Rose Valley Pond
When all you have is half an hour, a visit to the neighbourhood pond is
a pleasant respite.
Nestled against an arterial roadside, beautiful Rose Valley Pond is ignored by hundreds of commuters every day. Tucked beneath the shoulder of Westlake Road next to Rose Valley Elementary School, the pond and its surroundings are easy to miss from a car, and lovelier with every step you take on foot towards its waters.
To some, Rose Valley Pond is made even more precious by the fact that just a few years ago it was very nearly lost. Thanks to the inspired efforts of people in the community, this wetland oasis is now protected within the boundaries of sprawling Rose Valley Regional Park.
Where is it?
To get there, travel along Westlake Road- about ten minutes by motorized vehicle if you’re coming from the Highway 97 and Westlake intersection - until you spot the local fire hall.
There are pull-over areas on the pond side of the road where you can park. There’s a clean-up-bag dispenser at the trail head if you’ve brought a canine friend along, as dogs are permitted.
What to Bring...
This is a natural area with no washrooms or picnic tables. You may want to bring a hat, lightweight camp stool, your binoculars, a birding book, some water, and maybe even a cup of coffee to complete your outdoor break.
Once You are There...
If you’re wearing pants or not afraid of a scratch or two, we recommend that once on the wide path facing the elementary school, you turn right at a small junction in the main path.
A narrow and winding trail leads you briefly back towards Westlake Road, then parallels the pond’s edge.
It’s now about six minutes since you parked your vehicle.
Adhering to the “leave no trace” hiking philosophy, try to part the branches without breaking them as you pick your way along the little path. You’ll notice the diversity of the trees and grasses in this wetland area.
Through a thicket just five minutes into the trees, near a would-be bridge of logs, there’s a tiny “bay” on the pond’s edge, a magical place in which to spy on the local residents. Watch for coots, ruddy ducks or cinnamon teal.
Follow the winding trail towards the school for about five more minutes until you arrive in a grassy clearing in front of thousands of cattails.
Either here, or nearby in the shade, plant your little camp chair, get out your binoculars or simply relax. Though the road is close by, the pond is its own world.
Dozens of male Yellow-headed and Red-wing blackbirds perch on top of the tallest reeds, calling out news of your arrival as their camouflaged mates cry softly near the water. Tiny, exquisitely iridescent swallows swoop and dive over the pond. Water birds sail leisurely past or dive for mouthfuls of food.
As you watch and listen, you may feel yourself change.
Even if you’re back in your car and on schedule again just a few minutes later, you may find that this half-hour respite has made you feel something you hadn’t felt in days. Indescribably good.
Disclaimer: Please remember to hike safe. Consider your level of fitness, the terrain, the weather, the wildlife, and the expertise/age of those you are hiking with. Since conditions of trails change over time, we do not guarantee the accuracy of our information. Hike at your own risk.
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