Blue Heron Road Green Space

This small green space provides access to the tidal flats and the channel entrance of Blue Heron Basin of Tsehum Harbour. Bordering on the property of the Capital City Yacht Club, the muddy tidal flats of the basin are home to migratory birds and marine organisms. Look over this area from the white barrier along the road. At the end of Blue Heron Road is a small grass covered easement. From here look across the channel to Nymph Point Park or watch the transiting yachts and marine life.

Geographic coordinates N48° 40′ 41″ W123° 25′ 00″

You can reach Blue Heron Road Green Space from Pat Bay Highway. Before you reach the ferry terminal turn right onto McDonald Park Road and then left at the signage for Capital City Yacht Club. This puts you on Blue Heron Road. The tidal flats are beside the white barrier along the road whereas the green space is at the end of the road. There is limited roadside parking. The city bus travels along McDonald Park Road.

Bayfield Road Bird Sanctuary

This small green space consists of the muddy tidal flats of Blue Heron Basin. Blue Heron Basin is on the western side of Tsehum Harbour. Flocks of Canada geese and many diving ducks often congregate along in the protected shoreline and waterway. The unique seascape and bird life are visible from near the mail boxes along Bayfield Road.

Geographic coordinates N48° 40′ 19″ W123° 25′ 20″

You can reach Bayfield Road Bird Sanctuary from Pat Bay Highway. Before you reach the ferry terminal turn right onto McDonald Park Road and then left onto Bayfield Road. The sanctuary is seen behind the mailboxes along the road and there is limited roadside parking. The city bus travels along McDonald Park Road.

Nymph Point Park, North Saanich

Located in Tsehum Harbour with views of the Salish Sea, this rocky parkland is named for an eight-gun sloop that surveyed the local waters in the late nineteen hundreds. The park has two parts: the first is a short trail through a cedar forest grove. The second section is the promontory with a trail along the shoreline under the large cedar, Arbutus and oak trees. This trail leads to a bench located near the lookout point. This lookout point is composed of terrace granite rocks. This is a terrific spot to watch a sunrise. There is a pathway down to and along the ridge of the breakwater for Blue Heron Basin. This rock barrier protects the docks and boats of private residents, Capital City Yacht Club, Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club. On the eastern slope of the park is a coarse sandy beach that can be accessed from along the trail.  Near the beach are piles of broken shells amongst organic debris. These middens are the very old remnants from the seasonal usage by the Tseycum First Nations.  This park is a national historical place because of the middens and its historical namesake.

Geographic coordinates N48° 40′ 30″ W123° 25′ 1″

You can reach Nymph Point Park from Pat Bay Highway. Before you reach the ferry terminal turn right onto McDonald Park Road and then left onto Marina Way. This road leads to Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club and North Saanich Marina. There are two routes into Nymph Point. The first route starts from the trail on Marina Way and is beside 1943Marina Way. The sign for the park is here. This section leads to the parking lot and the second part of the trail. Cross the parking lot, toward the gate for the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club docks and look for the wood chip trail along the shore line. You could also park in this parking lot where permitted. The city bus travels along McDonald Park Road past this park.