The District of Saanich is the largest municipality on Vancouver Island, providing a mix of urban and rural neighbourhoods with more than 170 parks, more than 100 km of trails, 4 recreation centres, numerous beaches, and amenities for all ages. 

Saanich East includes neighbourhoods known for luxury properties and spans an expansive stretch of coastline. It is an ideal community for those that love the outdoors and coastal views. The University of Victoria is located partly within Gordon Head along the SouthEast boundary. The local area is dominated physically by Mt. Douglas, a great family hike and place to walk the dogs, the coastline along Haro Strait, and the central plateau.

Cadboro Bay is nestled between Gordon Head and Uplands located next to a long sandy beach, the heart of Cadboro Bay is its English style village. The body of water named Cadboro Bay is the home of the Cadborosaurus, nicknamed Caddy, a mythical sea monster that has supposedly been spotted in the calm waters of the bay. To the East of Cadboro Bay is Ten Mile Point, an upscale residential neighbourhood that maintains a rural, bucolic feel. 

Along the northern end of Saanich East is Broadmead, an upscale master planned community with contemporary West Coast architecture in a wooded setting. Cordova Bay is located on the northern part of East Saanich along the water. Cordova Bay features large lots and houses, with many of them along the Haro Strait or overlooking the Haro Strait and Gulf Islands. Enjoy a round of golf at the Cordova Bay Golf Course, or a 10 km walk around Elk/Beaver Lake with your dog.

A significant part of Saanich West is rural neighbourhoods including Elk and Beaver Lake and the Prospect Lake area. The landscape of Saanich is unique for its ecological diversity and leisure potential. Saanich has more parks per capita than any other municipality in B.C. There are several golf courses in Saanich: Blenkinsop Valley, Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and Prospect Lake.