VICTORIA CAMINO

Broadmead to Mattick’s Farm Walk
2024-04-06 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Saturday, April 6th, 9am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: Romeo’s Broadmead Shopping Centre
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/myzXnQ6dFHJJxBmi7
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/lha14tug
This is a gentle walk-through leafy neighbourhood of Broadmead and onward to Mattick’s Farm via Lochside Trail. Mid point break will be at Mattick’s Farm, plenty of green space there to sit and relax. Café and grocery store close by, as well as washroom facilities. 5 Km to walk back to Broadmead from Mattick’s Farm.

April Camino Coffee House
2024-04-04 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Start Time: 10:00am
Location: Quality Foods Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods Café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Fox & Monocle Walk
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | BC
March 23, 2024, 9 am (Meet at 8:45 am)
Meeting Point: Canadian Tire, North Saanich https://maps.app.goo.gl/TwPMboTfDAHDLv4h8
A walk along rural roads, trails, past farms, ponds, marinas, and parks. Coffee at the Fox & Monocle at Canoe Cove Marina about the 5.5 Km point.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 12 km
Estimated Finish Time: 3.5 hours (with coffee)
Elevation: 227m ascent: 228m descent
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Surface: Pavement and dirt trails
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/ktaa6oo5

Walking in Europe: Portugal & France
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | BC
When: March 21, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, Arbutus Room
This multimedia session introduces walking in Portugal and France, where it is a national pastime. Some trails are part of the Camino de Santiago and others are rigorous adventures. We will discuss accommodations, food, how to prepare, train, what to pack, transportation, guidebooks and what you will encounter along the way.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250)-475-7600, or online.
Saanich Parks & Recreation
Saanich Parks & Recreation Course Number: 105883

Brentwood Bay - Exploring 5 Parks
2024-03-16 09:00 - 12:30 | BC
March 16, 2024, 9am (Meet at 8:45am)
Meeting Point: Hardy Park, Corner of Moody Street and Wallace Road
This walk will start from Hardy Park in Brentwood Bay, a small park with distant views of the ocean; we will ascend a slope to reach our second park – Gore Park – with a landscape of slab rocks, moss and perhaps bloomed flowers; we will continue onward to reach Oak Haven Park where we will climb a steady hill to reach a summit with a distant view of Saltspring Island as well as the farms on the peninsula. We will continue onward on Benvenuto Avenue for a short distance and take a hidden path to Woodward before we make our way downward to the ocean and walk along the ocean till we reach Verdier Park. At Verdier Park, we will have a snack/ice cream (General Store) break plus bathrooms are available. After the break, we will be meandering via streets before we return to our cars/starting point.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 11.57 km
Washrooms:
Estimated Finish Time: 3.5 hours (with coffee)
Elevation: 315m ascent: 315m descent
Difficulty: Medium
Surface: Pavement and dirt trails
Route Map: CLICK HERE

Mill Hill Thetis Lake Walk
2024-03-09 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
March 9, 2024 9am (Meet at 8:45 am)
Meeting Point: Helmcken Road Park and Ride (https://maps.app.goo.gl/U8kzQGQnY29mwZQH9)
We will be climbing to the top of Mill Hill for some views of Esquimalt harbour followed by a walk around Thetis Lake. Our trip will take us along the Galloping Goose with a bathroom break about 2.5 km into the hike and washrooms available in both parks. After ascending Mill Hill we will walk around Thetis Lake followed by a stop at the 15 km mark to enjoy coffee and snacks at The Nest Cafe to support a local business. After a break, we will complete the final 1.5 km back to the parking lot.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 16.26 km
Washrooms: 2.5km, Mill Hill Park, Thetis Lake Park
Estimated Finish Time: 4.5 hours (with coffee)
Elevation: 520m ascent: 520m descent
Difficulty: Medium/difficult (due to distance)
Surface: Pavement and dirt trails
Route Map: https://onthegomap.com/s/89bi9p9r

March Camino Coffee House
2024-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, March 7, 2024
Start Time: 10:00am
Location: Quality Foods Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods Café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Camino 101
2024-03-02 09:30 - 15:30 | Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, BC, 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC, V8L 1W9, Canada
A full day of events where you can learn from others who have walked the Camino!
When: Saturday, March 2, 2024 9:30am – 3:30pm
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
The Program

Camino Inglés including the routes to Muxía and Finisterre: A very special presentation by a delegation from Spain!
Camino Francés: When is the best time of year to go? This often asked question will be discussed as will information about the route.
Lunch: Will be provided, This will also be a time to browse the sale of used books and gear!
Packing: Discussion of packs, boots, socks, etc. plus a packing demo.
Travel Logistics: SIM card or not. How much money will you need. How to get to your starting point, questions like this and more will be answered!
The Mindful Pilgrim: Remembering that we are guests on the Camino.
Question & Answer session: Time where you can engage with the presenters and get answers to your burning questions!

