PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) — Attraction in Saanich

Saanich, BC – At a meeting on August 15, Saanich Council approved a request from the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) to move forward with a name restoration for PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park). PKOLS is the name of Mount Douglas in SENĆOŦEN and is an important place for the W̱SÁNEĆ people.

“PKOLS is an extremely important location in the history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation,” said Eric Pelkey, Community Engagement Coordinator for the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and Elder from the Tsawout First Nation. “It was created by XÁLS as the border between us and the Lekwungen people, and it was where we met with James Douglas in 1852 to discuss what became known as the Douglas Treaty. For these reasons, we, as W̱SÁNEĆ people, have a special relationship with PKOLS.”

Saanich Council identified an action in its 2019-2023 Strategic Plan to rename the park recognizing the sacred significance of the location to the W̱SÁNEĆ people.

“This is another step forward in our journey toward reconciliation,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “As we work to build and strengthen relationships with our neighbouring First Nations, I’m pleased to address this significant action from our...

On the peak of PKOLS, where the tall trees stand, In a forest so grand, a monumental ancient stand, Where branches whisper secrets, in rustling rhyme, And ferns and mosses, mark the passage of time.

The trees of PKOLS, with their leaves of green, Create a canopy, where sunlight is seen Dancing through branches, in dapples and dots, In this mystical forest, of untold plots.

Here, the eagles soar high, in the sky so vast, Their shadows glide over trees, as they pass, The forest, a kingdom, where nature is queen, And every path tells stories, unseen.

In this Seussian world, where imagination flies, Every tree has a story, if you listen to their sighs, PKOLS, with its forest so ancient and tall, A magical place, where wonders enthrall.

So let's wander the paths, where the wild deer roam, Under the tall trees, in their natural home, PKOLS, oh PKOLS, with your forest so grand, A magical realm, so...

No. 1 rated attraction in Saanich... This Park emphasises "Natural Beauty at its finest!! There are many trails for hiking/trekking.. or one can drive up the 225 metre/850 foot hill [there is a parking lot at the top]. The trekking is "more complex" the higher one goes... but the "panoramic views" vary-- but all are very memorable/spectacular! I preferred the longer trails in the lower areas of the Park (where there are also many picnic tables as well as a playground for children). The vegetation highlights the older trees as well as the shoreline. There is also a mine, which reminds one of the "recent past's" economic activities.. and the more "historic past" when it was the home to Canada's "aboriginals!. TripAdvisor has awarded the Park its "Certificate of Excellence". It is definitely worthy of a visit.

I hope that this Review has...