Rudd Park
The playground needs an update, but it does have a ramp for toddlers to use and the cool sand diggers with the levers for big kids (and nostalgic parents.) The stroll will take you by a corner store for a bit of refreshment.
Braefoot Park
If your older kid loves Spiderman, then check out the rope action at this park. The tower is too difficult for beginner toddlers, because it is too high and awkward to cover the exits from the ground. In which case, see Reynolds Park. Both parks are also a comfortable strolling distance to La Collina Bakery, on McKenzie.
Reynolds Park
A pleasant, plastic park. Even beginner toddlers can practice on both towers, and the platforms are designed to let caregivers accompany their kids. One tower has a double slide that you can ride down beside your toddler –but beware the blue plastic! It emanates wicked static on a hot day. In the mood to double-park? Try the gardens at Playfair Park or the cool rope gym at Braefoot.
Christmas Hill
A shorter hike than Mount Doug with an unbeatable view of Swan Lake. Technically, this is not a stroll because the hill is inaccessible to anything with wheels; but, in a backpack or carrier, an outdoorsy toddler would revel in this hiking adventure. She can also practice her own climbing at Rainbow Park, which you will find midway between Christmas Hill and Swan Lake.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake makes an ideal strolling destination after Rainbow Park, which has the two-exit toddler tower that I like. Yes, I have taken the stroller around the lake, but only because my husband and I were very optimistic and pressed on until it was too late to turn back. In any case, there is not much even ground beyond the floating foot bridge, so bring a carrier or backpack to avoid any regrets on this moderate hike.
Brydon Park
A brilliant open-plan park, and not just for being near a Tim Hortons. The tower is toddler-friendly, with holes to grasp in the stairs; but there is also a boulder for advancing climbing skills when they are older. If you manage to pry your child off the apparatus, then I recommend either Tim Hortons or Francelli’s at Royal Oak Shopping Centre. Otherwise, you can explore a portion of a vast trail system to the west, a part of the Centennial Trails.
Playfair Park
A lovely glade with a hidden garden path on one side and a maze of rhododendrons on the other. The playground has gorgeous shade in summer, but it is built for much older kids (which was more and more apparent as I followed my toddler round and round it.) This park is ideal for picnics, but there is a better playground for your toddler at nearby Reynolds Park.
Copley Park
This park is divided into two halves by Vanalman Avenue and has a gem of a playground tucked away in the eastern half, known as “Rozee’s Grove.” Very good toddler gym, with a ramp that sees more runs with my toddler than the slide, and a nearby trail teeming with blackberries in late summer. For a short stroll, head west and loop around the field; or adventure east into the greenbelt known as “Old Joe’s Trail,” toward Glanford. Turn right on Glanford and stop at La Collina Bakery, or look for the Rogers’ Factory Outlet Store as you return along Vanalman…they sell ice cream bars for a mere $3.50.
Dallas Road
Dallas Road has an expansive view of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Olympic Park Mountain Range. I love coming down here so Eddie can look at kites, paragliders, enormous cruise ships and the ocean. Simply start at Ogden Point and skirt along the cliffs at Holland Point Park until you reach Clover Point Park. Dallas Road borders along countless other strolls, including James Bay, Beacon Hill Park and Cook Street Village. Or venture past Clover Point to find Ross Bay Cemetery, an historical graveyard.
Rockland Heights
We used to live in an apartment building on Rockland Avenue, so I did this stroll about every week until Eddie was 8-months old. A good idea is to start at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, wander along Rockland Avenue to Government House, turn on Joan Crescent to find Craigdarroch Castle, and return to the Gallery via Fort Street. There are no playgrounds in this stately and historical neighbourhood, but there is a nice pond with ducks and turtles at Government House.
