Parker Park
Cordova Bay
A hidden gem tucked away at the end of Cordova Bay Road in Saanich. Parker Park offers year-round off-leash beach access on a quiet, sheltered stretch of waterfront approximately 400 m long.
"Parker Beach is a favorite of Ziggy and the Happy Homes Team. You can often see us sitting on the beach on Sundays."
, Anna Hakim & the Happy Homes Team
About Parker Park
Parker Park sits at the end of Parker Avenue in the Cordova Bay neighbourhood of Saanich, where a short trail through a wooded area leads down via a concrete staircase to a quiet, sheltered pebble-and-sand beach. The beach stretches roughly 400 metres along the Saanich Peninsula waterfront and is popular with locals but rarely crowded, even on summer weekends, you are unlikely to see more than a dozen dogs.
The calm, shallow waters make this an excellent choice for dogs who love to wade and splash without dealing with strong currents or large waves. The beach faces east toward the Haro Strait, so mornings bring beautiful light across the water.
Off-Leash Rules
- Dogs may be off-leash on the beach year-round but must remain under voice control.
- In the park area above the beach, off-leash access is restricted to 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Outside these hours, dogs must be leashed in the park.
- Always follow posted signage, rules may be updated seasonally by Saanich Parks.
Entry Points & Parking
Parking lot: Free parking for approximately 20 vehicles at the end of Parker Avenue. The lot fills up on sunny summer mornings, so arrive early or during off-peak hours.
Trail access: From the parking lot, follow a short wooded trail that leads to a concrete staircase down to the beach. The trail is roughly 200 m and has a moderate grade.
No amenities: There are no water fountains, waste bins, or washrooms at the beach. Bring your own water, treats, and poop bags.
Best Times to Visit
Best overall time. Off-leash in the park and beach, easy parking, quiet atmosphere, and beautiful morning light across the Haro Strait.
Less crowded than weekends. Afternoon light is warm and golden. Parking is usually available. Dogs can enjoy the beach off-leash year-round.
Water Quality & Safety
Parker Park has no recorded blue-green algae concerns. The beach faces the open waters of the Haro Strait, which provides good water circulation and reduces the algae risk common to enclosed freshwater lakes in the region.
Good to know: The beach is pebble and sand with shallow wading areas. Watch for slippery rocks at the water's edge, especially after rain. Check the CRD beach water quality reports for the latest updates.
Tips from the Happy Homes Team - Bring your own water and waste bags, there are no amenities at the beach.
- The concrete staircase can be slippery when wet. Take it slow with older dogs or puppies.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the Lochside Regional Trail, which connects nearby.
- Morning visits between 6 and 9 AM give your dog off-leash freedom in both the park and the beach.