Haro Woods to Finnerty Cove walk

For the last couple of years, we've had the pleasure of walking in the Arbutus area of town at Haro Woods, the Queen Alex Center, and Finnerty Cove. It's such a pleasant walk that this year, I've expanded the route to make it a bit longer. Join us for what is probably the easiest walk of the year, and certainly one of the most beautiful.

Haro Woods is a beautiful mature second growth forest, dominated by Arbutus and Douglas Fir. A great range of plants and vegetation populate the undergrowth, including Sword Ferns, Ocean Spray, and Indian Plum. Our route is very easy, featuring your typical forest trails underfoot. Of course, there are a few roots to negotiate, and the path is a little narrow to begin, but after 200 meters or so, the trail opens up. I pre-walked our route today, and there were no muddy puddles to negotiate. I'll update you on the trail condition closer to the event.

We'll walk for about a kilometer in Haro Woods along the Finnerty Creek Trail and the Tranquil Trail, and then cross Arbutus Road and head into the campus of the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children's Health. For almost a century, this important facility has been catering to children and youth struggling with physical and mental health challenges, and the grounds are very attractive. They are our gateway to the warren of trails that wind in and around Finnerty Cove.

This year, instead of heading into the main grounds of the Queen Alex, we'll stick to the perimeter. That means a sharp turn to the right after we've crossed Arbutus Road. We'll walk along the asphalt path that winds around the Queen A sports field, and then scoot over to the Variety Garden Park. There's a secret little access point that we'll use that shimmies through the Park, and then continues on down through the forest to Finnerty Cove itself. I hope it's a nice day as the view across Haro Strait to San Juan Island is incredible! We'll stop here for a photo op.

Looping up and around Finnerty Cove brings us to a beach access point and a set of stairs. 36 steps up our asphalt trail continues briefly, until we take a meadow path to the Labyrinth. Can you find your way from the rim to the centre??? We'll continue around the perimeter of the Queen Alex on concrete or asphalt paths until we get back to Arbutus Road.

Our expanded route this year sees us go marginally right at this point and re-enter Haro Woods at the trail marker to the right of the bus stop. This trail provides access to the forest trails at the east side of Haro Woods, and we'll walk back up to the North end of the park on the Great Horned Owl trail. I'll have trail maps for everyone that will show the route I've planned. Unfortunately, AllTrails is a little off with their trail markings, so I'll be using the trail map that appears on the orientation signs at Haro Woods, which is much better, and contains all the trail names.

Parking is available on Haro Road. If the gate to Frank Hobbs Elementary School (just across the street) is open, it should be okay to park there too. Depending on turnout, you may have to look for parking on the adjacent streets. Since parking is not infinite, we'll limit this walk to 35 people. Look for Marlene and me at the check-in table along with our Victoria Small Dog Walk and Play Group signs, as the trailhead is somewhat hidden from Haro Road.

Our footing is forest trails, paved paths, and a short rocky outcropping. If you're using a walker or a stroller, check with me. I'll show you where to go if you need an alternate route to avoid rocky terrain or stairs. Please wear appropriate footwear. Runners or boots are fine. I do not recommend sandals or flip flops or anything with a heel.

Don't forget your favorite leash. You'll need it often (but not all the time) during this walk.