Saanich Encompassing a large area of residential neighbourhoods, parkland, farmland, and shoreline, the municipality of Saanich, north of downtown Victoria, offers visitors a wide range of leisure options in ecolugically diverse settings. For a sweeping view of Saanich, as well as Victoria and the Olympic and Cascade mountains in Washington State, drive or hike to the summit lookout in Mount Douglas Park. This splendid wilderness area has hiking trails through forests of Douglas fir and cedar and features a shoreline picnic area. Always atop pick, especially for families, Elk Bas aver Lake Regional Park offers a beach, picnic areas and a wheelchair accessible fishing dock. The 15-kilometre trail that circles the lakes allows for walking, joguing, cycling and horseback riding (the last two activities are restricted in some areas). Swan Lake/Christemas Hill Nature Sanctuary has two dis- tinct ecological areas: 47 hectares (116 acres) of fields and hedgerows surrounding Swan Lake and 11 hectares of rocky hilltop with a Garry oak forest on Christmas Hill. This lovely park offers waiking trails, a floating boardwalk, nwo wharves, and ample opportunities to watch for birds and freshwater wildlife such as river otters, muskrats and turtles. The Gailoping Goose Regional Trail, Victoria’s most popular inter-community walking and cycling trail, mean- ders through several Saanich parks and neighbourhoods, continuing all the way up the Saanich Peninsula to Sidney. Other Saanich attractions include the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, with its wonderful array of plants, shrubs, and trees in numerous gardens of various styles; the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a white-domed haven for stargazers high atop Little Saanich Mountain; Saanich Commonwealth Place, a family recreacion centre with water ’ slides, a wave pool, a dive tank, steam rooms, a sauna, and more; and the University of Victoria campus. Sidney _ The sunny litle town of “Sidney-by-the-Sea” is the com- mercial centre of the upper Saanich Peninsula. Beacon Avenue, main street Sidney, exits from Hwy. 17 and leads all che way to the ocean. Along the way and on che side streets, dozens of interesting shops make this friendly town a great place for scouting out gifts and souvenirs, especially books. For a stroll featuring gorgeous views of the ocean, moun- tains, and forested islands, follow the pathway from the Port of Sidney marina at the foot of Beacon Avenue along Lochside Drive. Sidney offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and interests. Its marinas, well-known among visiting boaters from all over the Pacific Northwest, are the places to find fishing charters, harbour cruises, whale- and wildlife-watch- ing tours and the passenger fetry to Sidney Spit Marine Park. Paddlers can rent a kayak or canoe and explore the coast- line. And for those who like to explore beneath the surface of the sea, two artificial reefs (the sunken vessels G.B. Church and HMCS Mackenzie), provide exciting diving opportunities. Leaving Sidney and heading south to Victoria, you have wo options. Hwy. 17, also knewn as the Pat Bay Highway, is the most direct route to Victoria, while the slower Hwy. 17A, or West Saanich Road, leads through a more rural landscape. Both routes are wonderfully scenic and provide access to the Saanich Peninsula’s delightful sights and attrac- tions. The peninsula's most famous attraction is The Butchart Gardens, a 20-hectare floral paradise chat attracts thousands Information For information on Sidney and the Upper Saanich Peninsula, contact the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Box 2014, Sidney. B.C., V8L 353. phone: 250-656-3636; fax: 250-656-711) For more information on Greater Victoria, contact: . Tourism Victoria, 812 Wharf St.. Victoria, BC, V8W 1T3 phone: (250) 953-2033; fax: (250) 382-6539 Sidney Museum This quaint museum features historical and marine mammal exhibits. The whale museum traces the temarkable story oj the biology and evolution of whales with models, skeletons and murafs. The flistorical portion of the museum has old photographs and artifacts which portray the lives of the pioneers of Sidney and North Saanich. For information, call 1-250-656-2140 or write 980! Seaport Pl.. Sidney, B.C., V8L 4X3. Open May to Labour Day. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Labour Day to Dec. 31, 10 a.m. - 4p. mm. January and February, weekends only. of visitors each year. Nearby, the Butterfly Gardens features a colourful collection of butzerflies and moths in a tropical, indoor garden. For an engaging look at local farming and farm life, visit the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society, with its highly eclectic museum, restored heritage buildings, nature trails and a huge model train track. Better your vacation. _ Experience Victoria's newest _ Inner Harbour fecation . Complimentary Continental breakfast Four Diamond AAA rated Fully air conditioned he MAGNOLIA. . HOTEL & SPA ICTORIA BC Luxuzious bathrooms with Soaker. tubs AVEDA tifestyle Spa Two restaurants + 625 Courtney St., Victoria, ac: ae Ph: 250-381-0999. Fax: 250-381- i THE SUITE Way To UNWIND | Enjoy all the husaury of = Victoria's most Spacious, well- -appointed suites, just ca shore still from. 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