Location: Central Saanich
Top Things to do in Central Saanich
Top Restaurants in Central Saanich
10 Things to Do in Central Saanich That You Shouldn't Miss
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. The Butchart Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
These internationally acclaimed floral display Gardens and National Historic Site of Canada started over 100 years ago and remain privately owned by the family. Jennie Butchart wanted to make her husband's depleted limestone quarry look better and the result is the Sunken Garden. Other Gardens include the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden. The Gardens are meticulously maintained and provide a riot of colour for much of the year. During the summer, special lighting subtly illuminates the Gardens, musical entertainment takes place on the Concert Lawn, and there are ten spectacular Saturday night Firework Shows. The Magic of Christmas season also has beautiful lighting and evening entertainment, and an outdoor skating rink. Spring offers hundreds of thousand flowering bulbs and Autumn is the time for dahlias, chrysanthemums and fall colours. The Gardens is open daily, year round.
Reviewed By Richard J - Kapolei, Hawaii
Even on a blustery, cool winter day, Butchart offers a wonderful experience for those looking to enjoy a relaxing walk through varied and beautiful Gardens. One would think that there would be limited flowers during the winter, and to some extent this was true, however the crocuses and daffodils were beginning to pop and the grounds were resplendent in green. Best of all, there were no crowds and we were able to enjoy the sunken garden, and the Japanese Garden as if they were our own. The green house with multiple orchids was a real treat as was the wonderful views across the sound from Butchart Cove. We will be back to see the Gardens in full spring bloom for sure.
2. Symphony Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin D - Maple Ridge, Canada
This small family run winery is a treat to visit. We were warmly greeted by Pat(?) and invited us to a few tastings. The setting is very nice, with tables and chairs set up on the lawn overlooking the chestnut trees and vineyard. We very much liked their barrelled Pino Gris; the Rose was also very good too. They also sell an assortment of chutneys, wine jellies, and jams/preserves. They encourage you to walk the property and to enjoy the views with a glass of wine and some of the plate items they offer: tomatoes, fruits and cheese. Should you purchase a bottle or two they will provide you a chilled bottle for you to open and enjoy at one of the tanless in the garden; no corkage fee. A wonderful way to spend some time.
3. BC Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Come enjoy a trip back in time with the whole family, with over 20 aircraft on display in Sidney, at The BC Aviation Museum! Where learning and fun meet! Memorable visitor experiences include: • Sit in the cockpit of a warplane. • Discover the history of our valiant Canadian aviation pioneers with our passionate tour guides or on a self-guided visit. We’ve been collecting and preserving 8,000+ aviation books, 13,500+ photographs. Don't miss our gift shop - the perfect place to find aviation themed gifts. Come explore the BC Aviation Museum in Sidney, located near the Victoria International Airport.
Reviewed By mulgrew - Vancouver
the Bc aviation museum is very low key and quiet not like the British London or Kent UK or Washington DC air museums but its interesting and contains plenty of Canadian private and military aircraft
4. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Nature reserve full of marked hiking trails for up-close observation of untouched Wilderness.
Reviewed By L P - Manitoba, Canada
This huge park offers trails of varying degrees of difficulty. They're reasonably well marked, and well maintained. With 25 km of trail, visitors are spoiled for choice.
We visited in December and January. Even in the rain, it's a beautiful place to visit.
Eventually, the Mary Lake Nature Preserve will develop a trail that will link Gowlland Tod to Thetis Lake; this will be an exciting development!
5. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By DonkScotland - Scotland
Had noted this place before we travelled and wandered up on a damp afternoon. It was busy with a group, but we were able to come in and have a taste of several of their craft ciders made on the spot. Girls on duty were kept really busy and were very friendly and helpful. Ciders were all extremely tempting, and sadly, with a lot of travelling still to do, couldn't take much away with us, but a couple of bottles escaped - Witches Broom is terrific, but packs a punch, so beware!
6. Michell Bros. Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Deanna C
This little market is simple and sparsely decorated, but it has a great outdoor farm to table restaurant just off the Lochside bike trail. The products in the market are excellent and they also have a nursery for plant sales. The Halloween pumpkin patch is also an annual fall outing for us.
7. Sidney Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Iconic Pier situated along the waterfront in Sidney BC
Reviewed By SueFromWinnipeg - Winnipeg, Canada
A sweet little pier with lots of character. Amazing views of the surrounding waters, distant Mountains, and even Washington State in the near distance.
Water, waves, rocks, seagulls all combine to make you feel part of the local environment.
Nearby street parking might be available so only a short walk out to the end of the pier takes you right out of Sidney.....or so it feels.
A lovely fish monger is located on one side of the pier end and an interesting little restaurant occupied the other side. Have enjoyed the seafood products from the fish store but still have to get back to check out the little restaurant.
8. John Dean Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Michael D - Victoria, Canada
This park is totally worth visiting. If you live in Victoria, come here to immerse yourself in a natural setting (science confirms this does great things for you). If youre visiting and you want a break from technology or museums or shopping, come here. The road to the parking lot is only open March 15 to the Fall. There are several trails, some really easy. If the gate is locked to the top, find a legal place to park on the surrounding streets and go for a walk in this park.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 871 reviews
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 GrayRanch - Oregon
A friend recommended we stop here, and I'm so glad she did. It's a delightful place, with the butterflies flitting around. Also flamingos, turtles, parrots, and others. It's not a huge place, but it's big enough! I "went around" twice and could have stayed longer. As others have said, it is VERY warm and humid. Do leave your coats outside. And dress as if for a humid summer day. If you have a camera, they tell you to warm it up before you go it to avoid condensation. I thought I had done that but still had condensation. Someone pointed out that there is a hot air "hand drier" near the exit door that is just for warming up cameras. I held it under the hot air for a bit and the condensation was gone.
10. Everything Old Canada
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Located in beautiful Brentwood Bay and only minutes from Butchart Gardens & Butterfly Gardens, Everything Old is unlike any other antique shop. With a historical focus, the 10,000+ antique items are displayed like a museum, except one that you can take something home from! We also arrange on the spot shipping if an item is too big to travel with. All of the historical items can be touched!
Reviewed By RedRambler220 - Central Saanich, Canada
We were first here just after opening and noticed how there were items not usually found in typical antique shops, although there were a few familiar pieces. If you are looking for something different, this is the place (and don't forget to go upstairs). We went again a month or so later and found a perfect mate to a side table we already had as well as a very cute child's rocking chair.
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