VICTORIA CAMINO

July Camino Coffee House
2023-07-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
When: Thursday, July 6
Start Time: 10 AM
Saanich Commonwealth Pool Kattia’s Cafe

ElK Lake Walk
2023-06-24 09:00 - 13:30
Elk Lake / Beaver Lake Walk
Distance: 10 Km
Meeting: Beaver Lake main parking lot
A very pleasant and beautiful walk around Elk Lake and Beaver Lake. This route offers a very diverse of landscape, you will walk through forest, lake shoreline, sandy beach, as well as mash land area. The route is around the lake once, no elevation change. Washroom facilities are about halfway of the 10 Km walk, at Hamsterly Beach, then again at Brookleigh Road boat ramp.

Sheilds Lake Walk
2023-06-17 09:00 - 14:30
When: Saturday, June 17
Time: 8:45 AM meeting time
Length: 18 Km plus elevation gain
Location: Sea to Sea Regional Park
This walk will take us out the Sooke Mountain Road to Shields Lake which is partially located in the Sooke Mountain Park. The trail is mostly old road which makes for an easy walk for 95% of the hike. The hike to the lake has a 350 m elevation gain over 9 km, making this a great training hike. You can expect that the hike will take around 5-6 hours due to the elevation gain and stopping for lunch.
There are no other services on the trail so come prepared with water, food, a small first aid kit, etc. We will hike out and stop by the lake for a break prior to coming back. Washroom is about 4 Km in. NOTE: THERE IS LIMITED OR NO CELL PHONE SERVICE FOR PARTS OF THIS HIKE.
Directions: Take Sooke Road towards Sooke. You will pass the location of the 14 Mile Pub and soon see a Shell gas station on the left. Continue past this gas station looking for the signs to the Sea to Sea Park. The park is off Harbourview Road on the right side of the road. Turn right on to Harbourview Road and follow it to the end. The parking lot is located at the end of Harbourview Road. It can also be found on Google Maps.
CLICK HERE for the route map.

Central Saanich Country Walk
2023-06-10 09:00 - 14:30
Central Saanich country side Walk
When: Saturday June 10th
Start Time: 8:45 am for 9 am departure
End Time: 2:00 pm
Distance: 10 km
Walking time: 3:15 hours
Where: Centennial Park at Central Saanich’s shelter / washroom parking.
A picturesque walk in the rural part of Central Saanich. This walk starts from Centennial Park, on flat terrain but there is an elevation gain from 40 m to 110 when we are hiking up to Butterfield Park. We will be walking through forest area, crossing a few streams, mostly on back country road. Mid point is the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, the oldest church in BC. We will have coffee at Fresh Cup café before we head back to the starting point.
Washrooms: Centennial Park at the beginning then Fresh Cup Café near the end.
Route map link

The Seven Hidden Coves of Victoria Walk
2023-06-03 09:00 - 14:30
When: Saturday, June 3, 2023
Start Time: 8:45am for 9am departure.
Distance: 15.65 km
Meet: at The Big Anchor (40m south of the Terry Fox Memorial, “Mile O”) at corner Douglas and Dallas Roads
Parking: Lots of free parking along Dallas Road, west and east from Mile O
Carrying on the theme of Seven, this coastal adventure walk of 15.65km “from Anchor to Anchor” will explore some hidden areas, particularly at least seven hidden coves, of Victoria. Starting at the Big Anchor at Beacon Hill Park, this winding walk, often only 10-20m from the ocean, goes west through James Bay, curls east around the Inner Harbour, and then heads west to the Westbay Marina and a bit beyond to “the other anchor”.
We head back, stopping at the Spinnakers Restaurant and Brewpub (at 10.1km) for coffee and goodies, and then return along the beautiful coastline, past the Empress Hotel, through St. Ann’s Academy grounds and Beacon Hill Park, back to Mile O. The tour includes park paths, stairs, beach sand, sidewalks, flat pathways, hill paths, boardwalks, a bridge crossing, and a floating dock.
CLICK HERE for the map link.

June Camino Coffee House
2023-06-01 10:00 - 12:00
When: Thursday, June 1
Start Time: 10 AM
Saanich Commonwealth Pool Kattia’s Cafe

Lochside Park to Marigold Cafe on Lochside Trail
2023-05-27 09:00 - 14:30
Lochside Park to Marigold Cafe
When: Saturday, May 27
Time: 8:45 AM meeting time
Length: 15 Km
Location: Lochside Park
This Camino walk will be along the beautiful Lochside Trail. You will be walking on mix of dedicated bike/walking trail and shared country road.
Meeting point is at Lochside Park, plenty of parking. We will be walking north bound along Lochside Trail to Marigold café then come back. Elevation is flat, just like the Meseta at Camino Frances. You will walk through forest canopy, fields of new crops as well as on some back country roads. The mid turn around point and the coffee break will be at the Marigold Café. Washroom facility is available at Mattick’s Farm, Fowler Park, Mitchelle’s Farm, McDonald and Marigold Café.
Click HERE for the map.

