Colquitz River Trail – Saanich, B.C.

“Last summer, I frequently visited the Colquitz River Trail in Saanich, B.C. (part of the Greater Victoria Region on Southern Vancouver Island). My parents had recently moved to Victoria, and while visiting them I walked, jogged, and cycled along the trail to relax and exercise on hot summer days, as well as to explore the city. The trail cuts through a lush strip of green that follows Colquitz Creek right across Saanich. Though this space is narrow, sandwiched on either side by busy roads and residential streets, it feels like you are a different world, totally separate from the city. The trail and river often dip a few meters below the urban areas to either side, and dense vegetation, tall trees and wide canopies further the feeling of refuge that this provides. This creates an exciting contrast with the trail’s highly urban context. Along its length, it weaves under rail bridges and highway overpasses, past homes and across roads. Though the need to cross busy streets can be disruptive, I believe this urban condition is an overwhelmingly positive one, and actually enhanced the sense of comfort and tranquility I found on the trail. Rushing water, high embankments, dense vegetation, and persistent birdsong (and ‘insectsong’) muted the busyness of the roads enough that I felt separated from it, while still connected to an exciting urban buzz. For me, this created a unique sense of peace and calm that somehow felt more ‘intentional’. This urban proximity also makes Colquitz River trail a highly accessible natural refuge. Even on the hottest summer days, the trail was cool and well-shaded, with plenty of opportunities to approach the water and cool down. During these times, it was busy with pedestrians, joggers and cyclists in search of a more comfortable route, away from hot paving and full sun. Unhoused people, too, seemed able to find a cool refuge along the river, where dense vegetation affords privacy. With so many points of entry in so many neighbourhoods, it is easy for urbanites to access this space, unlike some parks which require access to a vehicle.” (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.255).

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