For personal assistance with planning your trip, call the Customer Information line at 382-6161, and press zero for a Customer Service Agent.

Parks

Beacon Hill Park, along Douglas from Superior to Dallas Road.

This historic 62-acre site offers walking trails past a 32-metre (106-foot) totem, ponds with fountains and dazzling flower beds. There's a petting zoo, a play park and picnic areas. On summer Sunday afternoons the Cameron pavilion is alive with musical concerts. After a stroll, join the locals at the Beacon Drive in (off Douglas St on the west side of the park) for best soft ice cream in the world.

Details at www.beaconhillpark.com

Take the #5; #27/28 or #30/31.

Gyro Park, off Sinclair and Cadboro Bay Road.

Located on Cadboro Bay Beach, this park offers a children's playcentre. An ideal spot to picnic.

Take the #11 to Sinclair or Cadboro Bay and a short walk.

Kinsmen Gorge Park, Tillicum Road & Gorge Bridge.

Situated along the Gorge waterway, this park is popular with strollers. It also offers tennis courts, picnic tables, a children's playcentre and beach area, and sand volleyball courts.

Details, call 386-6138.

Take the #11 or the #26 to Gorge & Tillicum or the #14 to Tillicum & Craigflower, and a short walk along Tillicum Rd.

Mount Douglas Park, off Shelbourne & Ash Road.

This 25-acre forested preserve offers hiking trails that lead up to an observation platform. The spectacular 360 degree view is worth the hike to the top! Picnic tables and playing fields at the beach.

Take the #28 or the #39 to Shelbourne & Kenmore and hike up to the viewpoint. Or walk west along Ash Road to the beach entrance.

Mount Tolmie Park, off Mayfair Drive.

The summit at Mt Tolmie offers excellent views of the city and surrounding area. Camus and other wildflowers blanket the meadows during spring. This is a wonderful place to watch the sunset.

Take the #14 to Richmond & Mayfair and hike up to the viewpoint.

Saxe Point Park, off Fraser Street.

This rustic nature park with its protected coves attracts scuba divers, hikers and picnicers. Excellent views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains.

Details, call 386-6138.

Take the #25 to Munro & Fraser.

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, at the end of Sooke River Road.

Gigantic holes carved over the eons from natural erosion make the potholes a favourite swimming choice during the warm summer months. Birders will see swans and herons. Flyfishing on the Sooke River.

Details at www.sookepotholes.com.

Take the #61 to Sooke River Rd (ask the driver to let you off as close as possible), then a several-kilometre hike along Sooke River Road.

Swan Lake and Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Road.

Situated in Saanich, this urban park features a 2.5-km trail that circles the lake. This is a plant lover's and bird watcher's paradise. Programs for children and adults.

Details at www.swanlake.bc.ca or call 479-0211.

Take the #70 or #75 to Pat Bay Hwy and McKenzie off-ramp. Walk eastbound on McKenzie to Rainbow.

Lakes/Beaches

Cordova Bay Beach. Access by McMorran's Restaurant off Cordova Bay Rd.

This beach offers a privacy and seclusion for long leisurely walks.

Take the #6 or the #30/31 connecting at Royal Oak Exchange to the #32. (Ask the driver to let you out at Cordova Bay Beach).

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, off the Pat Bay Hwy and Sayward Rd.

This is the place for hikers, cyclists and horse riders to meander along beaches, lakes and through forest. Waterbabies can windsurf, sail, fish, row and swim. There is a life guard on duty at Beaver Lake during July and August.

Details at www.crd.bc.ca or call the Capital Regional District at 478-3344.

To Beaver Lake, take the #70 to the Park Driveway Entrance and walk to the lake.

For Elk Lake, take the #70 and get off at Pat Bay Hwy at Sayward.

Uplands Park/Cattle Point, Dorset Road & Beach Drive.

Tucked on the edge of Oak Bay, this is the place to enjoy a beach walk, have a picnic overlooking the ocean or meander through 76 acres of meadows and forested trails. Steps to the south of the park lead down to Willows Beach.

Details at www.oakbaybc.org or call 592-7275.

Take the #2A to Estevan and a short walk, or the #11 to Cotswold & Midland roads and a short walk.

Willows Beach, Beach Drive & Dalhousie Road.

This is the place to hang out with the locals on a warm summer day. Expansive sandy beaches are a favourite with sunbathers and those wanting a dip in the ocean. A concessions stand operates in the summer. Children's play centre.

Details at www.oakbaybc.org or call 592-7275.

Take the #2A to Dalhousie & Beach. To return, take the #2.

Witty's Lagoon Regional Park, 4021 Metchosin Road.

This 56-hectare park on the edge of Juan de Fuca Strait is a blend of protected natural environments with an impressive waterfall, woodlands, creeks, tidal lagoon, sandy beach and rocky shore. It is home to 160 documented species of coastal birds. Visit the Nature Information Centre to view natural history displays. Nature walks and interpretive programs offered year round.

Details at www.wittyslagoon.com or call 478-3344.

Take the #50 to CanWest Mall and transfer to the #54 or #55 to Metchosin Road & Witty's Beach Road.