story and photos by Scottee Giles –
On a warm summer weekend our friends visiting from the mainland found the perfect campsite in the shade of fir and cedar trees at SMONEĆTEN Campground, a stop on their cycling tour of the Saanich Peninsula. Located in beautiful Sidney-by-the-Sea, the campground, once known as McDonald Provincial Park, is now part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve operated by Parks Canada, and was restored to its traditional WSÁNEĆ̱ name in 2021.
Amidst laughter and the clatter of tent poles being sorted out, we relaxed at the picnic table with cold drinks, took in the beauty of nature all around, and, gazing up through the canopy of branches at sunny blue skies, felt the busy demands of daily life fade away.
Open mid-May until the end of September, SMONEĆTEN is in the perfect location for vacationers looking to stay close to the ferries with easy access to town amenities and the opportunity to discover everything the area has to offer including hiking trails, farm markets, wineries and beaches. Nearby Blue Heron Park and Lillian Hoffar Park are popular for their open grassy areas, oceanfront picnicking and views of the harbour.
SMONEĆTEN, which means “place of fir pitch” has 43 drive-in sites and six walk-in sites and sees a mix of car campers, RVs, cyclists and backpackers every year. A group campfire area, pit toilets, garbage, recycling and potable water are on site. One of the most stunning features of the campground though is the hand-carved cedar poles and interpretive display where you can see Indigenous art and learn about WSÁNEĆ̱ culture.
A forest trail is accessible from the campground and signs throughout tell the story of the land and traditional uses of plants in the area. Learn about honeysuckle, huckleberry, salmonberry, mahonia, ferns, maple and arbutus. This easy walk is welcoming for all ages. Even if you don’t plan to spend the night this beautiful hidden gem is worth exploring.
Things to Note:
- To get here, take the Pat Bay Hwy and exit onto McDonald Park Road
- Bus #72 stops nearby
- To reserve online visit: www.reservations.parkscanada.gc.ca
- Walk-ins can pay at the self-registration station
- Wondering what to pack? Check out www.mec.ca/en/explore/camping-checklist
- Find up-to-date fire regulations at the park entrance
- Keep dogs under control
- Take pictures and make memories but leave nature undisturbed
