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SMONEĆTEN Campground

SMONEĆTEN Campground in North Saanich is a 20-hectare site rich in WSÁNEĆ cultural history, offering forest trails, plant education, and a peaceful natural setting

Location

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

Amenities

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

  • Pit toilets

  • Nature walk and trails 

Online

Videos



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