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:
- Keep your dog under control or on a leash.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash on the Elsie King Trail.
- Hikers and cyclists must yield to horses. Leash dogs immediately for the safety of you and your pet as well as the horse and rider.
- Stay on marked trails and do not disturb plants or animals.
- Clean up after your dog and take all your trash with you.
- Smoking is not allowed in parks or on trails.
- Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Camping, open fires, and alcohol are not allowed.
Related Content
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.
