Brentwood Bay, BC

Know the town

About Brentwood Bay

Brentwood Bay is a waterfront village on the shore of Saanich Inlet, part of the District of Central Saanich on the Saanich Peninsula. It is best known around the world for the gardens just down the road, but locals love it just as much for its calm bay, its small village centre and its easy access to the water.

The Butchart Gardens

Brentwood Bay is home to the Butchart Gardens, one of Canada’s most famous gardens. In the early 1900s, Jennie Butchart began transforming her family’s exhausted limestone quarry into a sunken garden, and the estate grew into a vast display of themed gardens that draws visitors year-round — with summer fireworks and a lavish holiday light display among its highlights.

On the inlet

The sheltered waters of Brentwood Bay are ideal for paddling, and kayak and paddleboard rentals let you explore the shoreline and the narrow, quiet arm of Tod Inlet. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park protects the forested hills above the inlet, with trails to viewpoints over the water and the Malahat beyond. The bay is also home to a marina and waterfront restaurants with sunset views.

The Mill Bay ferry

From Brentwood Bay, a small BC Ferries vessel crosses Saanich Inlet to Mill Bay in the Cowichan Valley — a scenic shortcut that skips the Malahat highway. The crossing is short, but there are only a handful of trips a day, so look up the timetable first.

Getting here

Brentwood Bay is about twenty-five minutes north of downtown Victoria via the Pat Bay Highway or West Saanich Road, and close to Saanichton and North Saanich.

The verified local businesses of Brentwood Bay are listed below, with any upcoming events nearby.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit District of Central Saanich.