CLOSEGet outside and enjoy Langford’s parks and lakes!
With more than 2,200 acres of green space and parks to explore, including Goldstream Provincial Park and a variety of regional and City parks, there’s always somewhere new to discover in Langford. Additionally, the City is home to four lakes – Langford Lake, Glen Lake, Florence Lake and Lake Ida Anne. A small portion of Thetis Lake Regional Park also falls within our borders and is favourite swimming and hiking spot among our locals. Whether you are looking to go for a swim, catch a fish or go for a hike with a view, Langford’s parks and lakes provide a relaxing opportunity to connect with nature.
Please note that dogs are prohibited on Langford beaches from June 15 – September 15.
Parks
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Mount Wells Regional Park
Mount Wells is a 123-hectare wilderness park of second growth forest and fragile mossy rock outcrops with spectacular views of the region and stunning spring wildflowers. It is located on the edge of an immense protected area of green space near Sooke Hills.
The hike to the summit (352m) of Mount Wells is steep and challenging, suitable for fit hikers. Follow the trail to the summit for sweeping views of Juan de Fuca Strait, Victoria and the Sooke Hills. The trail climbs through Douglas-fir forest and sensitive Garry oak ecosystems to open rocky hilltops dotted with arbutus trees, hairy manzanita and a mosaic of lush mosses.
In the spring, native wildflowers such as camas, shooting star and satinflower carpet the slopes.
Willing Park
Willing Park is in the Happy Valley neighborhood. The park is named after the pioneering family who moved to this area in the early nineteen hundreds. The park has a oval gravel walking trail, small pond and connections to the neighborhood streets. The one kilometer trail circles through the alder and cedar second growth forest and meadow lands that were cleared for agricultural uses.
Phone: 250-478-7882
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Veteran’s Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park is Langford’s downtown urban park and the site of the City’s yearly festivals, events and popular Goldstream Farmers Market.
At the centre of the park is a cenotaph, commemorating the men and women of the Canadian Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty, and where Langford holds its yearly Remembrance Day ceremonies.
For everyday use and community events, the park has a new playground and family water park, a basketball court, a gazebo for picnics and musical performances and an accessible public washroom. A feature water fountain by the cenotaph and a lush garden add a peaceful ambience to the park.
Mill Hill Regional Park
A little-known oasis of nature, this park exemplifies the exquisite beauty and ecological wealth of our region. Walk through cool woodland and climb to the summit (203m) for spectacular views.
Visitors can discover a variety of environments in this park. Hike on trails that meander past a Douglas-fir forest, a Garry oak ecosystem and a rocky hilltop. Take in breathtaking views overlooking Esquimalt Harbour and a scenic panorama of the Victoria area. At the summit, visit the Regional Parks 35th Anniversary peak-finder cairn, built from stones found at the summit and mounted on the foundations of a Forest Service lookout tower.
For more adventurous hikers, a trail winds down the eastern side of Mill Hill and connects with a trail to Thetis Lake Regional Park on the other side of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Danbrook Park
Danbrook Park is located in the 2700 block of Claude Road. Access can be gained from the parking lot along Claude or from the west end of Danbrook Avenue. There is plenty of parking and the hours are Dawn to Dusk. Dogs are permitted off leash and doggy waste bags are available.
Goldstream Provincial Park
Massive trees, majestic waterfalls, a meandering river that meets the sea, flowers, birds and fascinating fish are but a few of the attractions that draw people to Goldstream Provincial Park in Langford, BC.
Goldstream’s numerous trails criss-cross through the dramatically different terrain of two distinct vegetation zones. The park is home to 600-year-old Douglas fir trees and western red cedar, mixed with western yew and hemlock, red alder, big leaf maple and black cottonwood. On the drier ridges visitors can find flowering dogwood, lodgepole pine and arbutus.
The park is also the site of an annual chum salmon spawning run, which draws thousands of salmon – and visitors – every year.
