Facility Operator, or call the Observe, F Third Tod Inlet (Marine Access): Record, Report line at 1-800-663-9453. Lake Provides marine access to the park and overnight M There is no public access to the park through Killarney Lake anchorage that is safe and secluded. A Marine Park the surrounding private property. Host is available in the summer months. Tod Inlet Inset Brentwood r M Horses and mountain bikes are only allowed on D Bay e McKenzie Bight (Marine Access): c signed designated trails. a ll a Provides day anchorage and shore access to park LONE TREE W M Keep pets on a leash and under control at all HILL trail systems. Holmes REGIONAL times. You are responsible for their behaviour Peak PARK Trails and must dispose of their excrement. M Divers must not handle or remove marine life Ave Buchart to Observe map symbols and trail signs. There are d u from dive sites. a n o e trails restricted to hiking only and multi-use trails Misery R nu e Gardens e Bay ik B M Artifacts are not to be removed. P for hiking, horseback, and biking. Please ride eb Cal bikes and horses at a walking speed. M T Fires are not permitted throughout park and CALEB PIKE o For your safety and the preservation of the park, foreshore areas. Sawluctus ACCESS d WALLACE DRIVE Mil lstre ACCESS Island a stay on marked trails and respect the delicate (Private) m Limited Roadside I Parking vegetation and cultural features. Shortcutting Park Fees R n l e o t a W d a trails destroys plant life and soil structure. lla No fees. The park is open year-round. Access ce BC Parks has developed a trail plan for this park D depends on weather and snow-load. r with the assistance of the Gowlland Tod Trail Trail to Advisory Group. Trail additions will be constructed Mt. Finlayson & Goldstream F 0 1000 over the next one to two years. inla A THETIS LAKE Provincial Park yson rm oad R To Victoria REGIONAL PARK Scale in metres A management plan for the park has been developed with the assistance of the volunteer.