History
Ancestors of the First Nations people lived in the Greater Victoria area known today as Saanich for a period of at least 4,000 years prior to European settlers arriving on the scene. By the mid-1850s, the Hudson's Bay Company established its business in the area and began transforming the virgin forests into one of the oldest agricultural settlements in British Columbia. The name Saanich comes from an aboriginal word meaning “emerging land” or “emerging people”. The Saanich Peninsula is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and connects Vancouver Island to mainland British Columbia. As you leave Victoria and venture northward toward Saanich, the views begin to change. While there are still beautiful views of the ocean, the landscape becomes more rural. Saanich farms and dairy herds are a vital industry and Saanich is also renowned for its cultivation of fruit and flowers. Though over time Saanich has become a major residential area with 108,000 residents, it still maintains an important agricultural base. Today, the area is also identified as Saanich West and Saanich East - a distinction that uses Highway 17 as the dividing line. Climate The area is diverse in landscape and in its industries and tourist activities. The Saanich Peninsula provides one of the most desirable areas in Canada in which to live or visit, and it is known for its quality of lifestyle and mild climate. The summers here average 18 degrees C, and the winters average 5 degrees C. Things to Do There are plenty of things to do in Saanich. The Brentwood Bay Marina has fishing and sail boats, and the wharf has several restaurants. Saanich has some villages offering basic conveniences like grocery stores and gas stations, but some villages also have specialty businesses like gift stores, organic farmers' markets, and heritage brewing pubs. Brentwood village offers more dining options as well as shopping. Butchart Gardens and Butterfly World are two popular tourist spots. Other available activities include a Marine Biology Center, several challenging golf courses, and many parks. The Saanich Peninsula also offers forests, beaches, farms trails, and mountains to explore. Between all the green hills and blue lakes there certainly is the opportunity to get in some great hiking, horseback riding, or even kayaking. Schools Education responsibilities for the District of Saanich are divided between School District 61 Victoria and School District 63 Saanich. Saanich School District 53 predates the province and presently has 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 4 secondary schools, and distance learning for every level. Saanich is also home of the northeastern half of University of Victoria campus. Saanich Real Estate Saanich real estate offers luxury homes for sale as well as condominiums, oceanfront real estate, lots, land, acreage and investment property. Also available are homes with wooden fences and the country scents of clean air and earth. Thre are properties with have horses and cows grazing on hectacres (acres) of land surrounding waterfront homes. Quaint Saanich homes have spacious yards, yet offer privacy with some of them tucked away from the curious eye by long driveways. Typical of the Saanich area are the scenic drives down roads overhung with tree branches, and winding streets through neighbourhoods and ocean coastlines. Saanich has so much to offer, you’re sure to find your perfect home here. Find out if Saanich real estate is right for you! Call us today at 250-213-9490, or complete the form below to send an email. Peter & Linda |