Victoria, BC, Canada : Saanich

The views of Victoria start to change when venturing out Saanich way. There is still the beautiful ocean views, various retail shopping, farmers markets and beaches but the difference in Saanich is the addition of farmers fields and First Nation buildings. The drive along the Saanich Peninsula towards Brentwood Bay is a great touring drive or bike ride through the various looks of Saanichton. You see,

Saanich British Columbia, Canada is where Victoria becomes more country. The hectares (acres) surrounding the waterfront country homes are roaming with cows and horses instead of streets with heritage houses, stores, boutiques and commercial buildings... which is more typically found within some of Victoria's other eclectic neighborhoods.

Saanich BC residential neighborhoods are green with wooden fences and strong country scents. The Saanich homes and yards are spacious, private and quaint with some of them far removed from sight, hidden down long driveways away from the curious eye.

The Saanich community core has some compact commercial villages offering main conveniences like grocery store and gas stations. More importantly and unique are the Saanich specialty bussinesses like organic farmers' markets, heritage brewing pubs and gift stores.

The beautiful thing about the Saanich area are the scenic drives along roads under hanging tree branches, with winding corners, through neighbourhoods and ocean coastlines.

Saanich Road West is one of the nicest country drives around the Saanich Peninsula passing Farmers' Markets and many unmarked driveways leading to hidden hide-a-ways.

The community of Brentwood Bay and the BC Ferry to Mill Bay is found in Saanich. The marina where the ferry is located is populated with fishing and sail boats. At the edge of the bay is a wharf and some restaurants so you too can relax and take in the ocean view. Brentwood Village has a good assortment of dining options and shopping experiences. Other world famous attractions that are located in the Saanich BC area are Butchart Gardens and Butterfly World.

Further down the Saanich Road is a First Nations Reserve, a golf course, a Marine Biology Centre and a park for viewing some of the large ships and planes landing at the nearby Victoria Airport. The Saanich Peninsula is blessed with forests, oceans, beaches, farms, parks, trails, marinas and mountains.