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Travel advisory:
Highway 17 Closures - Keating Cross Road Overpass Project - July 25, 29 and August 7, 2024
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Posted on: Friday, July 19, 2024
Highway 17 Closures
Keating Cross Road Overpass Project
Victoria to Swartz Bay
July 25, 29 and August 7, 2024
Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17) between Victoria and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island will be temporarily closed from Tanner Road to Island View Road due to the Keating Cross Road Overpass Project during the noted times on the following dates:
Scheduled Highway Closures
|
Thursday, |
Monday, |
Wednesday, |
|
10:00 pm – 6:00 am |
8:00 pm – 6:00 am |
10:00 pm – 6:00 am |
Customers looking to travel to or from Swartz Bay terminal during closure times will be impacted and should plan their travel accordingly. A detour will be in effect via Central Saanich Road. Customers should be prepared for a 15-20 minute delay as a result.
Those using transit to Swartz Bay are strongly advised to take earlier bus departures because of the detour. Additional information is available online at: https://alerts.bctransit.com/RouteAlertsDetail/45/70/724.
For more information, please check the Keating Cross Overpass Project website here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/highway-17-keating-cross-overpass.
For up-to-date sailing and departure information, check Current Conditions, follow @BCFerries on X, or phone 1-888-223-3779 for further assistance.
OVERVIEW
Malahat is a small community in the Cowichan Valley, surrounded by lush nature and stunning views of the Saanich Inlet. The Malahat mountain summit is considered one of the most sacred sites on southern Vancouver Island.
Top things to do
Credit: Villa Eyrie Resort
Savour delicious food
Enjoy a delicious German-inspired meal at Alpina Restaurant at the Villa Eyrie Resort, or book a relaxing treatment at the Tuscan Spa.
Credit: Pexels/Vladislav Vasnetsov
Explore Goldstream Provincial Park
Take a trip to the nearby Goldstream Provincial Park. Hike through the old-growth rainforest to see waterfalls, an abandoned gold mine, salmon-spawning viewing points, or mountain-top lookouts.
Experience panoramic views
Stop at the tourist viewpoint to see breathtaking views of the Saanich Inlet and the YOS (Malahat Mountain) totem pole. This sacred area is considered the home of legendary Salish beings like the Thunderbird.
Visit Victoria
Take a short 20-minute drive to Victoria where you can see the Parliament buildings, dine in world-class restaurants, and walk the cobblestone streets.
Credit: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
Walk or bike the Kinsol Trestle
Walk or bike the historic Kinsol Trestle, a spectacular structure which looms 44-metres above the Koksilah River.
Explore activities
Malahat Skywalk
Maintenance Closure: Malahat Skywalk will be closed from November 20 - 30 for annual maintenance.
Ascend a 250m tower and take in the panoramic views of the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island. Explore this fully accessible experience in the heart of a coastal forest, including a 600m elevated walk that leads to a 40m sightseeing tower.
Highlights
- From the top of the tower, see incredible views of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and other coastal islands.
- Suspend yourself above the centre of the tower on the sturdy Adventure Net and enjoy uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest below your feet.
- For an optional thrill, come down the tower on a 20m spiral slide.
Now Available - until September 9, 2024, The SkyWalk free shuttle provides direct transportation to Malahat SkyWalk from Downtown Victoria, making it a perfect half-day excursion. Please check website for operating hours and departure information.
Nearby cities
Chemainus
Chemainus has won international acclaim for its successful revitalization project, which began in 1982 with the unveiling of five large murals, all professionally painted onto existing downtown buildings. It is also home to great theatre, restaurants and natural beauty.
Duncan
Located on Southern Vancouver Island, Duncan is the Cowichan Valley’s largest community. Known as the “City of Totems", Duncan is home to the world’s biggest collection of outdoor totems, with nearly 80 found throughout the city.
Cowichan Bay
The waterfront fishing village of Cowichan Bay sits at the head of a beautiful and natural harbour, which is the main focal point of the town, where shops, cafés, galleries and homes float on the water. Dine out on some of the best seafood in the area, relax in waterfront cafés, or take part in a variety of water activities.
Victoria
Visit the lush and beautiful oceanfront city of Victoria. The city is rich in British heritage, has the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and is home to the historic BC Parliament Buildings. You can enjoy lots of water and land activities, and taste a variety of craft beers and fresh seafood.
Known as the Garden City, Victoria is always in bloom and has one of the mildest climates in Canada—perfect for a trip any time of the year.
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