Saanich
Walking, Biking, and an Astrophysical Observatory!

With a population over 100,000, Saanich is the most populated municipality on Vancouver Island.

Located on the southern tip of the island, north of Victoria and on the South East corner, the District of Saanich can be reached by a variety of methods.

In fact, ferries can be taken to the area directly from Seattle and Vancouver, amongst many other port cities and other destinations. The Major B.C. ferry dock at Shwartz Bay is here as is the Washington Ferry dock.

Perhaps the single most popular thing to do in Saanich is cycling around the many trails. The municipality, which was officially incorporated in 1906, has undertaken what they call the Centennial Trails project. This project is designed to maximize, improve and add on to the already extensive trail system of the district.

There is already 80 kilometers worth of trails in and around the city. The Centennial Trails project plans on adding an additional 14 kilometers worth of trails while improving upon and expanding an additional 30 kilometers of trails. The overall goal is to provide tourists, residents and visitors a better experience while making the trails more accessible and better connected.

One great trip for cyclists is the Saanich Bicycle Touring Route which encircles the town and covers over 45 kilometers.

If that is too hefty of a journey for you however the bike touring route includes many smaller paths and loops which can bring you back to your starting point towards the center of town. The touring route overlaps with parts of the larger trails in the part of Vancouver Island, including the Galloping Goose Trail and Lochside Trails.

The bicycling route passes through many different landscapes. It also provides the opportunity to take in a great deal of different views and sightseeing spots.

Among these is the Mount Douglas Summit which is the highest point in the district. The summit provides a panorama view in every direction of all of the surrounding areas.

Saanich is very proud of its long heritage. The municipality offers several walking tours throughout the area to give an overview of some important places and old structures. A trip to the municipality should really focus on the outdoors however as there is so many great things to do in the immediate and surrounding areas that lets you partake in the natural environment of Vancouver Island.

The Swan Lake-Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a great family spot with a large variety of wildlife populating the area, a floating boardwalk, trails and more.

Mattick’s Farm has two different golf courses and also offers mini golf amongst its other attractions such as local wine shops and other local, friendly businesses.

The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific has various different gardens to take in. For a rare treat and a brief indoors reprieve, there is also the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. At the time of its construction around 1918, it housed the largest telescope of its kind in the world.

This area offers plenty to do and see and can be enjoyed by families on a weekend retreat. For those with less time or another destination you can simply enjoy the Marine Scenic Drive which follows the coastline and has great scenery views.

For everybody else be sure to bring your walking or biking shoes as no trip to the district is complete without visiting the extensive trail system.

And don't forget you have the International Airport in the centre of Saanich as well as the Fall Fair and on the doorstep is Victoria of course. Everytime you take a Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria you have to go through this area...so why not make the most of it...and take in Sidney by the sea as well!

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