John Dean Park walk part 2
2023-05-20 09:00 - 14:00
John Dean Park walk part 2
When: Saturday, May 20
Time: 8:45 AM meeting time
Length: 8 Km plus elevation gain
Location: Ravensview parking lot
The beautiful forest, the breath taking vista, we are back to John Dean Park for the second time! This route through the park will be a different route.
A loop along the neighbourhood and forested trails in John Dean Provincial Park with mid-distance stops at the toilets and Pickles Bluff. The distance is only 7.3 km but there is an elevation gain of 242 metres. Wear sturdy shoes/boots and bring poles if you use them. Coffee (or more) will be at The Roost on the corner of McTavish and East Saanich Road.
Directions: Exit Hwy 17 in North Saanich at McTavish. Cross the highway to the second roundabout and exit onto McTavish Road. Travel 1.7 km up McTavish Road, past the firehall and Cresswell Road. Continue on over the rise until you reach 1515 McTavish Road (Ravensview) on the left. Turn left and continue up the driveway approximately 900 metres to the Friends of Ravensview Parking Lot on the left.
Click here for the map.

Walking in Europe - Great Britain and Italy
2023-05-17 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Saanich Commonwealth Pool – Douglas Fir room
Learn about some of the great hikes in the UK: the Coast to Coast, Offa’s Dyke, the Abbey Way and also in Italy: The Cinque Terre, and longer….the way of Francis of Assisi, and even longer, the Via Francigena.
The session is $10. More information will be sent to you as these dates approach. Meanwhile, you can check out the Online program guide (Pages 42 and 44) Again, please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250-475-7600), or via their internet site.
CLICK HERE for registration. Course number:89112

John Dean Park walk part 1
2023-05-13 09:00 - 14:00
John Dean Park walk part 2
When: Saturday, May 20
Time: 8:45 AM meeting time
Length: 8 Km plus elevation gain
Location: Ravensview parking lot
A loop along the neighbourhood and forested trails in John Dean Provincial Park with mid-distance stops at the toilets and Pickles Bluff. The distance is only 7.3 km but there is an elevation gain of 242 metres. Wear sturdy shoes/boots and bring poles if you use them. Coffee (or more) will be at The Roost on the corner of McTavish and East Saanich Road.
Directions: Exit Hwy 17 in North Saanich at McTavish. Cross the highway to the second roundabout and exit onto McTavish Road. Travel 1.7 km up McTavish Road, past the firehall and Cresswell Road. Continue on over the rise until you reach 1515 McTavish Road (Ravensview) on the left. Turn left and continue up the driveway approximately 900 metres to the Friends of Ravensview Parking Lot on the left.
Click here for the map.

The Seven Hills of Fairfield
2023-05-06 08:45 - 17:00
Length: 18.3 km
Location: Terry Fox Memorial, “Mile 0”, at corner Douglas and Dallas Roads
This is a special winding walk, on flat ground and up hills, from Beacon Hill Park, east through Fairfield, into Oak Bay, to the Oak Bay Marina café (at 10.3 km), and return along the beautiful coastline back to Mile O. The tour includes flat pathways, hill paths, dirt trails, sidewalks, “country roads”, city streets, some stairs up and down, and even an optional walk in the sand along the seaside.
Our highest of the seven gentle hills is 66m above sea level. Lovely vistas from all seven “summits”. This good training hike of 18.3 km has a total elevation of 330m up and 330m down.
CLICK HERE for the detail map.

