Saanichton
Quick Facts
- Population (2006 Census)... 10,823
- Distance from Vancouver ...94 km (56 mi)
- Distance from Richmond... 86 km (52 mi)
- Distance from Whistler... 225 km(135 mi)
Saanichton is located in the middle of the Saanich peninsula on Vancouver Island halfway between British Columbia's capital, Victoria and Sidney, the major seaside community on the peninsula. Saanichton is just 10 minutes from Swartz Bay ferry terminal, one of the Island's very busy departure points for travel to the mainland.
The village of Saanichton is well known for its prized flowers and rose gardens, and its outlying farmland surrounds. The town has a winning combination of rural and urban lifestyles with modern homes and riding stables nestled alongside parks, campgrounds, old-growth forests and small farms.
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2010 Host Cities
Venues & Visitor Centres
Transportation
Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities
Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.
There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.
Saanichton is just a 10-minute drive from Swartz Bay ferry terminal where car and passenger ferry depart for Tsawassen (south of Vancouver) on the British Columbia mainland. There is public transit available from Saanichton to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.
To Richmond:
Transit buses and taxis meet ferries arriving in Tsawwassen and transport passengers into downtown Richmond. BC Ferries sell tickets for motorcoach service onboard connecting passengers to the Vancouver International Airport. Numerous daily flights are offered between Victoria and Vancouver International airports.
The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.
To Vancouver:
Taxis and public buses meet ferries arriving at Tsawwassen ferry terminal to transport passengers into downtown Vancouver. For those driving, the trip between Vancouver and Tsawwassen is approximately 45 minutes.
Motorcoach serviceis available via BC Ferries which take passengers into downtown Vancouver. Floatplanes depart from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, which is located 18 km/11mi from Saanichton.
During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.
To West Vancouver:
Vancouver is approximately 50-minutes drive north of the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. Transit passengers can reach West Vancouver from Tsawwassen by transferring in Vancouver.
Ticket holders can only access Olympic events on Cypress Mountain via the Olympic Bus Network. View travel information and reserve tickets here.
To Whistler:
To reach Whistler, passengers using public transportation should make their way to Vancouver via BC Ferries and connecting public transit, or by motorcoach or floatplane.
Whistler can be accessed by car by driving north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.
Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network. This bus network has departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.
Motorcoach travel offers direct coach service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Saanichton has limited accommodation with a few budget-style motels and some waterfront bed and breakfasts; however, it is only minutes away from many more accommodation options in Victoria and Sidney. Bed and breakfasts in Saanichton are generally tranquil and picturesque with a beautiful natural environment of some variety close by.
Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.
Things To Do
The mild climate in Saanichton is ideal for visitors to take advantage of outdoor activities any time of year. Cyclists and hikers will love the varied and picturesque landscapes of the Galloping Goose Trail. This path is a segment of the Trans Canada Trail and it winds through Saanichton on its way to Victoria and onwards for 55 km (34 mi).
Saanichton's nearby beaches are also popular hiking destinations and provide beautiful views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Saanichton has its own golf course and is very close to British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, which offers many more excellent courses, as well as the range of other attractions expected of a capital. Saanichton is also conveniently close to Sidney which is a charming, bustling town with excellent shopping.
For a winter tipple, visit a certified west coast organic farm to tour the cider house and admire the panoramic orchard and ocean views. History lovers can inspect working steam engines and agricultural machinery dating back to the early 1800s at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society.
Read more about what's happening in Richmond.