The Mt. Tolmie neighbourhood is blessed with a mild climate, lovely green spaces, and great amenities. The best feature (did this bring you here?) is the excellent public schools and university. You could go from kindergarten to Ph.D. without ever riding in a vehicle! Here are some of the things you'll find around our neighbourhood:

Mt. Tolmie

Our namesake and dominating feature rises to 120 m above sea level. You can walk to the top (about twenty minutes): from Cedar Hill Cross Road, take the trail near the intersection of Gordon Head Road. Then, choose the left trails where the trails branch off. The trails on the right will cross Mayfair Dr. but will wind up in the same place. Please stay on the trails as the plants and wildlife homes are very fragile. Enjoy the views at the top!

(Click here for the Mount Tolmie Conservancy Association: Mt. Tolmie Conservancy Assocation)

Shelbourne Plaza

At the corner of Shelbourne St. and Cedar Hill Cross Road. This mall has a good-sized grocery store, pharmacy, bank, liquor store, cafe, restaurants, bike shop, and lots of other shops and services. There are also more stores and services including a barber, pizza, etc. across Cedar Hill Cross Road. And more including a thrift store and karate school along Cedar Hill Cross Road a little ways up.

Campus View school

3900 Gordon Head Rd. This popular kindergarten to grade 5 public school also has a French immersion program, where children can learn in French starting in kindergarten or grade one (no previous French necessary). Also has two playgrounds and several outdoor basketball courts, which you can use when the school is not in session. The schoolyard is also a great place to fly a kite, kick a ball, learn to ride a bike, etc.

Horner Park

Off Broadmead Ave. (from Palo Alto St.), Kisber Ave., or Iona Drive (turn off Cedar Hill Cross Road). A great neighbourhood park with good play equipment and swings for the kids. Also a basketball half court and street hockey net, and a baseball diamond. Home of the Mt. Tolmie Community Association picnic each summer.

Onyx Park

At Onyx Place (off Garnet Rd.) or from Howroyd St. (off Mortimer St.). A small park with swings and see-saws for the kids. A great place just to have a rest for awhile.

St. Aidan's church

3703 St. Aidan's Street. At the corner of Cedar Hill Cross Road and Palo Alto St. A United church first established in 1873, St. Aidan's has long been a part of the community. Thrift sale downstairs (Palo Alto St.) Wednesdays 10-2, Sept. to June (check their website for other times and details).

OUR NEIGHBOURS

University of Victoria

Turn in from Cedar Hill Cross Road at Henderson Road. You can't miss the signs. Our big neighbour has over 18,000 students in full or part time attendance and is a major employer in the area. UVic, as it is frequently called, lies half in Saanich municipality and half in Oak Bay. The public is welcome to visit. Catch a movie at the Cinecenta (in the Student Union Building -- kids weekend matinees $3.75), or visit the library (but you can't check out books without a UVic card). UVic alumni get special deals for all these services. Home of the UVic Vikes -- watch for great basketball games and other sports. Tickets required for some events.

Mt. Douglas school

3970 Gordon Head Road. This popular public school has several hundred students in grades 9-12. Home of the Rams, Mt. Doug is a force to be reckoned with in basketball, volleyball, and other sports.

Cedar Hill school

3910 Cedar Hill Road (don't confuse with Cedar Hill Cross Road, these roads cross each other). This public school's students are in grades 6-8. Campus View's french immersion students generally advance to this school, as well as many english students from around the area. Near the McClung library.

Arbutus school

2306 Edgelow Road (off Gordon Head Road). This public school's students are also in grades 6-8. Campus View's english track students generally advance to this school. Near UVic.

Nellie McClung library

Part of the Greater Victoria Public Library. 3950 Cedar Hill Road. A great place to check out lots of books, magazines, CD's, tapes, CD-ROM's, DVD's, etc. A kids area, computer for the kids, and several public internet PC's. Free library card (proof of Greater Victoria residency required).

Henderson Centre

2291 Cedar Hill Cross Road. This community centre in Oak Bay has a weight room, gym, outdoor lighted tennis courts, pitch-and-putt golf course, jogging trails in the woods, etc. Lots of registered and drop-in programs available. Has a drop-in preschool gym three times a week. Close to UVic.

Gordon Head Recreation Centre

4100 Lambrick Way. About 3 km from Mt. Tolmie, this is a great pool and Saanich community centre including a weight room and gym.

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre

3220 Cedar Hill Road. About 2 km from Mt. Tolmie, this is another great Saanich community centre. Indoor tennis courts and squash courts, newly renovated weight room, drop-in volleyball, badminton, and other sports, etc.

University Heights Mall

Shelbourne St. at McKenzie Ave. Grocery store, cinemas, home improvment/garden store, shops, and services.

Queenswood Centre

Queenswood Centre is an ecumenical centre operated by the Sisters of Saint Ann, situated on wooded property close to the University of Victoria and Cadboro Bay beach and village.