Free Hiking and Walking Program (here in Victoria and surrounding areas)

So when I was waiting for my fitness class to start yesterday morning, I came across a pamphlet that gets groups of people together and goes for walks/hikes/etc...All programs are free, no registration is required!! I love this, and am absolutely going to take advantage of it. I hope that some of you will find the time to do the same, and explore some of the Island trails with me.

There are three types of walks: "Gentle Walk", "Discovery Walks" and "Sunday Hikes"

Most of these you need a car for, but some have a designated meeting spot somewhere on bus route, and the rest is car pooling. Very efficient, especially since some places charge for parking!  
For more information about these walks: call 250-475-5408, or pick up a pamphlet @ the Commonwealth Rec Centre.

Here is their schedule for the Spring/Summer:
"Please meet in designated areas"

  Gentle Walks

Thursdays, 9:30-11:00am with Karen Reid

1. March 4, 2010:  Colquitz to Hyacinth Park - Meet at Colquitz Creek Park sign near Silver City Theatre at Tillicum Mall.
2. March 11, 2010: Centennial Trail & Blenkinsop Greenway - Meet at parking area on Lochside Trail in front of the Don Mann Excavating, north of McKenzie at Borden.
3. March 18, 2010: McMinn Park to Lohbrunner - Meet at McMinn Park, beside tennis courts, off Maplegrove St.
4. March 25, 2010: Gyro Park to Mystic Vale - Meet at Cadboro Gyro Park, bottom of Sinclair St.
5. April 1, 2010: Lochside Park to Doumac - Meet in Lochside Park parking lot off Cordova Bay Rd, past Mattick's farm.

.... more gentle walks to be updated closer to their time....

  Capital City Discovery Walks

Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00am with Karen Reid

"Meet at designated location at 9:00 am and we will carpool to site"

1. April 28, 2010: Gore Park & Oak Haven Park - Meet at Commonwealth Place parking lot. First left turn into parking lot.
2. May 26, 2010: Thetis Lake & Seymour Hill - Meet at Tillicum Mall, near Montana's Restaurant, Colquitz River. Parking at Thetis lake is $3.00

....more Discovery Walks later....

  Sunday Hikes

Sunday, 1:00-3:30pm with Penny Stevens & Karen Reid

"Although these hikes follow mainly chip trails and pavement, there may be some rough or steep sections so please wear sturdy and supportive footwear"

1. Feb 14, 2010: Lochside Trail to Martindale - Meet at Lochside Park on Lochside Drive, north of Cordova Bay Road, past Mattick's farm.
2. March 14, 2010: Marigold/Panama Flat- Meet beside tennis courts at Hyacinth Park on Marigold, near Interurban.
3. April 11, 2010: Parks of Strawberry Vale & Knockan Hill - Meet at Strawberry Vale Community Centre on West Burnside. Park on the street.

....more hikes in future blogs!....

Hope some of you will be able to take advantage of these free opportunities to see other parts of Victoria you may have not yet discovered. Otherwise, maybe just another excuse to get out of the house and get some fresh air! I always have a hard time gathering people together for a walk or a hike, so this solves my problems haha.

.:Dottie:.