The Beacon Wharf and Satellite Fish Co. in Sidney, which has been called a true landmark in the area.
Story by Dennis Begin
When BC Ferries’ customers disembark from Swartz Bay, the destination is often Victoria or the Victoria International Airport. However, there are unique destinations in this area of Vancouver Island that are essentially off the beaten path, but still attract thousands of RVers every year. One destination is Central Saanich, which includes Sidney, the town of Brentwood Bay and the community of Mill Bay (accessed via a short ferry ride across the inlet), which serve as a great getaway.
Sidney
Due to its proximity to the Gulf and San Juan islands, Sidney is referred to as ‘Sidney by the Sea.’ The Coastal Salish people lived in the Sidney and Central Saanich area and were known as the ‘Salt Water People.’ The name Sidney evolved from Sidney Island and British surveyors in 1859. Today, it has a population of approximately 11,000 and is 26 km (16 mi) north of downtown Victoria, just off Hwy 17 or the Patricia Bay Highway.
Beacon Avenue is the major street in the city centre and leads to a 2.5 km (1.5 mi) meandering path called the Waterfront Sculpture Walk. It will take you to the Port Sidney Marina, Washington State Ferries Terminal and Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, which overlooks Beacon Park and the pier. Beacon Ave. also has specialty boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, cafes, and more hotels.
Dennis Begin
Scenic Saanich Inlet and Mill Bay.
Other attractions include the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Sidney Museum and Archives, The BC Aviation Museum, Booktown, First Nations Art Gallery, Victoria Distillers and of course, a farmer’s market and whale watching tours. It also hosts several festivals and events including the Sidney Art Walk (March/April), Folk n’ Fiddle Festival (June), and Summer Sounds Concert Series (July/August), to name a few.
For more information about Sidney visit www.sidney.ca
Brentwood Bay
Brentwood Bay is 21 km (13 mi) from downtown Victoria. Its original name was Sluggett in 1876 but was renamed in 1925 after Brentwood, England. This is a quiet and quaint community that feels much smaller than its population of 4,900.
The older section of Brentwood Bay has Victorian-style homes, hobby farms, ranches, and rural businesses with shopping areas along Wallace Drive. As for recent urbanization, Willis Point Road is known for its beautiful homes and panorama views of the bay.
Dennis Begin
The inviting Mill Pizza and Grill.
With the area’s calm waters, the area caters to recreational boaters through the summer. The BC Ferries Terminal dominates the waterfront at the end of Verdier Ave. and harbour facilities include the Seahorses Cafe, marinas and the Brentwood Bay Resort.
Businesses like Pacifica Paddle Sports rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards and schedules Eco-Tours on Brentwood and Swartz bays. There are also numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the area.
Butchart Gardens: 118 Years of Bloom
This is a famous tourist attraction. Butchart Gardens is recognized as one of the Top 10 Gardens in the World and attracts one million visitors per year. Only 21 km (13 mi) from downtown Victoria, Robert P. Butchart manufactured cement in a limestone quarry from 1904 to 1908 and one of the original chimneys near Ross Fountain is still standing.
Destination BC Reuben Krabbe
An aerial view of Brentwood Bay.
It was Mrs. Jennie Butchart, however, who was convinced that the empty quarry could be converted into a botanical garden, starting with her own private space. There are now five main floral areas that cover 22 ha (55 ac) and include the Rose, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean and Sunken gardens.
The quarry is filled with flower beds, covered floral paths, lush lawns, as well as fountains and sculptures. In all, there are 900 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees. Pick up a ‘Flowers & Plant Guide’ pamphlet and start your tour at Waterwheel Square.
Other attractions among its grounds include the Rose Carousel, Ross Fountain, Family Discovery Walk, Afternoon Tea, plus nightly showcases and fireworks on weekends. There is a coffee shop at its entrance as well as the Information Centre.
The Gardens are still owned and operated by third-generation family members and Robin Lee Clarke is the present steward. In 2004, Butchart Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Dennis Begin
The entrance to Butchart Gardens.
Mill Bay
The BC Ferries service from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay is not as popular as other routes but it’s worth experiencing. The connecting link is the M.V. Klitsa, a small ferry that can transport 17 to 19 cars and 150 passengers.
The picturesque ride across Saanich Inlet takes 25 minutes. Reservations are not available so be sure to arrive early and buy your ticket on board. The trip is dubbed the ‘island’s most beautiful shortcut.’
The Town of Mill Bay is a short drive from the ferry terminal and has a population of 3,250. The name Mill Bay dates back to the 1860s when Henry Shepherd built a sawmill and milling was its primary industry.
Destination Greater Victoria
Beyond Butchart’s entrance leads to a world of floral wonders.
Mill Bay is located along the waterfront. Most homes have a view of the bay with housing crawling up the hills and mountainsides. A large mall, Mill Bay Centre, is very impressive with 32 stores and professional services. Trans-Canada Highway 1 passes through Mill Bay with a gas station and dining options.
Following a visit in Mill Bay, you can simply continue enjoying Vancouver Island by touring north to Nanaimo, south to Victoria or return to Brentwood Bay by ferry. Either way, you won’t regret going off the beaten path on Vancouver Island and seeing all that it has to offer.
For more information and to plan your Vancouver Island destination visit www.vancouverisland.travel
Recommended RV Parks
- Saanichton
Oceanside Parkbridge RV Resort
- Victoria
Salish Seaside RV Haven
- Mill Bay
Beehive RV Park and Campground
- Malahat Highway
Malahat Mountain Meadows RV Park