The Saanich
Peninsula a day Trip
Sidney: Just minutes from Swartz
Bay, On Hwy 17 is Sidney, called the "downtown" of the Saanich Peninsula. The
Washington State Ferries terminal for San Juan Islands and Anacortes is located at Sidney.
Sidney Marine Historical Museum:
Located near Sidney wharf, featuring exhibits on the ecology of whales, seals, sea lions
and sea otters.
Sidney Spit Provincial Marine Park: Take the foot-passenger ferry from the marina on Beacon Street to Sidney
Island. Here you will find sandy beaches, open meadows and forests. This is home to
eagles, herons, waterfowl and large herds of fallow deer.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park:
This is the most popular park in the Greater Victoria area. It has four beaches, swimming,
water skiing and windsurfing. There are walking and bridle trails.
University of Victoria: U of Vic
features walking and jogging trails, flower gardens and a chapel. Make arrangements for a
tour.
Patricia Bay:Make this your
first stop on Hwy 17A. Holy Trinity Church built in 1885 overlooks the bay. This area is
sea lion and waterfowl wintering grounds, but harbour seals and river otters live here
year round.
Brentwood Bay, a quiet seaside village with small cottages and shops. Also home to Butchart Gardens: This once limestone quarry is now gardens that attract tourists from all corners of the world. Overlooking Tod Inlet, the gardens feature native flowers, exotic shrubs, trees and flowers and year-round entertainment. This is a must stop when visiting the Island.The Brentwood-Mill Bay Ferry . crosses the Saanich Inlet to Mill Bay which is 15 Km. north of the Ocean View motel. |
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Butterfly World: There are 1,500 - 2,000 butterflies of 120 - 150 species from all over
the world here. It's located just beyond the turn off to Butchart Gardens. The second one
is at Coombs.
Dominion Astrophysical Observatory: On Little Saanich Mountain, it is visited on clear nights by astronomers
from all over the world.
