Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Saanich, British Columbia

A suburb of Victoria, Saanich is the most extensive and densely populated municipality on Vancouver Island. The expansive suburb bifurcates the Patricia Bay Highway into Saanich East and Saanich West.

Both Saanich East and Saanich West present numerous opportunities, featuring a variety of shops, dining establishments, parks, and various attractions. Whether you wish to unwind at the beach or embark on a heritage tour, Saanich accommodates both preferences.

Moreover, the array of activities and sights available within Saanich, as well as in adjacent areas, makes it an exceptional vacation destination.

Let us delve into the top activities to engage in while in Saanich:

1. Spend a day at the beach

Cadboro Bay Beach stands out as the most frequented beach in Saanich, and the reasons are evident. This sandy beach not only features a picturesque oceanfront but also the charming Cadboro Bay Village, reminiscent of English coastal towns.

Dedicate a day to leisure at the beach, complete with a picnic lunch in one of the designated picnic areas. Additionally, a children’s playground with an octopus slide, a zip line, swings, and more, makes it family-friendly.

Moreover, Cadboro Bay Beach offers stunning vistas of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Olympic Peninsula, accompanied by a convenient boat launch!

2. Walk along the water

Stroll along the shores of Cordova Bay, taking in the picturesque scenery of rural Saanich along with views of Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. Mount Douglas Park beach, the largest park in the region, features extensive trails.

Embark on a hike through lush foliage, vibrant wildflowers, and ferns while enjoying the fresh breeze from the water. The trail culminates at a summit of 213 metres, offering breathtaking panoramas of the area and beyond.

After your excursion, refresh yourself on the sandy beach or allow the children to enjoy the playground. Mount Douglas Park beach also provides picnic facilities and restrooms.

3. Surround yourself in nature

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. This nature reserve encompasses a lake, marshy lowlands, and a nature centre.

The reserve features nearly four kilometres of walking trails that wind around the lake and its surroundings. Traverse the wooden bridges or stroll along the boardwalk that spans one end of the lake.

Engage at the nature centre to discover the native flora and fauna of the region. Furthermore, be sure to explore the garden, which showcases 70 distinct types of plants and flowers indigenous to Southern Vancouver Island.

4. Smell the flowers

One cannot truly experience Saanich without visiting Butchart Gardens, a stunning spectacle located just north of Saanich in Central Saanich.

This historic garden originated in 1907, when the noted Japanese garden designer Isaburo Kishida crafted its first area. Over the years, numerous additional gardens have been designed, and nearly one million visitors traverse this vast garden annually.

Butchart Gardens features a Japanese Garden, an Italian Garden, ponds, and fountains, along with a children’s pavilion complete with a carousel and 30 ornamental animals.

5. Play a round of golf

In Saanich, there are several splendid locations to partake in a round of golf. Golf enthusiasts should ensure their clubs are packed!

Cedar Hill Golf Club is the most renowned and conveniently located near the city centre. This welcoming golf club is managed by the municipality and encompasses three divisions: men’s, women’s, and junior.

Additionally, the family-operated Mount Douglas Golf Course, a public course situated in Blenkinsop Valley, offers a breathtaking 9-hole experience encircled by farmlands and dense forests.

6. Enjoy the scenery

Appreciate the delightful scenery along the Gorge waterway at the Gorge Waterway Park. This park runs alongside the waterway and serves as an excellent spot to enjoy an afternoon.

The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, horticultural displays, and a boat launch. It also contains pathways adorned with interpretive signage and observation points.

The park spans both sides of the waterway and connects via Tillicum Road. On the western bank, a nature house functions as a hands-on learning centre.

7. Go on a heritage walk

Saanich consists of numerous towns and villages with histories dating back centuries. Consequently, various opportunities for heritage walks abound.

The five heritage walks, while brief, showcase impressive locations. For instance, the Gorge Road West Area walk allows visitors to view the historic Craigflower Schoolhouse, Craigflower Bridge Store, Haughton Residence, and Casey Residence.

