Mount Douglas, Greater Victoria

The south side of Mount Douglas.

Mount Douglas is a prominent, 260 m (853 ft) hill in the Greater Victoria municipality of Saanich, British Columbia. It is named for the second governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island, Sir James Douglas, and is affectionately known locally as "Mount Doug." The hill and the surrounding area are protected by a 182 ha (450 acres) municipal park. It also lends its name to a high school, road, neighbourhood, and several businesses. Its many trails, mature second growth forest, striking vistas of the city, and nearby beach make the area a popular destination.

Originally called Cedar Hill, it was home to logging operations in the mid-nineteenth century. Local mills supplied the growing city of Victoria, including the original Hudson's Bay Company fort, transporting lumber south along present day Cedar Hill Road. It was brought under protected status in 1889. Although informally renamed in Douglas' lifetime (it was given the apellation "Mount" in order to honour the governor's status), the name "Mt. Douglas" was not officially adopted until 1910.

The neighbourhood

The namesake neighbourhood around the base of Mt. Douglas is a mix of residential neighbourhoods, hobby farms and working farms, roughly bounded by Shelbourne Street, Cordova Bay Road, the Blenkinsop Valley and Mckenzie Avenue. The farms of the Blenkinsop Valley are protected by the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve.

Mount Doug Mining Cave

Inside of Mount Douglas Abandoned Mine.

Mount doug has many trails. One trail in particular, on its south side, has an old abandoned mine. The cave has a small entrance, but it opens up inside. The cave is about 50 to 60 feet in length. There is a home made youtube documentary on finding and exploring the cave. video link here

External links

• Description of the location and nomenclature from the BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management.
• Description of the park from the Saanich municipal website.
• A description of the area, including some historical information.
• Website for Mount Douglas High School
• Mount Doug Cave Video Link

Coordinates: 48°29′35″N 123°20′48″W / 48.49307°N 123.34679°W / 48.49307; -123.34679