Welcome to Saanich East
The outermost eastern end of Saanich East boasts an expansive stretch of ocean coastline, granting its residents eminent views of the Haro Strait and San Juan Islands. And as part of Saanich, Saanich East shares many of its parks, beaches and trails.
Overview
Representing the east central portion of the municipality of Saanich, Saanich East is comprised of nineteen neighbourhoods, many of which are amongst the most desirable and renowned districts to live in: Cordova Bay, Broadmead, Sunnymead, High Quadra, Quadra, Blenkinsop, Mt Doug, Lake Hill, Swan Lake, Maplewood, Cedar Hill, Mt Tolmie, Camosun, Lambrick Park, Gordon Head, Arbutus, Cadboro Bay, Queenswood and Ten Mile Point.
SAANICH EAST
The outermost eastern end of Saanich East boasts an expansive stretch of ocean coastline, granting its residents eminent views of the Haro Strait and San Juan Islands. And as part of Saanich, Saanich East shares many of its parks, beaches and trails. Saanich as a whole has more than 170 parks, beaches and trails - the most parks, beaches and trails per capita than any other municipality in all of British Columbia. This makes Saanich, including Saanich East, an ideal district for both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the fresh air, coastal views, and outdoor leisure of Vancouver Island living.
Lifestyle
West Coast Islander
15% URBAN + 85% SUBURBAN ISLAND LIFE
| Innumerable parks, beaches, trails and green spaces to explore and enjoy. Large coastline of beaches, trails, and calm waters for watersports such as kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding. Plenty of farmers markets and boutique retailers. |
Short driving distance, and a relatively flat cycling route, to Sidney and Downtown Victoria. Positioned central to other areas of the Capital Region, with good thoroughfares and low traffic congestion, making it easy to access other areas including Sidney, Westshore, Oak Bay, and Downtown Victoria. |
Convenient location for residents who need regular access to the ferries, airport, and downtown core, while being removed from the traffic and noise. Positioned central to other areas of the Capital Region, with good thoroughfares and low traffic congestion, making it easy to access other areas including Sidney, Westshore, Oak Bay, and Downtown Victoria. |
| Avid gardener? Get involved in one of Saanich’s community gardens. Many East Saanich properties feature yards and areas to putter in the garden, and several plant nurseries and garden stores to enjoy foraging through. |
East Saanich includes suburban neighbourhoods that are known for having luxurious homes and privacy (including 10 Mile Point, Cordova Bay, Cadboro Bay, and Broadmead), as well as having neighbourhoods known for young families, friendliness, and sociability (Gordon Head, High Quadra, Mt Doug, Cedar Hill, and Lake Hill). |
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Walkability and Bikeability
Saanich East has a Walkscore of 84, (very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot), but this ultimately depends on what area of East Saanich your new home is located. Homes located close to East Saanich’s retail districts certainly give residents easy access to most amenities they’ll want or need, including public transit routes to other parts of town. This is especially true for residents who enjoy comfortable living in Saanich East’s Broadmead, Swan Lake, and Camosun neighbourhoods. And you can bike to Sidney or Downtown Victoria via the Lochside and Galloping Goose Trails. |
Pet-Friendly
Most of the parks, beaches, and trails throughout Saanich welcome leashed-dogs, but there are no-official, dog off-leash areas. The Saanich Parks bylaws are in place to protect the delicate ecosystems and wildlife that share Saanich’s coastlines and parks--with many parks serving as nature sanctuaries. Therefore, while there are plenty of places to walk your favourite furbabies, please familiarize yourself with Saanich’s bylaws, which can be found here. |
Family-Friendly
Saanich East has several parks, schools and amenities that make it idea for families. Each of the nineteen neighbourhoods that make up East Saanich have quiet suburban streets, cul de sacs, and outdoor areas for play, and some are known for having a high concentration of young families. Saanich East also has some of the most reputable public and private schools. |
Senior-Friendly
Many neighbourhoods such as Broadmead, offer short and safe walking distances to grocery stores, recreation, retail, and public transit, while other area have a high concentration of senior residents, making portions of East Saanich extremely senior-friendly. |
KEY LANDMARKS & AMENITIES
PARKS & OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
The fact that Saanich boasts more parks per capita than anywhere else in British Columbia means that there's far too many to list here. Following is a small compilation of East Saanich's most popular parks and outdoor attractions.