Cost is $30 which includes coffee and lunch.
Click here to register.

Coldest Night of the Year Walk
2024-02-24 15:30 - 17:00 | BC
When: 3:45 PM, Feb. 24, Saturday
Meet: Central Saanich United Church 7180 East Saanich Rd.
Please join Jim Rondeau’s annual Coldest Night of the Year charity walk to raise funds for Our Place Society to support people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.
This is a family friendly walk. The walk starts at 4 PM from Central Saanich United Church along East Saanich Road to Central Saanich City Hall and back to the church. Total distance is 5.2 Km. This walk is open to all, please invite others to join Jim’s Coldest Night of the Year walk to help others in needs.
Please wear warm, bright and reflective clothing.
See our Feb. newsletter for how to donate and route map.

Walking in Europe: Camino & Robert Louis Stevenson Trail
2024-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | BC
When: Feb 15, 6PM – 8PM
Saanich Commonwealth Place, Arbutus Room ROOM CHANGE will now take place in the Cedar Room.
This session introduces European walking routes. The Portuguese and Frances routes for the Camino de Santiago and the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail in France. These are less expensive ways to experience the countryside, culture and cuisine while keeping fit. Learn about routes, accommodations, food, how to prepare, what to pack, transportation, guidebooks and what you’ll encounter along the way.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250)-475-7600, or online.
Saanich Parks & Recreation
Cost $10.00 per registration
Course number: 105881

Thetis Lake Walk
2024-02-03 09:00 - 13:30 | BC
Thetis Lake Walk
Feb. 3rd, 9 AM (Meet at 8:45)
Meeting Point: Helmcken Road Park and Ride
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RBmMKe8nSW5gdn2M6
We will be walking around Thetis Lake enjoying a few elevation changes and some time in urban nature. Our trip will take us along the Galloping Goose and then overlooking the highway before we complete a walk around the lake. We will return along the Galloping Goose with a stop at The Nest Cafe to support a local business and enjoy great coffee. After a break we will complete the final 1.5 km back to the parking lot.
The total distance is approximately 12 km.
Please refer to our monthly newsletter for map and direction.

February Camino Coffee House
2024-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, Feb. 1
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Central Saanich Countryside Walk
2024-01-27 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
North Saanich Walk
When: Saturday, Jan. 27
Meeting Time: 9 AM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Centennial Park washroom at Central Saanich
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.

North Saanich Walk
2024-01-13 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
North Saanich Walk
When: Saturday, Jan. 13
Metting Time: 9 AM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Canadian Tire North Saanich parking lot
Meet at Canadian Tire at 8:45 for 9 am departure.
Coffee at the Fickle Fig at the 7 Km point
Fairly flat, Roads, Pat Bay shoreline, woodland paths etc.
About 10 Km.

Jan. Camino Coffee House
2024-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, Jan. 4
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Winter Light Walk
2023-12-16 16:00 - 19:00 | BC
Winter Light Walk
When: Saturday, Dec. 16
Metting Time: 4 PM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Beacon Hill Park petting zoo
Bundle up and wear reflective gear, shoes with good grip, a small flashlight/bike light and perhaps some Christmas lights for this walk around the old town of Victoria!
We will meet at the Petting Zoo in Beacon Hill Park at 4:00 pm.
Our first stop will be the Parkside Hotel & Spa to see the gingerbread houses on display. They are quite spectacular and this is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. We will then walk through downtown, stopping at various places to ooh and ahh over the displays, and then check out the Christmas trees at the Bay Centre.
We’ll get over the Johnson Street bridge and then on the return, we’ll head towards Centennial Square. From there folks are invited to head off to the nearest or their favourite watering hole to have a warm drink and/or more. Or head back down Government Street to see the lights at the Legislature and Empress Hotel, on the way back to the petting zoo.

