Autumn Run In Victoria

2010 - Southern Vancouver Island

Autumn in Victoria marks the annual marathon, half marathon and 8km races.

The sun came out and the rain held off.  2010 marks the 31st year for this popular event which attracted some 14,000 participants.  Great way to see the city from street level.
 

 

Summerland Princeton Highway

2010 - Southern British Columbia

We recently took a drive along the Summerland-Princeton Road.  This backcountry route is a former First Nations trail.  The road is partially paved and covers 100 kilometres.

There is lots to see along the way including the Trans Canada Trail which crosses the road at several points.

Bankier; The Three Lakes Area is also worth the trip.  Homesteads and campsites surround Chain, Link and Osprey Lakes and offer a glimpse into the regions past.

 As far as backcountry drives go, this one is one of the best we've been on.

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

2010 - Southern Vancouver Island

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park has more than 25 kilometres of trails.

The park, which is just outside Victoria on southern Vancouver Island encompasses nearly the entire east side of Saanich Inlet to Brentwood Bay and the world-famous Butchart Gardens.

The protected area preserves a dry coastal Douglas fir habitat that features grassy meadows, rocky knolls and old-growth forest.

The Gowlland Range is 430 meters above Finlayson Arm, a unique fjord that only replenishes its marine waters once a year.   The area attracts scuba divers and boaters seeking the calm waters and sheltered anchorage of Tod Inlet.

The area has been, and continues to be, important to First Nation peoples, who utilize areas of the park for medicinal, ceremonial and spiritual purposes.