Trails range from easy, wheelchair-accessible walks to strenuous hikes and track along creeks, through forested uplands and past abandoned gold diggings from the days of the Gold Rush. More adventurous hikers can climb to the top of one of the highest points in Greater Victoria – Mount Finlayson, a recent addition to the park in 1994. Another trail leads you to stunning Niagara Falls, which cascades 47.5 metres down a rock cliff into a crystal clear canyon pool below.
Established Date: June 26, 1958
Park Size: 477 hectares (454 ha upland, 23 ha foreshore)
Thetis Lake
One of the most visited regional parks in the Capital Regional District, Thetis Lake is one of the largest regional parks with over 40 kilometers of recreational trails to explore. Established as Canada’s first nature sanctuary in 1958, this park promotes natural area conservation and recreation.
The beach area of Thetis Lake is perfect for a family picnic or refreshing swim. If you have a canoe, try an early morning paddle and you may even have the lake all to yourself.
Sooke Hills Regional Wilderness Park
The largest park in the region, the Sooke Hills provides a buffer to Greater Victoria Water Supply Catchment and includes Mount Braden which at (471m) is one of the highest peaks in the CRD Regional Parks system. The Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail within the park is part of The Great Trail route. This park consists of two separate land areas located on either side of the Goldstream catchment. The northern section opened in 2017, and the southern section will open fall 2020.
Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail offers outstanding hiking and cycling, and in some sections, horseback riding, that spans rivers, forests and hilltops.
Lakes
Langford Lake
Located in the heart of the City, Langford Lake is the largest of the three with the most amenities. A favoured site for swimming, boating and fishing, the lake is popular with both locals and visitors. There are numerous boardwalks and shore access points which allow for great fishing opportunities. A boat launch on the western shore provides an even better chance to land a trout.
Take a stroll along the 4.5 kilometer out and back Ed Nixon Trail which runs along the bank of Langford Lake until it reaches the new swimming beach (Scout Point) and accessible playground. The lake’s several beaches are perfect places to go for a swim in the cool waters. Waterfowl species and turtles can be spotted from the boardwalk and trail system.
Parking is available at the eastern end of the lake as well at City Centre Park, just a stone’s throw away from the lakeshore.
Glen Lake
Located at the tip of the Happy Valley neighbourhood, Glen Lake is Langford’s most southern lake.
Perfect for boating and fishing, Glen Lake has a boardwalk on the southern shore with fishing opportunities as well a small swimming beach at Glen Cove off the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
At the north end, Glen Lake Beach Park provides a playground and spray park, beautiful swimming beach and accessible picnic tables tucked underneath giant willow and Douglas fir trees. There is a large green space for young and old to enjoy frisbee, badminton or allow little ones to run. For convenience, a public washroom and outdoor shower are included on the site.
Cy Jenkins Trail runs along the southern edge of Glen Lake and connects to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and Happy Valley’s commercial centre.
Florence Lake
Florence Lake is surrounded by the Strachan Trail which features two boardwalks that provide excellent fishing venues. Views from the lake trail are some of the most calming in Langford. There is also a boat launch on the north shore allowing for quick lake access.
In the summer, swimming in Florence Lake is a great way to beat the heat. In the autumn, changing trees create a colourful border around the lake.
Thetis Lake Regional Park
One of the most visited regional parks in the Capital Regional District, Thetis Lake is one of the largest regional parks with over 40 kilometers of recreational trails to explore. Established as Canada’s first nature sanctuary in 1958, this park promotes natural area conservation and recreation. A small portion of the park is located in Langford, however the majority falls in our neighbouring municipality of View Royal. The beach area of Thetis Lake is perfect for a family picnic or refreshing swim. If you have a canoe, try an early morning paddle and you may even have the lake all to yourself.
Lake Ida Anne
Tucked away on Treanor Avenue, you’ll find Lake Ida Anne, a small man-made lake meant for fishing. Stocked with fish by the Fresh Water Fisheries Society, Lake Ida Anne is an excellent spot for those learning to fish as well as seasoned experts. The Fresh Water Fisheries Society also offers their Learn to Fish programs here, offerings kids and their families the opportunity to learn the basics of freshwater fishing. Part of the 4km long Millstream Creek trail also runs alongside the lake.