Victoria Chapter Fall Gathering 2023
2023-11-25 07:45 - 16:00 | BC
Victoria Chapter Fall Gathering 2023
Date: November 25th Saturday
Time: 9 AM – 3:45 PM, door opens at 8
Location: Greek Community Society Hall / Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4648 Elk Lake Dr.
We are pleased to announce our fall gathering will be held on Nov. 25, Saturday, at the Greek Community Society hall and Saanich Commonwealth Place. It will be a day full of inspiring, interactive, and informative sessions.
This year our main speaker will be author Dennis Garnhum, “Toward Beauty – reigniting a creative life on the Camino de Santiago”, who chronicled his Camino del Norte experience during a challenging time in his life.
We have prepared a diverse line up of sessions that cover a wide spectrum of Camino topics of interest to those who have recently returned from their Camino, and those making plans to go. How to prepare for the Camino physically, walking other Camino routes, how pilgrims can document their Camino experience, latest gear and clothing, Camino Frances in four seasons as well as addressing of State of Camino and more.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Camino Primitivo & Invierno @ Commonwealth
2023-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | BC
Camino Primitivo & Invierno
When: Wed. Nov. 15, 6PM – 8PM
Saanich Commonwealth Place, Douglas Fir room
This session will introduce you to two less travelled walking routes in Spain – a way to experience the countryside, culture and cuisine of Europe while keeping fit. Learn about each route, accommodations, food, what to expect, guidebooks and what you will encounter along the way. The session will include videos and/or pictures and questions and answers about each walk.
Please register with the Saanich Commonwealth Place in person, by phone (250-475-7600), or via their internet site.
Course number:101637

Royal Road Walk
2023-11-11 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
Royal Roads Walk
When: Saturday, Nov. 11
Meeting Time: 8:45 AM 9 AM departure
Length: 12 Km
Location: Colwood Park and Ride
The start and end of the walk is at the Colwood Park and Ride at Ocean Blvd and Island Hwy, across the street from the Juan de Fuca rec centre (marked with a red dot on the map). The route includes wide paths and single tracks, ocean views, old growth forests and waterfalls. For coffee afterwards, there is the Pilgrim Coffee House, which is across from the Park and Ride.

Camino del Norte @ Robinson's Outdoor Store
2023-11-07 06:00 - 19:00 | BC
Camino del Norte @ Robinson Outdoor Store
When: Tuesday, Nov. 7,
Doors open 6 PM, show starts 6:15 PM
Robinson’s Outdoor, 1307 Broad St.
Camino del Norte is a 800 KM walking route that you can take from the northeast coast of Spain, all the way to the fable city of Santiago de Compostella at the west. The peaceful and quiet walking route along Spain’s Northern Coast allows one to experience and appreciate the richness Spain’s history and cuisine.
This presentation and video by Dennis Tam will take place at Robinson Outdoor Store, 1307 Broad St. $5.
Register by phone: 250-385-3429, or by email: robinsonsoutdoors@shaw.ca

Elk Lake Walk
2023-11-04 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
Elk Lake Walk
When: Saturday, Nov. 4
Meeting Time: 8:45 AM 9 AM departure
Length: 10 Km
Location: Beaver Lake Nature Centre
Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre, right by the washroom at Beaver Lake main parking lot. Fall foliage around the lake is all turning crimson red and brilliant yellow, it is a perfect time to see the fall colours. Anyone wanting to do more than 10 KM can go out earlier and come back to meet the main group if they wish. Those interested to go for coffee at Mosi Acqua Cotta 4649 West Saanich Rd, afterwards (the one close to Elk Lake, about 5 mins drive away).
CLICK HERE to see the route map.

Nov. Camino Coffee House
2023-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, Nov. 2
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Mosi Cafe West Saanich Walk
2023-10-21 08:00 - 14:30 | BC
Mosi Cafe West Saanich Walk
Oct. 21, 8 am or 9:30 am
Meeting Point: Montana’s @ Tillicum Mall, or Layritz Park near the washroom area.
You have a choice of either completing a 20 km walk or you can join the group for a 10 km stroll. In both cases the walk is along flat and well marked surfaces. Whichever one you choose, you will have lovely scenery to enjoy and delicious coffee and treats at Mosi’s at the halfway point.
Option 1: 21 km Start at 8 am
This option is for those wanting a longer walk. Starting at Tillicum Mall by Montana’s we will walk along the Colquitz Creek Trail. This is a flat urban trail which follows the Colquitz Creek and passes through Panama Flats. The group will then turn on Mann Road to meet up with the rest of the Camino walkers who have chosen option 2 at Layritz Park. Washrooms are available at Layritz Park and after a brief rest we will continue on following the Glendale Trail through Camosun College. After a couple kilometers along some back country roads we will take the Interurban Rail Trail to our final destination at Mosi Cafe at the corner of Prospect Lake Road and West Saanich Road. We will then have a break with a much deserved coffee before reversing our route and returning to Tillicum Mall.
You can see the route at https://onthegomap.com/s/cliro5ki (note the distance indicated is one way).
Option 2: 10 Km Start 9:30 am
For those wanting a shorter walk this is the option for you. We will meet at Layritz Park at 9:30 to meet up with those who started their hike at Tillicum Mall. Washrooms are available at Layritz Park. Following the Glendale Trail we will pass through Camosun College. After a couple kilometers along some back country roads we will take the Interurban Rail Trail to our final destination at Mosi Cafe at the corner of Prospect Lake Road and West Saanich Road. We will then have a break with a much deserved coffee before reversing our route and returning to Layritz Park.
You can see the route at https://onthegomap.com/s/i6bh4dcg (note the distance is one way)

Leechtown Turkey Walk
2023-10-07 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
Leechtown Turkey Walk
Oct. 7, 9 AM
Meeting Point: Sook Pothole Reginal Park parking Lot 2
This month’s walk will have a wild feel as we follow the Galloping Goose trail from the Sooke Potholes to the abandoned town of Leechtown. The town was the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway until 1978 when The railway tracks were removed and any hopes of railway line ended to be replaced by the Galloping Goose in 1987. The walk is along the hard packed gravel that is typical of the Galloping Goose trail following the Sooke River. You can expect to see the cascading river as it flows over the rocks with the salmon spawning as trees lose their leaves.
There is no cell service for most of this walk.
What to bring: There is a CRD washroom at the trailhead and at the end of the park at Kapoor Regional Park. There are no other services. Please bring enough to eat and drink to last you for the walk. You may wish to bring a thermos of coffee, tea or hot drink.

Oct. Camino Coffee House
2023-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, Oct. 5
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

North Sannich Countryside Walk
2023-09-23 09:00 - 17:00 | BC
North Sannich Countryside Walk
September 23rd, 8:45
Meeting Point: Canadian Tire parking lot by the bike path on McDonald Road.
A relaxing walk around the lush and green North Saanich. We will walk through gentle hills, green pastureland, blue berries farm as well as the Pat Bay path by the water where you can see the beautiful and calm Saanich Inlet and Satellite Channel. Coffee break will be at Fickle Figs, about 8 km in.

Broadmead - Mattick's Farm walk
2023-09-09 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
Broadmead – Mattick’s Farm Walk
September 9th
Meeting Point: Romeo Restaurant by Broadmead shopping centre
This is a gentle walk-through leafy neighbourhood of Broadmead and onward to Mattick’s Farm via Lochside Trail. Mid point break will be at Mattick’s Farm, plenty of green space there to sit and relax. Café and grocery store close by, as well as washroom facility. 5 Km to walk back to Broadmead from Mattick’s Farm.

Sept. Camino Coffee House
2023-09-07 10:00 - 12:00 | BC
When: Thursday, Sept. 7
Start Time: 10 AM
NEW LOCATION
Quality Foods’ Café at 27 Helmcken Road
Camino Coffee House will now be at the Quality Foods café, located at the Eagle Creek Village Shopping mall, beside the Victoria General Hospital, 27 Helmcken Road, unit 110. The café is located inside Quality Food, upstairs.

Peak to Peak Walk
2023-08-26 09:00 - 14:30 | BC
Peak to Peak Walk
Aug. 26, 8:45 AM
Meeting Pointing: Hillside Mall parking lot, north east corner, close to North Dairy and Browning St.
Meeting point will be the north east corner of Hillside Shopping Centre’s parking lot, close to North Dairy Road and Browning St. corner. From there, we will make our way to Mt. Tolmie Park, continue cross the U Vic campus, onward along on Arbutus and Ash Road then walk up to Mt. Douglas. Here is another breath-taking viewpoint of the city, Sannich peninsular and the west shore area. We will walk back to Hillside mall via Ceder Hill Road and Shelborne. There are plenty of cafes along the for break and washroom facilities.

Oak Bay Coastline Walk
2023-08-12 09:00 - 15:00 | BC
When: Saturday, Aug. 12
Metting Time: 8:45 AM 9 AM departure
Length: 19 Km
Location: Cadboro Gryro Park washroom
Meet at Cadboro Gyro Park by the washroom. This route will take one along the beautiful coastline of Oak Bay/Saanich, walking through the pristine neighbourhoods of Uplands, Estevan Village, Gonzales and Fairfield. A washroom and coffee break will be available at the Oak Bay Marina café. Mid point break or lunch break will be at Gonzales Café in the Fairfield Village Shopping Centre.
We will go back to Gyro Park through neighbourhood paths, then through the middle of Uplands and end with a walk through Mystic Vale.
