The 10 Best Things to do in Central Saanich, Vancouver Island

January 2, 2022 Leida Jutras

Central Saanich is a district municipality in Greater Victoria and a member municipality of the Capital Regional District. It is located on the Saanich Peninsula. The district began as a farming community, and many hobby farms, along with a handful of small working farms and vineyards, still exist. In recent decades, the area has seen increasing residential, commercial, and industrial development, especially around the neighbourhoods of Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, which are occasionally referred to as separate communities.
Restaurants in Central Saanich

1. Pacifica Paddle Sports

Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 160 reviews

Pacifica Paddle Sports

We offer 2 Hour Guided Tours, Rentals and Lessons for kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and canoes in beautiful Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. We are open year-round and can accommodate beginner, intermediate and advanced paddlers. Brentwood Bay and adjoining Tod Inlet offer an abundance of marine life, natural beauty and picturesque sunsets! Our Swartz Bay location (at Canoe Cove Marina) offers the perfect launch spot for day exploring or multi-day adventures.

2. Oak Haven Park

1251 Garden Gate Dr Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 2H6 Canada
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Oak Haven Park

Reviewed By ianjc

On the road to Butchart Gardens, there is a very small parking area about 400 metres before the intersection of Benvenuto and Wallace. From there a steep path leads up to a panoramic view of Central Saanich. In the spring, there are lots of wild flowers and birds. The trail goes down to a subdivision with large lots and fancy houses, and if you follow the road downhill it ends at Benvenuto and there is a trail that runs parallel to the road and takes you back to your car. If you have any energy left after a visit to Butchart, this is a great place to see what Central Saanich looks like.

3. The Butchart Gardens

800 Benvenuto Ave Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 1J8 Canada +1 250-652-4422 [email protected] http://www.butchartgardens.com
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,216 reviews

The Butchart Gardens

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.

Reviewed By F2353OMnancyr - Mount Vernon, United States

You need at least 4 hours to take in this spectacular experience. Don't miss this opportunity! Gardens include the mind-blowing quarry, the Italian garden with reflecting pool, the rose garden, the Japanese garden, the dahlia garden, with sculptures and surprises at every turn, and many small inlets for solitude, reflection and appreciation. We were lucky to hear the Victoria Symphony rehearsing while we strolled under magnificent trees and took in the breathtaking views. This is a world-class garden.

4. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Beaver Lake Rd, Central Saanich, British Columbia Canada +1 250-360-3000 https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/elk-beaver-lake
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Reviewed By gulfcoastbreezes - St. Petersburg, United States

This park has lovely walking paths, lots of birds. Watched rowing teams on the lake. Restrooms are nice, benches, picnic tables. It was fun to watch people bringing their dogs to swim in the lake. It was a birder's paradise.

5. Victoria Butterfly Gardens

1461 Benvenuto Ave, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 1J5 Canada +1 250-652-3822 [email protected] http://www.butterflygardens.com
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,075 reviews

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

A Vibrant Jungle Experience. A unique opportunity to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. Meet our family with surprises at every turn. You’ll encounter tortoises, large iguanas, poison dart frogs, free flying tropical birds and more. Enjoy tropical fish, ducks, flamingos and koi fish in our serene pond and stream circulated by a stunning waterfall. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through our large facilities the size of almost 3 basketball courts. Stroll through and marvel at our lush gardens including tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world. Wander in our newest Exhibit, the Insectarium, full of impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world. Your jungle adventure awaits.

Reviewed By caligirl0105 - California, United States

As you walk into the gift shop, you are welcome by the most amazing ant colony, at first it’s hard to identify what you are looking at, since it is such a captivating spectacle... then all of a sudden, it hits you and you are in awww to see the difference in body size that they are capable of carrying in such an organized manner. Nature has a way of surprising you... but that’s just the beginning... as you walked through the double doors, you will actually feel as if you are in the middle of a forest. The melodies of running creeks, birds, warmer and humid climate, butterflies from all sort of colors and sizes flying freely, turtles eating flowers and humans actually smiling.... it is such a beautiful and educational place. My sever year old loved every moment we were there, she was able to explore, ask questions, feed the turtles and take lots of pictures. She didn’t want to leave... but now it is something we are looking forward to going back to.

6. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

2487 Mount St. Michael Rd Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 1T7 Canada +1 250-544-4824 http://www.seacider.ca/
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 223 reviews

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

We are a family-owned orchard and ciderhouse. We grow organic cider apples and strive to produce award-winning cider. We are a small farm with a big heart and want to deliver an exceptional experience. We invite you to raise a glass of Sea Cider, and see why other apples envy ours!

Reviewed By Sabcfamily - Vancouver, Canada

Stumbled upon this gen and enjoyed a flight of ciders and a platter of cheeses and meats and crackers - with a sunny view of the ocean from their lovely tasting room it was a midwinter delight.

7. Devine Distillery & Winery

6181B Old West Saanich Rd Devine, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 1W8 Canada +1 250-665-6983 [email protected] http://www.devinevineyards.ca
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

Devine Distillery & Winery

Tasting Room: TEMPORARILY CLOSED. DEVINE Winery & Distillery showcases locally sourced ingredients through an offering of craft whisky, gin, vodka, rum, vermouth, and wines made using traditional small batch techniques.

8. Island View Beach Regional Park Campground

Island View Road, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 2J7 Canada [email protected] https://www.centralsaanich.ca/our-community/parks-recreation-culture/parks/island-view-beach-regional-park
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Island View Beach Regional Park Campground

This seasonal government-run campground on the ocean offers affordable RV and tent camping in nature with fabulous panoramic seascape views. It features a long sandy beach, bird watching, nature events, a variety of walking trails, including a user-friendly loop trail. It is close to the ferry, airport, downtown Victoria and the Lochside Regional Trail. The campground has 18 beach front RV sites, 5 treed tent trailer sites and 24 treed tent sites. All the camping sites are self-contained. $15/night tenting; $20/night RV's. Payable online by Visa or Mastercard. Payable on site by Visa, Mastercard or cash. Book online from May to September.

Reviewed By janetj953 - Victoria Capital Regional District, Canada

Island View is a great off leash area and a good area to explore with kids. One can choose between the beach route or a path slightly inland if it's too windy or rainy.

9. Category 12 Brewing

Unit C-2200 Keating Cross Rd, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 2A6 Canada +1 250-652-9668 [email protected] http://www.category12beer.com
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Category 12 Brewing

Beer worth leaving your career for! Category 12 is Saanich's best Tasting Lounge experience. We offer pints, tasting flights and a great selection of scratch made food. Take home beer, growler fills and merchandise also available. Enjoy our Tasting Lounge and Food Lab 7 days a week! Stop by after work, on the weekend, while dodging ferry traffic or on a mid-ride hydration break! Children welcome.

Reviewed By deluxe73 - Vancouver, Canada

Good variety for a tasting, great customer service, and fantastic food! Stopped by for lunch and enjoyed the entire experience. My compliments to the chef who was working in the kitchen by herself and still served absolutely delicious food. Picked up a couple bottles of barrel aged beer which I lookforward to trying when I get home.

10. Church and State Wines -Brentwood Bay

1445 Benvenuto Ave, Central Saanich, British Columbia V8M 1J5 Canada +1 250-652-2671 [email protected] http://churchandstatewines.com/about/victoria/
Excellent
49%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 164 reviews

Church and State Wines -Brentwood Bay

As Vancouver Island’s largest and most prolific winery, Church & State Wines Brentwood is a must-see for every visitor to the Victoria region. Pouring award-winning wines daily from both our Vancouver Island Estate and Okanagan Estate vineyards, Church & State is a unique experience just 15 minutes from Downtown. Join us for lunch from May to December in our bistro, featuring a fresh menu made from the finest local ingredients. Executive Chef Desiree Perrin creates unique dishes with the best of Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands, each perfectly paired with Church & State’s award winning wines. Reservations for groups of 8 or more are required.

Reviewed By JRE279 - Calgary, Canada

My husband and I had originally enjoyed the Church & State Syrah as a restaurant in Invermere, BC. When planning our trip to Victoria this was a priority. Our wine tasting was graciously hosted by Tony and the wines were delicious. Because of air travel, we were limited to our 2 favourites: Viogner and the Meritage. We enjoyed the shelter and patio heaters on a cooler Oct afternoon. The food was delicious (fish sandwich and beet salad). I would recommend you visit!

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