Saanichton
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 10,823
- Distance from Vancouver ...94 km (56 mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 86 km (52 mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 225 km(135 mi)
Saanichton is located in the middle of the Saanich peninsula on Vancouver Island halfway between British Columbia's capital, Victoria and Sidney, the major seaside community on the peninsula. Saanichton is just 10 minutes from Swartz Bay ferry terminal, one of the Island's very busy departure points for travel to the mainland.
The village of Saanichton is well known for its prized flowers and rose gardens, and its outlying farmland surrounds. The town has a winning combination of rural and urban lifestyles with modern homes and riding stables nestled alongside parks, campgrounds, old-growth forests and small farms.
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Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Saanichton is just a 10-minute drive from Swartz Bay which provides transport to the mainland via car and passenger ferry into the town of Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver. There is public transit available from Saanichton to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
To Richmond:
Transit buses and taxis meet ferries arriving in Tsawwassen to offer service into downtown Richmond. Selected BC Ferries sell tickets onboard to connect passengers into Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport via coach. Numerous daily flights are offered between Victoria and Vancouver International airports.
To Vancouver:
Vancouver is approximately 40-minutes drive north of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Taxis and public buses meet ferries arriving there to transport passengers into downtown Vancouver.
Coach operators sell tickets onboard BC Ferries to connect passengers into downtown Vancouver. Float plane service is also available from downtown Victoria, 18 km (11 mi) away, to downtown Vancouver.
To West Vancouver:
Vancouver is approximately 50-minutes drive north of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Transit passengers can reach West Vancouver from Tsawwassen by transferring in Vancouver.
To Whistler:
It takes approximately two hours and 40 minutes to drive to Whistler from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Visitors can take a coach to Whistler from downtown Vancouver.
Saanichton has limited accommodation with a few budget-style motels and some waterfront bed and breakfasts; however, it is only minutes away from many more accommodation options in Victoria and Sidney. Bed and breakfasts in Saanichton are generally tranquil and picturesque with a beautiful natural environment of some variety close by.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
The mild climate in Saanichton is ideal for visitors to take advantage of outdoor activities any time of year. Cyclists and hikers will love the varied and picturesque landscapes of the Galloping Goose Trail. This path is a segment of the Trans Canada Trail and it winds through Saanichton on its way to Victoria and onwards for 55 km (34 mi).
Saanichton's nearby beaches are also popular hiking destinations and provide beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Saanichton has its own golf course and is very close to British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, which offers many more excellent courses, as well as the range of other attractions expected of a capital. Saanichton is also conveniently close to Sidney which is a charming, bustling town with excellent shopping.
For a winter tipple, visit a certified west coast organic farm to tour the cider house and admire the panoramic orchard and ocean views. History lovers can inspect working steam engines and agricultural machinery dating back to the early 1800s at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society.
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