Central Saanich

 

Central Saanich has its roots in the farming industry and still boasts a charming, rural atmosphere. Nearly two-thirds of Central Saanich is made up of farmland.

 

One of the advantages of living among so much farmland — along with the picturesque landscape — is the proximity to fresh, locally grown produce. Central Saanich’s beauty isn’t solely agricultural, either; it is near the renowned Butchart Botanical Gardens with flora from all over the world. 

 

Central Saanich has the best of both worlds: a charming, serene rural lifestyle within a quick commute of the bustling capital city of Victoria.

 

 

Central Saanich is an area with plenty of room to grow — literally! Hobby farmers and professional farmers alike have made their homes in this picturesque community. Central Saanich is ideal for those in the market for a community with a slow-paced, scenic atmosphere.

 

The Brentwood Bay Resort offers several dining options for all palates, including The Arbutus Room — where you can enjoy live music, regional wine, and sushi, as well as hearty breakfasts in the morning. The resort is also home to The Pub, a casual eatery with an inviting patio, fresh seafood, and even house-cut fries. 

 

Country Bee Honey Farm is a local farm that sells fresh, local honey, poultry, and pork. They have a multitude of specialty honey with exciting flavors, such as whiskey-infused, lavender, apple pie, and smoke-infused honey. 

 

Mosi Bakery Cafe & Gelateria brings an authentic taste of Italy to B.C. with their fresh-baked bread, pastries, and cannoli. The family-owned shop has gelato-making in their genes, dating back to the 1920s, and the authentic gelato is made with local, seasonal ingredients.

 

Pacifica Paddle Sports offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard tours and rentals that allow you to explore the scenic Brentwood Bay. There are tours and equipment for all levels, so even beginners can enjoy the water of the Saanich Inlet. 

 

The Brentwood Bay Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Pioneer Park in Central Saanich. It includes a parade, vendors, and even a pancake breakfast. Another event in Pioneer Park is Music in the Park, an annual Central Saanich tradition. During the months of July and August, local performers are invited to perform outdoor, all-ages concerts.

 

The Saanich Fair is held annually at the Saanich Fairgrounds and hosted by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society. Visitors to the fair enjoy rides, food, entertainment, and of course, animals to see. 

 

The Annual Yellow Wolf Intertribal Powwow is a celebration of First Nations culture. First organized by the Sampson family to honour Alice Mary Moody Sampson — who was Nez Perce — the powwow has now grown into an international event with visitors from tribes across the province, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the United States, and even Europe. The powwow is a celebration of indigenous culture and features singing, drumming, and dancing, as well as First Nations craftspeople and vendors.

 

Some schools in the area include: