The district of Central Saanich is a powerful blend of a community with a rural atmosphere and the urban conveniences which makes for a very desirable lifestyle. The district boasts of an extremely attractive waterfront and waterview properties bordering Brentwood Bay as well as a pastoral atmosphere from agricultural zoning that is highly sought after.
Located on the Saanich Peninsula, there is quick access to the city, the Victoria International airport and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Brentwood Bay and Saanichton are its two main communities. Central Saanich started as a largely agricultural community focused on hobby farms in the past decades but has slowly progressed in the residential, commercial and industrial development stage within the more recent years.
Some rural properties here may rely on wells and septic fields but most of the housing is serviced with municipal water and sewer. But generally, one should investigate the supply of water and its quality when buying a country property here. Garbage pickup should be arranged with a private company while the Capital Regional District (CRD) also provides regular recyclable pickup as well as Emergency 911 services. Central Saanich has a volunteer Fire Department and its own police service.
The district’s best tourist attraction is the famous Butchart Gardens which spans 50 acres, offering the most dazzling display of flowers, bulbs, shrubs and trees all year round.
The old-fashioned agricultural Saanich Fair has been celebrated in this district for the past 143 years! And it’s a fun day of many equine competitions, artwork contests and traditional components of a regular fair such as hair-rising rides and game stalls.
Overall, Central Saanich is a district that carefully strives to preserve its history while embracing progress in a relaxed attitude.
Saanichton British Columbia is a pleasant mix of urban and rural in the pastoral setting of Central Saanich. If you love local produce and 100-mile diets, you will never be disappointed living here. This area is called “The Land of Plenty” for good reason. Farmlands held by generations of Islanders grow a panoply of fresh produce and local markets. Dan’s Farm and Country Market or Michells Farm Market grow and sell pesticide free fruit, vegetables, and meat for every season.
Enjoy unique products and crafts? You’ll find a small farm growing or making it here: Fruits of all kinds, strains of honey, tulips, lavender, and festive crops. In October, Michells’ pumpkin patch creates an orange vista easily seen from Pat Bay highway, and small unique farms like Lazy J Tree Farm grow Christmas trees and craft wreaths.
The selection of cuisine and beverage are unequaled here. Church & State Wines Brentwood, one of Vancouver Island’s largest wineries, serves award-winning wines paired with excellent local ingredients for lunch in their bistro. Trip Advisor rates water-front restaurants such as The Dining Room Restaurant, Blue’s Bayou Café, and Sea Horses Café as “three of the best dining experiences with a view”.
Close by, Brentwood Bay is a beautiful community to live in, especially if you and your family love outdoor activities and nature. Nestled in the deep waters of Saanich Inlet, the community supports a thriving marina and ferry terminal where you will find services for kayakers, canoeists and small to medium size boaters.
The world famous Butchart Gardens and the Victoria Butterfly Gardens is minutes away. More than 100 years ago, Jennie Butchart began building a garden in an abandoned lime quarry which is celebrated as one of the world’s best floral display gardens in the world. Victoria Butterfly Garden is home to nearly one hundred species of butterflies in a tropical paradise of plants and animals.
Central Saanich hosts a variety of private schools such as Discovery School for kids with disabilities, and Maria Montessori Academy providing a Christian, self-directed learning environment for children. Public Elementary, Middle, and Secondary schools are plentiful and can be found on the Saanich School District website.
The pastoral setting of Saanich British Columbia is the perfect place to connect with the land and live in luxury.
How are the roads in Central Saanich?
Check for yourself!
