Gowlland Tod Park protects a major green space on southern Vancouver Island along the east side of Saanich Inlet. BC Parks says it includes part of the Gowlland Range, a significant portion of Tod Inlet, and more than 25 kilometres of trails.
Access points include Tod Inlet near Brentwood Bay, Mackenzie Bight off Rossdurrance Road, and Caleb Pike near Langford.
Gowlland Tod Park is a day-use destination for hikers, paddlers, divers, and nature observers who want varied terrain close to Greater Victoria. The trail network ranges from gentle routes around Tod Inlet to moderate and difficult forested routes between Mackenzie Bight and Caleb Pike, with viewpoints over Finlayson Arm.
The park's conservation values are substantial. BC Parks describes grassy meadows, rocky knolls, old-growth forest, wetlands, Garry oak pockets, coastal Douglas fir and arbutus, and more than 150 identified plant and animal species. Tod Inlet and Finlayson Arm also have unusual marine values, attracting scuba divers and boaters.
History adds another layer, with archaeological sites, First Nations medicinal, ceremonial, and spiritual values, early pioneer activity, and remains connected to the Vancouver Portland Cement Company.
Plan around hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, Tod Inlet shoreline visits, canoeing or kayaking from Tod Inlet or Mackenzie Bight, scuba diving, cycling on designated multi-use trails, e-biking where signed, and horseback riding on designated trails.
Bring drinking water. Stay on marked trails to protect fragile habitats, watch for seasonal closures or relocated trail sections, and remember there is no boat launch in the park; the nearest launch is at Brentwood Bay.
