North Saanich, BC

Know the town

About North Saanich

North Saanich is the rural, coastal district that covers the northern end of the Saanich Peninsula, wrapping around the town of Sidney. It is a place of acreages, small farms, forested hills and sheltered coves, and it is also where most people arrive in Greater Victoria: both Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay ferry terminal are within its borders.

Gateway to the region

Swartz Bay is BC Ferries’ main terminal for sailings to the mainland and the Southern Gulf Islands, and the airport handles flights across Canada and beyond. Even so, once you turn off the highway the district quickly becomes quiet, with winding roads, hedgerows and glimpses of the sea between the trees.

Marinas and coves

North Saanich’s shoreline is dotted with marinas, boatyards and anchorages, making it one of the region’s main boating centres. Deep Cove, on the western shore, is a peaceful residential area with views across Saanich Inlet, and small beaches and public accesses along the coast are great for a walk at low tide.

Farms and trails

Much of the district is farmland, with farm stands, nurseries and a few wineries and cideries scattered along its roads. Horth Hill Regional Park offers a short climb through forest to a viewpoint over the islands, and local trails connect neighbourhoods for walkers and riders.

Getting here

The Pat Bay Highway runs through North Saanich, linking it to Victoria, about half an hour south. Neighbouring Saanichton and Brentwood Bay are a short drive away.

Below are North Saanich’s verified local businesses — growers, marine services, trades and more — with any upcoming events.

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