In spite of a forecast for a wet and grey Walktober Friday, Saturday turned out to be sunny – just perfect for wandering through some of the parks and along several of the scenic trails in Saanich.  By starting and finishing at Copley Park, it is easy to plot a long, oval route that goes through, past or along Panama Hill Park and Panama Flats, Hyacinth Park, the Colquitz River Trail, the back of the Canadian Forestry Research Centre, the Galloping Goose Trail, Swan Creek Park and Brydon Park.

Saanich has added some new marked pedestrian crossings, wider concrete sidewalks and blacktopped trail entry points in this area, all of which make walking here a safer and more enjoyable experience.

This particular Saturday saw lots of people out walking and cycling.   Families were using many of the small park playgrounds.  Friends sat on benches to chat.  And lots of well-behaved, leashed dogs were out walking their humans.

The wide gravel path through Panama Flats is perfect for physical distancing and still allows lots of room for cyclists to pass.