Francis/King Regional Park

Regional Park
Highlands, Saanich

This park is perfect for visitors of all abilities to explore nature. Spanning 107 hectares, this Regional Conservation Area is rich in cultural history. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the universally accessible Elsie King Trail, admire the heritage grove of ancient Douglas-fir trees, or hike the connecting trails to Thetis Lake Regional Park. You can also visit the Nature Centre to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history.

The Elsie King Trail is an 800-meter self-guiding loop that provides access to nature for individuals with limited mobility and agility. It’s also great for family outings with young children. Named after a notable leader in the Victoria Girl Guides and the wife of naturalist Freeman King, this forest loop features interpretive signs, rest areas with benches, a shelter, and an accessible toilet. The trail has both boardwalk and smooth gravel surfaces. Please be cautious, as the boardwalk can be slippery when wet; stick to the wire-meshed surface for your safety. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash on the Elsie King Trail.

Stroll under the towering trees to connect with several more challenging trails in the park. These trails are narrow dirt paths that can be uneven and steep in places. As you walk, take in the lush ferns and mosses at your feet and look up to see sunlight filtering through the canopy above.

In the Heritage Grove, you'll encounter magnificent old-growth Douglas-fir trees that are around 500 years old, making them some of the tallest in the region.

Size: 107.33 hectares
Location: Munn Road in Saanich
Established: 1979
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Francis/King Regional Park Map [PDF/539KB]

Nature Centre

The Nature Centre, located near the main Parking lot, is staffed by regional parks personnel and volunteer naturalists who can answer your questions and guide you on the trails. You can pick up a brochure and explore interpretive displays about the park's natural and cultural history. It is open from12 PM to 4 PM Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. If the nature centre is closed, it may be because no staff or volunteer naturalist was available.

To help preserve the park:

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Activities

Difficulty Rating: Easy
Bird Watching
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Walking/Running
Wildflowers

Amenities

Information kiosk
Nature centre
Parking lot
Parking, accessible
Picnic area
Picnic area, accessible
Rest area
Toilet
Toilet, accessible
Wheelchair access

How to Get There

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Helmcken Road exit. Turn left on Burnside Road West, then right on Prospect Lake Road. From Prospect Lake Road travel 300m and turn left on Munn Road, which leads to the park entrance on the right. Allow approximately 20 minutes driving time from Victoria.

Accessibility Information

Below is an outline of what to expect with regards to accessibility. View the image slideshow below, or download the Francis/King Regional Park Accessibility Info Guide [PDF/4.4MB] [PDF/3.2MB] (PDF Screen reader friendly)

Entrance

Francis/King Regional Park is accessed off Munn Rd in Central Saanich. A CRD Parks sign is visible from the intersection of Munn Rd and Prospect Lake Rd. 

Entrance

Vehicular access routes from the park entrances are a mix of asphalt and gravel surfaces. 

Entrance

A kiosk with park map and interpretive information is located next to the nature center and has an accessible smooth brick paver surface leading up to and around it.

Parking Stalls

Francis/King Regional Park has one main day use area. The parking lot has four designated accessible parking stalls located near the pathways to the picnic area, kiosk, Elsie King accessible trail and pit toilets.

Directional Signs

Directional signage, located just off the pathways within the park direct you to different areas of the park and to different trails.

Directional Signs

Signs are colour contrasting and use both text and symbols.

Interpretive Signs

Interpretive signs are located along the Elsie King Accessible Trail. Interpretive signs are approximately 100cm(40”) in height and are color contrasted.

Elsie King Accessible Trail

The Elsie King Accessible Trail is an 800m interpretive loop trail consisting of both packed gravel with fines and boardwalk surfaces.

Elsie King Accessible Trail

The loop trails consist of 6 different rest areas with benches and one sheltered area.

Elsie King Accessible Trail

The loop trails consist of 6 different rest areas with benches and one sheltered area.

Elsie King Accessible Trail

The Elsie King Accessible Trail is an 800m interpretive loop trail consisting of both packed gravel with fines and boardwalk surfaces.

Trails

Several other hiking trails are available at Francis King such as The Shooting Star Trail, Centennial Trail, and Grand Fir Trail.

Trails

Some trails have slopes greater than 8%. These are natural surface trails with varying slopes, widths, and terrain. 

Trails

Trails consist of rocks, woody debris, roots and narrow pinch points.

Garbage and Recycling Receptacles

Waste receptacles, located in the parking area, are generally on firm and level ground with access from front and sides. A small post mount waste receptacle is located along the boardwalk to the washrooms. The receptacle is at approximately 122cm(48”) height.

Garbage and Recycling Receptacles

Operating mechanism for some garbage and recycling receptacles are wildlife-proof and may be difficult to use for people with limited dexterity and arm strength.

Pit Toilets

Two pit toilets are located in the main parking area behind the nature house. Both are connected to flat accessible pathways. Solid, clear, and level ground exists in the stalls and at the no threshold doorways. 

Pit Toilets

All stalls have door widths of 92cm (36”) and grab bars behind and beside the toilet. Toilet paper dispensers are closed-roll style, mounted above the side grab bar. Push lock buttons are located on the lever style door handles.

Picnic Tables

Picnic Tables are located in the main parking area adjacent to the accessible parking stalls. Both tables have accessible overhangs at one end. Picnic tables are on level natural surface ground. A small smooth gravel pathway with a 3% slope leads to the picnic tables from the parking lot.

Nature Centre

Francis/King Nature Centre is in the main day use area of Francis King Regional Park. The center is open Saturday, Sundays, and holiday Mondays between 12pm-4pm. If the nature centre is closed, it may be because no staff or volunteer naturalist was available.

Nature Centre

The nature centre building is well lit and has numerous windows providing natural light. 

Nature Centre

During operating hours, volunteer naturalists are present on site to discuss displays and provide information about CRD Regional Parks.

Nature Centre

The nature center can be accessed from a smooth level surface from the main kiosk area. Entry way doors are approximately 1.5m (59”) in width, with a threshold less than 1cm (1/2”). A smooth level surface surrounds all interpretive display throughout the building. 

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Territorial Acknowledgement

The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation