Community
Living in Saanich East, BC
The Complete Relocation Guide to Saanich East, British Columbia (2026)
Discover why Saanich East is one of Greater Victoria's most desirable areas, offering exceptional schools, diverse neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, oceanfront communities, and an outstanding quality of life.
Welcome to Saanich East
Saanich East is one of the largest and most sought-after real estate districts in Greater Victoria. Covering the eastern half of the District of Saanich, it encompasses 19 distinct neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique lifestyle -- from oceanfront luxury in Ten Mile Point and Cadboro Bay to family-friendly communities like Gordon Head, Lake Hill, Cedar Hill, and Broadmead.
Home to the University of Victoria, Camosun College, more than 170 parks, beautiful beaches, golf courses, and extensive cycling trails, Saanich East provides an exceptional blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing family, retiree, or luxury home purchaser, Saanich East has something for everyone.
Map of Saanich East
Quick Facts
Why People Love Living in Saanich East
- Outstanding schools
- University of Victoria
- Beautiful beaches
- Excellent parks and trails
- Family-friendly neighbourhoods
- Wide range of housing options
- Premier golf courses
- Close to Downtown Victoria
- Strong long-term property values
- One of Greater Victoria's most desirable places to live
At a Glance
Saanich East offers incredible diversity. It includes prestigious waterfront communities like Ten Mile Point, Queenswood, and Cadboro Bay, established executive neighbourhoods such as Broadmead, and family-oriented communities including Gordon Head, Lake Hill, Cedar Hill, and Mt. Doug.
Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, parks, shopping, schools, recreation centres, golf courses, and major transportation routes while maintaining a quieter suburban lifestyle than downtown Victoria. The combination of natural beauty, amenities, and highly regarded neighbourhoods continues to make Saanich East one of the region's strongest real estate markets.
By the Numbers
114,000+
District Population
170+
Municipal Parks
3
Regional Parks
Multiple
Beaches and Waterfront Parks
Several
Golf Courses
Extensive
Cycling Network
UVic
Home to UVic and Camosun College
20-25°C
Summer High
4-8°C
Winter Low
Who Is Saanich East Best For?
Outstanding schools, parks and neighbourhoods
Short commute and excellent amenities
Quiet communities and recreation
Waterfront and executive homes
Strong long-term demand
Beaches, parks, trails and cycling
Community Character
Saanich East isn't a single neighbourhood -- it's a collection of some of Greater Victoria's most desirable communities.
Housing options include:
- Luxury waterfront estates
- Executive homes
- Family residences
- Character homes
- Modern subdivisions
- Townhomes
- Condominiums
Popular neighbourhoods include:
Each offers its own unique personality, making Saanich East attractive to buyers at every stage of life.
Climate
Like the rest of Greater Victoria, Saanich East enjoys one of Canada's most comfortable climates.
Residents enjoy:
- Mild winters
- Warm summers
- Long growing season
- Low snowfall
- Outdoor recreation throughout the year
20-25°C
Summer Average
4-8°C
Winter Average
Popular activities include:
Top 10 Reasons to Move to Saanich East
- Incredible Variety of Neighbourhoods -- From luxury waterfront living to family-friendly subdivisions, Saanich East offers one of the most diverse selections of neighbourhoods in Greater Victoria.
- Exceptional Schools -- The area is home to highly regarded public and private schools, as well as the University of Victoria and Camosun College, making it a top choice for families and students.
- Beautiful Beaches -- Residents enjoy nearby beaches including Cadboro Bay, Gyro Beach, Cordova Bay Beach, and Mt. Douglas Beach.
- Parks Everywhere -- With more than 170 municipal parks, Saanich offers more parks per capita than any other municipality in British Columbia.
- Golf Courses -- Play year-round at Cedar Hill Golf Course, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Blenkinsop Valley Golf Course, and nearby Highland Pacific.
- Outdoor Recreation -- Cycling, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis, and running are all part of everyday life.
- Shopping and Amenities -- Excellent shopping can be found throughout Broadmead Village, Shelbourne Plaza, Tuscany Village, Mattick's Farm, and nearby Uptown.
- Strong Real Estate Market -- Saanich East continues to be one of the most stable and desirable real estate markets in Greater Victoria.
- Central Location -- Downtown Victoria, the airport, BC Ferries, Sidney, Oak Bay, and the Westshore are all easily accessible.
- Exceptional Lifestyle -- Few areas offer the combination of beaches, parks, schools, recreation, shopping, and neighbourhood diversity found in Saanich East.
Real Estate
Saanich East offers one of the widest selections of real estate in Greater Victoria. Whether you're looking for waterfront estates, executive homes, family properties, acreages, condominiums, townhomes, or investment properties, Saanich East continues to attract buyers looking for quality neighbourhoods, excellent amenities, and long-term value.
