Easy hikes and walks in Ƚáu,Welṉew̱/John Dean Provincial Park

Illahe is a chinook word that translates to "country, land, earth, and soil". John Dean Built this cabin in 1918, giving it that name. 3 years later, he donated 80 of the 100 acres he owned in the area for the park. Here you pass by the cabin and some informational signs.

On the south end of Skipper's Trail you pass this very pretty lilly pond. It is a nice feature to pause and admire along your walk.

Centennial Park combines community recreation with a quieter network of woodland trails in the heart of Saanichton. The paths weave between sports fields, natural areas, and sections of mature forest, while Graham Creek runs along the park’s western edge. Despite the playgrounds and playing fields nearby, parts of the loop feel surprisingly remote. The park also has picnic areas, public washrooms, tennis courts, and a seasonal splash pad, making it an easy place to spend more time before or after the walk.

Flowing along the western edge of Centennial Park, Graham Creek forms part of the Hagan–Graham Watershed, one of the largest watersheds on the Saanich Peninsula. Although it may look like a quiet forest stream today, this section has been the focus of years of restoration work to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Native plants have been reintroduced, stream banks stabilized, and sensitive areas protected, helping species such as coastal cutthroat trout return to the creek. Keep an eye out for the interpretive signs along the trail, which explain the ongoing efforts to restore this important waterway.

John Dean Park sits atop Mount Newton, overlooking the Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, and the Cascade Mountains. It protects one of the last remaining stands of old-growth Douglas fir and Garry oak on the Saanich Peninsula. The park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through the forest and lead all the way to the summit of Mount Newton.

This is a great vantage point with panoramic views of the water, nearby islands, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. There is a lovely bench here, making it a perfect place for a quiet stop to watch for herons, floatplanes, or enjoy a beautiful sunset.

The Scoter Trail runs along the beautiful shoreline of Patricia Bay, from Patricia Bay Park to the Tseycum First Nation lands. The flat path winds by pockets of driftwood beach, beautiful arbutus trees, and salt-tolerant grasses, making it a great place for a casual walk. There are several benches along the way, perfect for some quiet time by the water to enjoy the beautiful views.

Patricia Bay Park is a quiet waterfront spot in North Saanich with open views of the Saanich Inlet and easy access to the paved Scoter Trail. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and a small beach area, making it a lovely place to stop for lunch or take a break. It’s low-key and family-friendly, perfect for birdwatching, a short walk, or just sitting by the water.