Whitehead Park

Whitehead Park is Saanich's only developed lakefront municipal park, combining scenic water recreation and family amenities at Prospect Lake with a rich local history rooted in the legacy of the pioneering Whitehead family.

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About

Nestled at the north end of Prospect Lake in Saanich, Whitehead Park is a scenic 1.21-hectare community park.
As the only developed, lake-front municipal park in the District of Saanich, it offers a perfect blend of water recreation, family-friendly amenities, and peaceful natural surroundings along the shores of Prospect Lake and Tod Creek.

Park features & amenities

Whether you are looking to paddle across the lake, enjoy a family picnic, or explore the wetland trails, Whitehead Park has something for everyone.
Water access & launch: A small beach, boardwalk, and wharf offer access to Prospect Lake. A carry-in boat launch is available for non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Playground: Located in the main open field, the play area features swings, a slide, and teeter-totters, making it easily accessible for families.
Picnic facilities & trails: The park is outfitted with numerous picnic tables and benches. A wood-chip footpath and boardwalk lead through the restored Tod Creek wetland area and along the lakeshore.
Restrooms: Seasonal toilet facilities are available on-site.
Parking: Accessible via parking lots located off Prospect Lake Road and Goward Road.
Note: Tod Creek, which flows from the lake out toward Tod Inlet in the Salish Sea, features a restored riparian zone planted with native trees and plants. The creek itself is narrow and is not suitable for watercraft.

Wildlife & nature

Prospect Lake and the surrounding park grounds are home to a vibrant ecosystem. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers frequently spot local species, including: Double-crested Cormorants, Northern Flickers, Belted Kingfishers, Willow Flycatchers, and Canada Geese.

History of Whitehead Park

From Lakeside Park to Whitehead Park

The property that makes up the park was originally part of Section 88, land owned in 1858 by early settlers John Durrance and James Bailey. The District of Saanich officially acquired the land in 1960, opening it as Lakeside Park.
In 1997, following a resolution supported by the Prospect Lake and District Association, Saanich officially renamed the grounds Whitehead Park to honour the pioneering family who previously owned and shaped the land.

The Whitehead family

Albert Harry Whitehead arrived in Victoria from Watford, England, in 1909. After living in Victoria and working as a builder, he purchased the property at the junction of Prospect Lake and Goward Roads in 1923 for $175. In 1925, Albert, his wife Nellie, and their children moved to the lake.
Albert was an industrious local figure who made several historic contributions to the community:
- Early innovations: He wired his house and installed a personal power plant, bringing the first electric lights to Prospect Lake. He also built the area's first flush toilet.
- Local produce & boat rentals: Albert planted fruit trees, built a large greenhouse to sell tomatoes and grapes, kept bee hives, and crafted plywood boats that he rented to visitors for $1.00 a day.
- Community swimming: The Whitehead family built the lake's first public float, complete with diving boards and a slide, which they towed across the lake for public enjoyment.
Following Nellie's passing in 1945, Albert lived on the property until 1959, when he agreed to sell the land to the District of Saanich on the strict condition that it remain a public park. Albert passed away in 1975 at the age of 89.

Prospect Lake heritage & local lore

The history surrounding Whitehead Park is rich with stories from the early-to-mid 20th century:

Historic era	Community highlight
1920s	During freezing winters, Albert Whitehead attached skates to the bottom of a large boat to push his children across the frozen lake. Children also learned to swim using a 12-foot wooden "swimming box" anchored near the shore.
1950s	Famous long-distance swimmer Florence Chadwick practiced in Prospect Lake while preparing for her historic swim across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
1960s	Local residents hung galvanized wash tubs in nearby trees to encourage Canada geese to nest in the area.
Early water sources	Before modern utilities, residents drew drinking water from local natural springs, such as the Box Spring near Tod Creek, famous among locals for being alive with fireflies at night.

Whether you are launching a kayak, spending an afternoon with family at the playground, or soaking in the rich heritage along Tod Creek, Whitehead Park remains a cherished lakefront sanctuary for the whole community to enjoy (sources: Saanich parks and archives teams, walksinyourbackyard.com, publication: Returning the loon to Prospect Lake, and an interview with Jack Whitehead in 1981).

Lands

The District of Saanich lies within the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples represented by the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) Nations.

Amenities