Looking for homes in Saanich East? Browse the latest listings, neighbourhood guides, market updates, and relocation resources at VictoriaProperties.com.
| Property Type | Current Benchmark Price | 1 Month Change | 3 Month Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family | $1,338K | -9,600 (-0.7%) | +500 (+0.0%) |
| Townhome | $911K | +5,700 (+0.6%) | -6,200 (-0.7%) |
| Condo | $606K | +2,100 (+0.3%) | +2,600 (+0.4%) |
Source: Victoria Real Estate Board Housing Price Index, June 2026
Helpful Resources
Municipality
Parks and Recreation
- Mount Douglas Park
- Cedar Hill Golf Course
- Cadboro-Gyro Park
- PKOLS (Mount Douglas)
- Lochside Regional Trail
Schools
- School District 61
- School District 63
- University of Victoria
- Camosun College
- Explore our Greater Victoria School Guide for detailed information on school options across the region.
Transportation
Regional Information
Andrew's Local Insight
Andrew and his team at Victoria Property Group have been helping buyers and sellers throughout Greater Victoria since 2006, and Saanich East consistently ranks among their most recommended areas. What makes it special is the variety -- you can find oceanfront estates in Ten Mile Point, family homes in Gordon Head, executive properties in Broadmead, or condos close to UVic and Camosun. Many clients relocating to Victoria ultimately choose Saanich East because it offers outstanding schools, incredible parks, beautiful beaches, and easy access to virtually every part of the region. It truly has something for everyone.
Schools
Saanich East is served primarily by School District 61 (Greater Victoria) with some northern areas served by School District 63 (Saanich). Use the SD61 School Locator and SD63 School Locator to find your catchment school.
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Schools
French Immersion
Elementary: Campus View, Doncaster
Middle: Arbutus Global, Cedar Hill, Lansdowne
Secondary: Reynolds
Francophone
Private / Independent Schools
The area is also within easy reach of the University of Victoria and Camosun College, making it a prime location for educators, university staff, and students. For a comprehensive overview, see our Greater Victoria School Guide.
Shopping and Dining
Saanich East offers excellent shopping and dining options throughout the area. Broadmead Village is a popular shopping centre with a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, and services. Shelbourne Plaza and Tuscany Village offer additional retail, dining, and services. Mattick's Farm in Cordova Bay is a beloved local destination with a market, café, and specialty shops. Nearby Uptown Mall and Hillside Shopping Centre provide larger retail options. Local dining covers everything from casual cafés to fine dining, with a strong concentration of family-friendly restaurants throughout the area.
Transportation
Saanich East is well-connected by BC Transit, with multiple bus routes serving the University of Victoria, downtown Victoria, and major shopping destinations. The area is excellent for cycling, with the Lochside Regional Trail and Galloping Goose Trail providing dedicated routes for commuters and recreational cyclists. Driving to downtown Victoria takes approximately 10-15 minutes, to the Victoria International Airport about 20 minutes, and to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal about 20-25 minutes. The Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) provides direct access to the airport and ferries.
Parks and Recreation
Saanich is known for having more parks per capita than any other municipality in British Columbia. PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) is the crown jewel, offering hiking trails, panoramic views, and beach access. Cadboro-Gyro Park features a beach, playground, and scenic waterfront walking paths. Cedar Hill Golf Course is a popular municipal course, while Cordova Bay Golf Course and Blenkinsop Valley Golf Course offer additional options. The Lochside Regional Trail runs through the area, connecting Sidney to downtown Victoria, and the Galloping Goose Trail is easily accessible. Recreation centres, sports fields, tennis courts, and community centres are also available throughout the area.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional schools and proximity to UVic and Camosun
- Beautiful beaches, parks, and trails
- Wide variety of housing options
- Strong long-term property values
- Excellent cycling and walking infrastructure
- Close to downtown Victoria, airport, and ferries
Cons
- Higher home prices than Saanich West or Langford
- Limited rental housing options
- Traffic congestion on main routes during peak hours
- Some neighbourhoods hilly with limited walkability
- Older homes may need updates and renovations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Saanich East?
What are the best neighbourhoods in Saanich East?
How is the commute from Saanich East to downtown Victoria?
Are there good schools in Saanich East?
How does Saanich East compare to Saanich West?
Thinking About Moving to Saanich East?
Choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right home. If you're considering buying or relocating to Saanich East, Andrew and the Victoria Property Group team would be happy to help you compare neighbourhoods, understand the local market, and find the community that best fits your lifestyle.
Explore homes, neighbourhood guides, market updates, and relocation resources at VictoriaProperties.com.
Interested in Saanich East?
Andrew and his team at Victoria Property Group know the Saanich East market well. Book a consultation to find your perfect home in this dynamic community.
Call or Text
1-250-589-2897