PICNIC IN THE PARK
Although restaurant restrictions are still in place, thanks to the warmer weather, there’s nothing stopping us from ordering take-out and making a beeline to our favourite park. For this month’s day-escape, I’ll take you to Victoria where these three hidden gems are somewhat off the beaten picnic path. Each park is also accompanied by a nearby eatery that adheres to the current COVID-19 protocols and caters to outdoor dining.
UPLANDS PARK
When my daughter and her family lived in Oak Bay, this was one of our favourite haunts. The 30-plus hectare land mass, nestled between upscale homes and ocean shores, is well-loved for its natural beauty, flourishing eco-system and expansive vistas. Like protective sentinels, the windswept outcroppings rise up just north of Willows Beach and are laced with a network of walking trails and quiet green spots, many of which are shaded by towering Garry Oaks. Undeveloped, untarnished, unblemished – that describes Uplands to a tee.
Nearby take-out: Willows Galley Fish & Chips
This Estevan Village eatery has been an Oak Bay icon since 1980. Their original Neptune Burger and sourdough fish batter won’t disappoint. 2559 Estevan Ave., 250-598-2711, https://willowsgalley.com/
LIME BAY PARK
This park seamlessly blends the urban with the natural while sandwiched (no pun intended) in between Vic West apartments and the scenic shoreline. When the tide is low, leave your beach blanket behind to check out the star fish and Dungeness crabs. And when the tide is high, diving dolphins might be your centre-stage attraction. Either way, this park is a superb spot for viewing seaplanes and yachts that navigate Victoria’s harbour.
Nearby take-out: Boom & Batten
This upscale eatery offers regionally-inspired cuisine – either from their waterfront deck or at your private picnic spot at nearby Lime Bay Park. 2 Paul Kane Place, 250-940-5850, https://boomandbatten.com/
SAXE POINT PARK
My sister and brother-in-law have raved about Saxe Point Park ever since moving to Esquimalt, and I can understand why. A pedestrian pathway bisects this manicured green space and offers picturesque panoramas of the Salish Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains beyond. During World War II much of this 7.5 land parcel was used as a shoreline defense. Today, its forested trails and pebbled beach bays are perfect spots for any picnic lover.
Nearby take-out: Kwao Thai Restaurant
This family run business offers Traditional Thai that’s ‘cooked from the heart.’ 1207 A, Esquimalt Road, 250-389-1845, www.kwaothai.com
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