In the traditional and unceded land of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, Saanich is a wonderful neighbourhood, full of beauty for birdwatchers and field naturalists. While at this Airbnb in Saanich, we read that this eco-minded municipality just purchased additional private land to increase the size of its Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Clearly this part of Greater Victoria is a place for outdoor and nature enthusiasts.
The view of Portage Inlet from the bedroom window is spectacular. We were photographing the waterfowl that fish from a log floating in the centre of the inlet--cormorants, herons, gulls, ducks. The Gorge Waterway, a tidal inlet that connects Portage Inlet to Victoria's Inner Harbour, is lined with gorgeous parks with easy footpaths. Lots of kayakers ply the inlet, and on the Craigflower Bridge that crosses The Gorge, you will find beautiful public art and heritage signs that tell of local natural and human history.
This was our second (and lengthier) stay in this beautiful little heritage cottage in an area that is woodsy although right in the city. It has a full kitchen, three-piece bath, bedroom with a closet and lovely old dresser, living room with a pull-out sofabed, laundry facilities, outdoor deck, and woodsy patio with a grill. We noticed immediately that the host has done a lot of renovations and remodeling in here. The new windows, easy to open and shut and with screens, are perfect to offer the views and fresh air. The baseboard heating is easy to control and to warm you almost immediately if you come in from November bluster as we did. There are an electric fireplace and TV in the downstairs sitting room. Free wifi is here, and connection is immediate and reliable. We appreciated the grab bar in the bathroom and the good, hot shower. All the dishes and pots and pans you need are here. Also a corkscrew! :-)
You can park in your dedicated stall at roadside and access the cottage via a water crossing that is both a footbridge and a sturdy one-lane vehicle access. In the evenings it looks quite festive to see all the neighbours with their little bridges lit up.
One more delight is the variety of beautiful, old, well-maintained houses you will see if you go for a walk in the neighbourhood.