by Sheila Molloy –
Coles Bay Regional Park, located on the western shore of the Saanich Peninsula covers 3.6 hectares of forest bordering on Coles Bay. Beautiful woodland trails, a canopy of deciduous and coniferous forest and the bay and beach are perfect for beachcombing at low tide. A quiet, underrated gem.
DETAILS
Welcome to BOḰEĆEN: Land of the cliffs and bluffs.
Coles Bay Regional Park is between Brentwood Bay and Deep Cove in North Saanich. Take West Saanich Road to Ardmore Drive. Turn left on Ardmore, and left again on Inverness Road, which leads you to the park entrance.
There are two trails that lead from the parking lot to the beach. The first is the most common route that begins next to the map and is called the Beach Trail. Alternatively, you can choose the Nature Trail.
Both trails lead through old-growth forest for a short but relaxing stroll to the expansive, barnacle-covered rock beach that overlooks the Saanich Inlet.
At the end of either trail, where it meets the beach, there are rows of driftwood to manage over carefully.
Beachcombing is best at low tide, but if you are a little late, there is still much combing to enjoy.
We elected to make a kidney-shaped meander starting to our right after the driftwood, which allows a lot of coverage. If you can arrive at the lowest tide during the week, the muddy-sandy ocean bottom is exposed a good distance out and will allow more adventure.
Intertidal treasures abound: seaweed varieties and bivalves including oysters, clams, scallops and mussels. Rumour has it you can find sea stars as well. This is great habitat to find and learn the various types of shellfish as there are different varieties.
THINGS TO NOTE
Facilities include accessible toilets and picnic areas.
Coles Bay is subject to a year-round, permanent ban on bivalve shellfish harvesting due to contamination.
Pauquachin First Nation, in partnership with others in the region, are starting a project to try and restore shellfish harvesting at Coles Bay.
Wear waterproof shoes with a good grip and that can be washed off easily.
