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Uplands Park

(Not Yet Rated)
Uplands Park 0:0

Address

Beach Drive, Dorset Road, or Midland Road
Victoria , BC

Review

When you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of downtown Victoria, make the trip by car or bus (or on foot, if you’re enthusiastic) to Oak Bay’s Uplands Park. Because it’s located in Victoria’s swankiest residential neighbourhood, you might expect a manicured English garden, but Uplands Park is 76 acres of wilderness tucked away in the lap of luxury. A nature reserve since 1959 and a winter camping ground for pre-contact aboriginal people, Uplands Park’s only manmade development are the war memorial and boat ramps added in the second half of this century.

Just inside the stone gates of the Uplands, the park extends to Cattle Point where visitors can walk on the rocks and dip their feet in the water. There is plenty of parking on this side of the park, as it is popular with boaters and people looking for a little privacy in the evening. To the south of Cattle Point visitors can walk down a steep set of stairs, to a paved esplanade that takes you to Willows Beach, a popular family destination with a playground and concession stand.

To the west of Cattle Point and across Beach Drive, the park extends into a quiet residential area. You’ll see a large war memorial on the road before disappearing into the bush. Be sure to enjoy the native Arbutus trees that litter the park, with their red wood, pealing bark and twisty branches. The landscape is diverse, ranging from rocky and grassy, to damp underbrush. Not to worry, there are many well-maintained paths throughout the park. Local users, mostly children trying to get lost, and dog walkers, are well accustomed to giving directions to mixed-up visitors. You can’t get lost; the park has a road on all sides.

Uplands Park is a great place for a picnic. There are plenty of flat grassy areas in the centre of the park and its size and location provide a comfortable level of privacy. If you’re looking for picnic tables head down to the Cattle Point area. The closest grocery store for picnic supplies is just a few blocks away on Estevan Road, off Beach Drive.

Bring a Frisbee and enjoy an Oak Bay afternoon.
Written By: Christabel Padmore
On: 6/5/2001

Directions

Follow the scenic route up Beach Drive past the Uplands gate. About 150 meters past the gate you can turn right into the Cattle Point area of the park. Or take the Number 11 Uplands bus from downtown.

Features

Kid Friendly | Picnic Tables | Picnic Area | Walking Trails

User Reviews

Clay Clark
20rating
(1)
(1)
9/22/2006
First To Review
I recently went on a Cruise to Alaska. We visited Victoria, British Columbia. It was the Most Beautiful Place on Earth! The Uplands are So Gorgeous! The Homes there are Tremendous and Extravagant! I really do want to go back!
(0)
(0)
KathleenA
10rating
(1)
(0)
1/29/2008
I lived near Uplands Park and we used to play there as kids.. My mom and dad were horrified when they built the houses on Midland Road.. But now it seems as tho they just blend in.. We used to be able to just walk right into the park! We found lots of little places to hide and play and loose ourselves from the real world.. Nicde to see you write up and thanks for the blast from the past.
(0)
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