Saanich
Welcome To Saanich
the details
Location of Saanich
The District of Saanich is located north of the City of Victoria and is the largest municipality in Greater Victoria.
Things to LOVE:
Things to CONSIDER:
family friendly
Not as densely populated as Victoria with a more suburban feel. Saainch is home to many great family homes and neighbourhoods.
traffic congestion
McKenzie is one of the main arteries to the Westshore and up island and is often quite congested.
Outdoor Recreation
Saanich has mix of coastline and forest areas with an abundance of beautiful beaches and parks.
Not walkable
Not as many neighbourhood hubs are within walking distance of many areas in Saanch. Also, Saanich lacks sidewalks on most residential streets.
active transportation
Great biking trails with the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trail. Saanich is improving bike lanes connecting major corridors.
Car dependent
Living in Saanich you will be more car dependent than other areas of town.
amenities
You won’t need to leave Saanich to find anything you’re looking for.
NightLife
Saanich is not known for it’s great night life. So you might find yourself travelling downtown after hours.
Dog friendly
Dog friendly area with great off-leash areas to walk your furry friend.
Featured Neighbourhoods
Being the largest municipality in Greater Victoria, Saanich has numerous local communities. There are many more than what are listed below.
01.
Gordon Head
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere where kids still walk to school, Gordon Head is a great place to raise a family. Home to a local favourite – PKOLS (formerly Mount Douglas Park), which offers many kilometers of walking trails and off-leash dog areas, a playground, a large sandy beach and picnic area, and beautiful sunsets from the summit make PKOLS a beloved destination for residents. Gordon Head is also adjacent to UVic and you’ll find many university students living here as well.
02.
Cadboro Bay
Cadboro Bay is home to a local favourite – Cadboro Bay Beach and playground. With its long sandy beach and iconic playground (the Octopus slide is a must) you’ll want to check this spot out if you’re new to Victoria. Caddy Bay, as known by locals, has a little village with a grocery store, restaurants and many local shops. The community is also walking distance to UVic making it a popular location for students and families alike.
03.
Uptown
The Uptown community is a growing area in Saanich and quickly becoming a community hub. You’ll find a lot of the homes in this area were built in the 1950’s-1960’s. Surrounded by Swan Lake and easily accessible to the Galloping Goose Trail, the Uptown area is another popular family friendly neighbourhood.
04.
Strawberry Vale
Strawberry Vale is such a lovely neighborhood in Saanich that blends urban with suburban! Many lot sizes in this area are larger and the neighbourhood is known for its well-kept homes and proximity to parks and trails. Strawberry Vale provides a peaceful residential experience with convenient access to schools, shopping, and recreation activities. It’s also the community I call home.
05.
Cordova Bay
Cordova Bay is located along Haro Straight and many residents benefit from the beautiful views across the ocean to the San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker. Cordova Bay has many stunning waterfront properties, beautiful sandy beaches, and picturesque views from homes up the hill. With easy access to the Highway, the Lochside Regional Trail, and the amenities of Mattick’s Farm, Cordova Bay is a popular area for families.
06.
Rural Saanich
Rural Saanich offers an escape from city life while being only minutes away from all amenities. It’s truly the best of both worlds. You’ll find great local farms, parks like Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park and my favourite brunch spot – Charlotte and the Quail which offers delicious farm to table meals. Set in the Gardens at HCP it’s more than just a brunch spot! Rural Saanich is ideal for those seeking the quiet lifestyle of rural living while remaining close to urban amenities.
Schools
Public schools in Saanich are divided between Greater Victoria School District 61 and Saanich School District 63. Saanich is also home to several independent schools and two post secondary institutions.
Campus View Elementary (French Immersion)
Doncaster Elementary (French Immersion)
Marigold Elementary (French Immersion)
Places of Interest
Cordova Bay Golf Course is a local favourite with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views of Mt. Baker. Be sure to visit Mattick’s Farm and support over 15 local shops and boutiques.
The Gardens at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific are nestled on over 100 hectares of conservation land. Be sure to visit Charlotte and the Quail for a a meal overlooking the gardens.
Nestled in the middle of a busy city is the picturesque Swan Lake complete with a 2km walking trail, nature centre and wetlands.
With seasonal activities and local produce this is a popular local destination. Come by in October for Pumpkin fest by day and Carnevil by night. Enjoy train rides, tractor rides, pumpkin picking and haunted houses. At Christmas, enjoy some festive activities.
PKOLS, formerly Mt. Douglas Park is a beautiful oceanside mountain park!
