Saanich
Saanich is more than just a neighbourhood, it’s a full blown community with its own distinctive vibe. Saanich is a place where city streets, dense forests, and rolling farmlands seamlessly intertwine, and it’s easy to hop between it all in a single day. If you’re a traveller who wants it all, from energetic festivals to farm-fresh dining and scenic hiking then Saanich is the place for you.
About Saanich
At a glance
Saanich is where the city begins to slip into nature. Think sprawling parklands, manicured gardens, and tree-lined streets with a lived in feel. It's a great option for travellers who want to connect with the natural beauty of Vancouver Island without leaving the comforts of the city behind, a place where top attractions and amenities are stitched together by green cycling paths and regional parks.
What it feels like to be here
Easy going. Saanich's unhurried pace shines through as strongly as a sunrise over the Salish Sea. This is a place that really affords you the time to explore at your own pace, whether that's paddling across a lake, scrambling up a mountain, or strolling through forested pathways. Even though the outdoors are at your fingertips, you never feel far from the amenities of the city, one moment you might be visiting a farm, the next, savouring ingredients at a farm-to-table restaurant.
When Saanich shines
If you love the outdoors, it feels like Saanich is always in season. Springtime means community gardens are in full bloom, summer is when the lakes come to life with paddlers and swimmers alike, in fall tree-lined streets burst into fiery hues, and during winter you can still enjoy spectacular sunrises right from the beach. Many Saanich parks, lakes, and beaches are popular with locals and visitors alike. We always recommend getting there as early as you can to stake out a good spot to chill out and enjoy the vibes as the day rolls by.
PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
PKOLS (formerly Mount Douglas) Regional Park is a place to take in Greater Victoria from above. This 188-acre park stretches from the shores of the Salish Sea to the summit of one of the region's tallest peaks. Throughout the forest, you can explore 21-kilometres of trails that appeal to every type of explorer, from casual walks to tough climbs. As one of the city's most accessible parks, you can drive to the top parking lot and enjoy breathtaking views of the region below, or huff it out up the Irvine Trail if you're looking for a challenge.
Local tip: Short on time? Nearby Mount Tolmie also offers 360-degree panoramic views of city and distant mountains, a 1.5km loop trail, and is easily accessible via a paved road to the summit.
What you’ll love doing
The Gardens at HCP
A hidden gem in Victoria's garden landscape, the volunteer run Gardens at HCP, features 9-acres of manicured gardens nestled on a 103-acre conservation site. Just 15-minutes from downtown, you'll feel like you're a world away. Wander through an array of demonstration gardens including a Japanese-style Takata Garden, Bridal Gardens, Rhododendron Garden, Children's Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and much more. Be sure to bring your camera, the Gardens lend themselves to beautiful photo opportunities.
The Gardens at HCP
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
A wild oasis in the heart of the city, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature sanctuary brings together walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, native plant life, and a nature house all in a protected but delicate ecosystem. Think of it as a living classroom about our distinctive Island ecosystem. Follow the lake loop past marshlands and birdlife, then make your way up Christmas Hill through Garry oak meadows in this park which was Canada's first auspicious Feng Shui Site, blending wind and water.
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
Centre of the Universe
Look up! Way up! The Centre of the Universe invites you to experience the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, a designated National Historic Site, and peer into the universe above. On your visit you'll enjoy a guided tour of the telescope, soar through the stars at a planetarium show, and explore galleries teeming with interactive activities, telescope models, a real meteorite, and a whole lot more, that's certain to send your curiosity to the moon!
Centre of the UniverseElk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is where the community comes to play. Here, you'll find great beaches for swimming, playgrounds for children, off-leash dog parks, a boat launch for paddling or motorboats, fishing opportunities, and a 10km loop trail that's perfect for hiking, walking, biking, and even horseback riding. With so much to see and do, you'll find it easy to spend a day soaking up the sun on the shores of this 1,072-acre park.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
What to do around Saanich
If you're an outdoors lover, Saanich is the place for you. Throughout Saanich you'll find sprawling parklands, manicured gardens, year-round golfing, and a few great lakes for a summer swim. Grab your water bottle, lace up those hikers, and strap your backpack on, because Saanich is meant to be explored.
Local tips
Ride the Lochside Regional Trail
Saanich is well connected by a cycling network, the main artery of which is the Lochside Regional Trail. The trail runs 29-kilometres out to Sidney. As you ride the trail, keep your eyes peeled for beautiful murals, buzzing hummingbirds, lakes, and rolling farmlands, and take the opportunity to stop and explore parks along the way.
Catch a sunrise at Cordova Bay
On Greater Victoria's eastern shores, Cordova Bay looks out across the Salish Sea looking past the San Juan Islands toward the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Witnessing a sunrise as it sneaks up behind Mount Baker is a dazzling spectacle which sets the sky alight with beautiful pastel tones.
Wander Finnerty Gardens
This free to visit garden at the University of Victoria is home to one of Canada's best collections of Rhododendrons (over 200 species), in addition to over 4,000 different trees and shrubs. It's a beautiful artistic display of plant life complimented by tranquil ponds, a trail network, and benches to sit and soak it all in.Where to eat
Whatever you're craving, you'll find it in Saanich. Whether you're looking for quick & easy on-the-go food, fresh farm-to-table fare, or sizzling South Asian meals that are perfect for sharing, Saanich does dining mouth-wateringly well. Home to an award winning brewery, distillery, and cidery, Saanich has also put itself on the map as bit of a hub for all things craft, making a perfect compliment to any meal, or a great souvenir that'll transport you right back to the peaceful pace of the community.
Getting to Saanich and getting around
How to get to Saanich
Centrally located in Greater Victoria, just 7-minutes from Downtown Victoria, it's easy to access Saanich from wherever you might be coming from. You can reach Saanich in just 25 short minutes if driving from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (also accessible via the #70 bus in about 40-minutes), about 22-minutes from YYJ Victoria International Airport, or about 12-minutes if coming from the Inner Harbour's seaplane or ferry terminals. Sitting centrally on several of the Island's major roadways, Saanich is an easy addition to any Vancouver Island road trip.
Getting here
Getting around
Saanich might be the largest of Greater Victoria's communities, but that doesn't mean it's intimidating to explore. Saanich is well connected to the regional transit system and offers great biking and walking opportunities through a network of regional cycling and hiking trails. Saanich is a great option for those visiting with a vehicle, and makes a great central hub for those looking to see more of southern Vancouver Island.
Getting aroundWhere to stay
Saanich is centrally located in Greater Victoria, connecting many of the region's 13 municipalities. Saanich's top accommodations providers are perfect for those looking to explore the region offering ease of access to both the city's amenities and the Island's natural splendour.
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