Amble through Gordon Head and Tattersall to admire splendid period homes. The Prospect Lake walking tour leads you to Whitehead Park, Prospect Lake General Store, and Stevens Halfway House Hotel, while the Royal Oak Heritage Tour visits Royal Oak Station, Royal Oak Hotel, and Royal Oak Schoolhouse.

8. Look at art

While Saanich lacks a traditional art gallery, several venues are available for viewing art, both free of charge.

The first destination should be the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill, which boasts two galleries featuring temporary exhibits. Additionally, Saanich Municipal Hall hosts a prominent gallery on its main floor and another on the second floor.

If you prefer to create your own art, the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre offers drop-in studios for painting, sculpting, or drawing.

9. Walk around campus

Situated on the eastern border of Saanich is the University of Victoria, the oldest university in British Columbia. The campus is strikingly beautiful and merits exploration.

Spanning an impressive 163 hectares, the academic section lies within a Ring Road, enveloping various facilities located on the outskirts. The campus features residential buildings, sports venues, a theatre, and charming green areas.

A few key buildings to observe include the historic Army Huts, the contemporary Engineering/Computer Science building (ECS), and the McPherson Library and William C. Mearns Centre for Learning. Wandering through the University Centre and enjoying a pint at its pub is also highly recommended.

10. Get lost in a castle

Although located outside Saanich, Craigdarroch Castle is a landmark that warrants a visit to Victoria. This 2,300 square metre castle features 39 rooms, making it quite easy to lose one’s way within its halls.

This National Historic Site of Canada, a Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion, was constructed for the affluent coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. Its four levels continue to showcase lavish furnishings from the 1890s.

Among the mansion’s most captivating attributes are the stunning stained-glass windows, along with the intricate woodwork that captures visitors’ attention.

11. Look at the stars

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory was formerly a leading astrophysical research institution globally and is now recognized as a National Historic Site.

This renowned facility has played a pivotal role in making significant discoveries about the Milky Way. Established in 1918, it originally housed the world’s second-largest telescope.

The observatory remains operational today, with its telescopes accessible for use by visitors. If you possess an interest in astrology or wish to gaze at the stars, this is an ideal destination.

12. See sea life

Although not situated within Saanich, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea stands out as an exceptional attraction, particularly for families. This aquarium emphasizes the ecosystem of the Salish Sea and ranks among the island’s key attractions.

The aquarium comprises four distinct exhibits, each highlighting diverse marine life. Featured species include sea urchins, giant Pacific octopuses, jellyfish, sea nettles, Chinook salmon, and an array of other marine creatures.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea also houses a wet lab and classrooms used for educational groups, available for visitors to utilize, including the microscopes when unoccupied.

13. Learn about the navy

Located within the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum offers insights into naval services on Canada’s west coast.

The museum consists of four primary sections, one dedicated to the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Exhibits chronicle the history of the west coast navy and its significance in shaping the nation’s story.

Alongside artifacts, the museum showcases numerous photographs and documents. Moreover, a dedicated area for children adds to the learning experience!

14. Have fun in a speedway

Western Speedway boasts the largest racetrack in Canada, making it a fantastic venue for enjoyment throughout the day.

The speedway features amenities such as a batting cage, go-karts, and mini-golf, allowing for family-friendly outings even without ongoing races. If a race event is on the schedule, tickets can be conveniently purchased.

The speedway hosts a variety of events, including stock car races, dwarf car competitions, demolition derbies, and drag racing, along with thrilling monster truck shows.

15. Get to know Emily Carr

Born in 1871, Emily Carr emerged as one of Canada’s pioneering modernist and post-impressionist painters. Discover her life and artistic journey by visiting her childhood home.

Emily Carr House serves as a museum and interpretive centre dedicated to her legacy, located at 207 Government Street in Victoria, in proximity to the Parliament Buildings.

Explore this National Historic Site, examine her artworks, or listen to excerpts of her literary works to understand the profound impact she made as an artist.