Introduction to the Camino de Santiago
2023-05-04 18:30 - 20:00
Location: St. Michael’s University School
St. Michael’s University School will be hosting an Introduction to the Camino de Santiago event on campus in the chapel at 3400 Richmond Road on Thursday, May 4th, 6:30-8:00 pm
In the spirit of the Camino, they have extended an invitation to attend to members of the Victoria Camino community as well.
There will be a guest panel and an informal sharing of general information on topics such as: Camino routes, accommodations, food, clothing, transportation, preparation and networking.
Admission by donation.
Click on the link below for program information and registration:
St. Michael’s University School Camino Night

May Camino Coffee House
2023-05-04 10:00 - 12:00
When: Thursday, May 4
Start Time: 10 AM
Saanich Commonwealth Pool Kattia’s Cafe

Mt. Work Regional Park Walk
2023-04-29 08:45 - 17:00
Length: 7.8 Km
Level: Hard
Location: Durrance Lake parking lot
Are you going to walk the Camino Frances soon? Are you ready for some hill training? Come to this short but challenge walk at Mt. Work Regional Park.
We will meet at Durrance Lake parking lot at 8:45 AM for a 9 Am departure. Washroom facility are available on site. We will walk east bound along the Durrance Lake, then turn south bound to cross Willis Point Road and walk along NW Passage Trail.We will continue onward to the parking area of Mt. Work, then make our way down to the shoreline via McKenzie Bight Trail. We will take a short break there, so please bring a snack and drink. We will walk back up to the base of Mt. Work by using the Cascade Falls Trail. Be aware that the Cascade Falls trail is steep. The elevation gain coming back will go from 0 to 147 metres so this section will be a challenge. Walking pole is adviced. If the trail conditons are too muddy, we will come back up via McKenzie Bight Trail. Once we are back to the base of Mt. Work, we will use Regional Trail to walk back to the Durrance Lake parking area.
CLICK HERE for the detail map.

Walking in Europe - Camino Frances, Kumano Kodo, Camino del Norte
2023-04-26 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Saanich Commonwealth Pool, Douglas Fir room
Learn about the two UNESCO World Heritage trails: Kumano Kodo at Japan and Camion Frances at Spain. Also learn about the 3rd most popular Camino route at Spain: the Camino del Norte.
The session is $10. Meanwhile, you can check out the Online program guide (Pages 42 and 44) Again, please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250-475-7600), or via their internet site.
CLICK HERE for registration. Course number:89111

Sidney to Saltspring - 13.4km
2023-04-19 01:45 - 10:00
Meeting Point: Meet at Mary Winspear Centre, outside the front entrance area
A special mid week walk from Sidney to Saltspring Island’s Fulford Bay and back. From Mary WInspear Center, we will reach the ferry terminal via a few back country roads. We will aim for the 11 AM sailing to Saltspring. $4 for regular walk on, BC senior over 65 is FREE. We will have lunch at Rock Salt cafe by Fulford terminal. You can alternatively pick up food at a small grocery store that is close. We will use a similar route to come back to Mary Winspear Center from the ferry terminal. It will be a fun day to walk/sail to Saltspring Island and back.

Distance: 13.4km
Start Time: 8:45am for 9am departure

A Tour of Sidney - 13km
2023-04-15 08:45 - 17:00
Meeting Point: Meet at Mary Winspear Centre parking lot.
Get to know this charming seaside town, by walking it. Meet at the blue lined parking spots at Mary Winspear Centre. The route is about 13 KM. All flat paths, sidewalks, city streets. You will walk past spring flowers, marinas, the waterfront, and hopefully still some cherry blossoms! If the weather is clear, you will see the breath taking Mt. Baker from the dock. Sidney is full of cafes and restaurants, so plan to stay for lunch. Check Sidney BIA for an up to date list of eateries.
Distance: 13km
Start Time: 8:45am for 9am Departure
CLICK HERE for the map link

Walking in Europe - An Introduction
2023-04-12 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Saanich Commonwealth Pool, Douglas Fir room
Start Time: 6pm
This session will introduce you to walking in Europe on some of the various routes of the Camino de Santiago – an inexpensive way to experience European countryside, culture and cuisine while keeping fit. Learn about route options, accommodations, food, how to prepare, train, what to pack, transportation, guidebooks and what you will encounter along the way. We will also refer to other routes in Europe, e.g. The Robert Lous Stevenson Trail and Mt. Blanc in France, as well as Italy’s Tuscan country side and Cineque Terre.
CLICK HERE for registration. Course number:88532
Watch a Promotional Youtube Video Here.

Lochside Trail / Swan Lake - 12km
2023-04-08 08:45 - 17:00
Meeting Point: Meet at 4050 Lochside Drive Parking Lot
This walk will take the group through a mix of urban trail and natural parkland of Swan Lake. Coffee break after 6 Km will be at Fantastico Cafe / Fol Epi bakery.
CLICK HERE for the map link.
Distance: 12km
Start Time: 8:45am for 9:00am Departure

April Camino Coffee House
2023-04-06 10:00 - 12:00
When: Thursday, April 6
Start Time: 10 AM
Saanich Commonwealth Place Kattia’s Cafe
