Year round harvests always bring fresh produce to the barn markets and roadside stands, plus a variety of locally grown flowers. The the community is supported by many local plant nurseries. All of North Saanich is encompassed by arbutus trees, wild flowers, douglas fur forests and wildlife; deer, eagles, seals, porpoise, crabs, starfish, the occasional whale, herons, swans, and migrating Canadian geese.
Horse racing enthusiasts will find one of Vancouver Islands few race ways in North Saanich just south of the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Horse stables and horse riding are found in abundance in the area along with occasional polo event and judged riding events at local fairs.
The natural environment has also inspired a great number of artists to live, work and play here. Look for local crafting events held throughout the area, year round. As well as road side "A" signs in blue to indicate studios visitors may see during regular work hours (recommended).
Population: 10,000+
Highlights:
Sandown Park Raceway
Panorama Recreation Centre
Horse riding locations: Bluebell Park, Green Park, Readings Park, R.O. Bull Park, Sumac Park, Wain Park, Coles Bay Regional Park, John Dean Provincial Park and Horth Hill Regional Park.
Moses Point Road Beach Access
Chalet Beach
Nymph Point
Mary Winspear Centre at Sanscha
History:
Saanich (North/Central), for thousands of years, was a popular summer hunting and fishing ground on the Peninsula for the First Nations Saanich tribes, which the area is named after. The Coat-of Arms motto for North Saanich, expressed in their language, is loosely translated to mean "the land where it is good to be".
In the early 1800's, Saanich developed into an area for harvesting fruits and vegetables soon after the arrival of British settlers.
Saanich (North/Central)is one of the oldest agricultural settlements in British Columbia.
Climate:
Summer average 20 degrees Celsius
Winter average 5 degrees Celsius
Shadowed by the back bone of the Malahat's mountainous terrain the peninsula often is warmer in summer and sees a dusting snow in winter when other parts of Greater Victoria are experiencing cool temperatures with rain.
For more information please visit www.northsaanich.ca/
