Location: Central Saanich
Top Things to do in Central Saanich
Top Restaurants in Central Saanich
5 Nature & Parks 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. Oak Haven Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
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.
2. The Butchart Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,216 reviews
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.
3. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
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.
4. Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,075 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 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.
5. Island View Beach Regional Park Campground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
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.
