THE SAANICH PENINSULA-MAP AREA 2
The Saanich Peninsula is predominantly rural and is dotted with small urban centres and the town of Sidney by the Sea (gateway to the Gulf Islands). This peninsula is rich in agricultural land and it has some great farm markets (fruits and vegetables). The peninsula contains the airport and the Ferry Terminal at Schwartz Bay and is home to the world famous Butchart Gardens. You can also access the San Juan Islands (USA) by Ferry from Sidney. The Gulf Islands (Saltspring, Saturna, the Penders, Galiano and Mayne Island are a short ferry ride from Schwartz Bay, just 5 minutes north of Sidney. Sidney is a small town with a lot of charm. The peninsula contains the municipalities of North Saanich, Central Saanich and Sidney. Brentwood Bay is a Central Saanich community on the shores of Saanich Inlet a large fjord on the west side of the peninsula. The Islands off Sidney provide some of the best protected sailing in the world with hundreds of coves, bays and marine parks for you to visit. The hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts on the peninsula are just 20 minutes or so from downtown. Rural ambiance or small town charm (Sidney) is what you get on the peninsula.
