Location

• North Saanich

• Google maps
   

About

• The 20 hectare campground was originally named McDonald Provincial Park in March 1948

• The land was donated by Alexander McDonald of Sidney

• The land was transferred from the province of B.C. to Parks Canada in 2003 to protect its natural and cultural significance

• The land was renamed SMONEĆTEN in 2021 in recognition of its cultural significance to the WSÁNEĆ People

• Eric Pelkey, a WSÁNEĆ Elder stated that SMONEĆTEN “means place of pitch, where our people used to gather pitch when it ran from the Douglas Firs. Pitch was a prized commodity for its many uses, including fire starting, patching open wounds and sealing the canoes of our people.” (source – Parks Canada)

• The campground is open annually from May 15 to September 30

• A forest trail is located within the campground, with informative signs along the way that share the history of the land and the traditional uses of local plants

• Discover details about honeysuckle, huckleberry, salmonberry, ferns, maple, arbutus, and more

• This easy walk is perfect for visitors of all ages
   

Lands

• The ancestral territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ people
   

Amenities

• 43 drive-in campsites and six walk-in sites

• Pit toilets

• Nature walk and trails
   

Online

• SMONEĆTEN @Parks.Canada.ca

• SMONEĆTEN Campground @Parks.Canada.ca

• SMONEĆTEN Campground map
   

Videos