Please note: While leashed-dogs are welcomed in most parks and trails, due to the several species of migratory birds and waterfowl that take refuge in Saanich's beaches, sanctuaries and ponds,
Central Saanich's parks bylaw requires that dogs be under control and leashed at all times. Central Saanich does not provide any off-leash areas, and dogs are not allowed on sports fields, playgrounds, or near areas occupied by birds and other wildlife.
A great little nature sanctuary in the suburbs of Broadmead that features a walking trail punctuated by bench seating and serenaded by songbirds. It's the perfect, quiet, haven for strolling, reflecting, and bird watching. Find out more!
Locals often refer to it as “The Best Place to View the City.” Summit Mount Tolmie by foot or car for incredible views of the city below. It also makes the perfect vantage point for stargazing on clear nights. The park contains 1,500-metres of walking trails, picnic areas and quiet areas to enjoy.
Find out more!
SWAN LAKE CHRISTMAS HILL NATURE SANCTUARY
This urban wildlife oasis makes for a lovely stroll and offers educational programs on the plant and animal species this area serves to preserve and protect. The marshy lowlands of Swan Lake offer excellent bird watching, and the stony highlands of Christmas Hill feature a 2.5-kilometre, looped, walking trail. Please note that due to the delicate nature of the sanctuary, dogs are not welcome in the sanctuary.
Find out more!
Quite likely the best oceanfront playground in Saanich, located in Cadboro Bay. Besides its nautical-themed playground for kids, this park also features a sandy beach (and a seasonal, wheelchair-accessible beach ramp), outdoor tennis courts, a kayak/canoe/raft/SUP launch, as well as onsite washrooms, picnic areas and parking. Smugglers Cove Pub is just a 5-minute walk down Sinclair Road. Find out more!
SMUGGLER'S COVE KAYAK LAUNCH SITE
Located at the Tip of 10 Mile Point and overlooking the Salish Sea. This beautifully serene inlet has calm waters and a sandy/pebbly beach that makes it ideal for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Find out more!
ISLAND VIEW BEACH REGIONAL PARK
Located just off the Pat Bay Highway, up Island View Road and past Michell's Farms. This sand and pebble beach boasts truly breathtaking ocean views, calm water, a boat launch area, walking trail, public washrooms, onsite parking, and picnic areas. Makes an excellent vantage point for stargazing on clear nights.
Find out more!
Located in Cordova Bay, this ocean-facing park offers extraordinary views, a groomed grassy area, and bench-seating affording quiet reflection. A small paved-trail makes for an easy stroll down to the beach. While you're in the area, tuck into the beach house restaurant for a delicious meal, glass of wine, or pint of your favourite craft beer. Find out more!
Located in the Maplewood neighbourhood of Saanich East, this 3.71-hectare park is known for its gorgeous gardens and Garry Oak meadow. It also features a children's playground, picnic areas, walking trails, and plenty of green space to enjoy. Find out more!
Located in the Lakehill Neighbourhood of Saanich East, with over 9-hectares of green space and trails. Beckwith Park features picnic areas, onsite washrooms and parking, a multi-use sports court for basketball and floor hockey, an outdoor tennis court, a soccer field, and a children's playground and spray park. Find out more!
188-hectares of forest and 21-kilometres of trails to hike, mountain bike, and explore, makes Mount Doug “the largest urban forest on the Saanich Peninsula.” Mount Douglas Park offers easy-to-stroll-trails or more challenging hikes up the summit (you can reach the summit by car if you prefer, after 12 noon, when the park opens the road for vehicles). While you're there, make your way down to the beach from the park. Mount Douglas Park also features a multi-use activities field, on-site parking, picnic areas, and public washrooms.
Find out more!
