Cuthbert Holmes Park

Tucked behind Tillicum Mall, Cuthbert Holmes Park is a 26-hectare urban oasis where trails wind past the Colquitz River, rich with wildlife, birdlife, and native plants, and home to spawning salmon and the echoes of once-thriving heron colonies

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Location

Saanich
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About

Conveniently located behind Tillicum Mall, you’ll find trails and the Colquitz River in this 26 hectare park
Over 120 species of birds and seasonal river-dependent animals such as barred owls, cooper hawks, river otters and harbour seals can be found in the area
You’ll also find a fish counting fence near the mall parking lot
Salmon, cut throat trout and herring use the river as their spawning ground
Several years ago, the park was home to the largest great blue heron colony on Vancouver Island, with 67 nests and 117 chicks
Some of the trees in the area include red alder, douglas fir, trembling aspen, big leaf maples, and native black hawthorn
The district of Saanich is in the process of restoring the park, including supporting 40 different native plant species to thrive, including lilies and camas