
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.
- 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)