Nestled between the waters of the Saanich Inlet and the sheltered beauty of Coles Bay, Ardmore is one of North Saanich’s most coveted neighbourhoods. This exclusive community offers the rare blend of privacy, natural elegance, and accessibility — just minutes from the airport, yet worlds away from the bustle of Victoria.
You’ll find Ardmore travelling north along West Saanich Road from Brentwood Bay or by taking Mt. Newton Cross Rd or McTavish Rd from the Pat Bay Highway. Just west of Sidney, Ardmore is just minutes away from the airport.
What sets Ardmore apart is its refined sense of seclusion. Majestic forests, tranquil shorelines, and sweeping ocean vistas create an atmosphere of timeless calm, while the neighbourhood itself is home to some of Vancouver Island’s most prestigious estates. From gated oceanfront residences to multi-million-dollar properties tucked into the trees, Ardmore is a haven for those seeking luxury living immersed in nature’s finest landscapes.
Coles Bay Regional Park
Coles Bay is a 3.63 hectare park off Inverness Road with an expansive pebbly beach. Located far enough away from town with plenty of other beaches in between, Coles Bay remains free of crowds, even in the summer months. This park space is relatively untouched, providing peace, quiet and serenity for Ardmore residents.
Aside from the beach, which is excellent for swimming and sunbathing, Coles Bay Park has short trails through old-growth forests for running, walking and hiking. The most commonly used trail is the Beach Trail, which takes you from the parking lot area to Coles Bay. The second trail is known as the Nature Trail, which starts just a few meters away.
When you’re done hiking and swimming for the day, there’s also a great picnic area with wood picnic tables and accessible toilets near the parking area.
Quiet Beach Access
While Coles Bay offers a charming waterfront experience, Ardmore’s true allure lies in its collection of discreet beach access points reserved for those in the know. Tucked along Ardmore Drive, the scenic road traces the western edge of the community with secluded pathways leading to quiet stretches of shoreline that feel like private escapes.
From south to north, residents enjoy access to Yarrow Beach (#83), Aboyne Beach (#82), Sunset Beach, Bayview Beach (#73), Ardmore Beach (#72), and Briarwood Beach. Each access point offers its own character, from intimate coves perfect for a morning walk to sun-dappled clearings ideal for watching the evening light fade across the Inlet.
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These beach access points are often dead-end streets, offering very limited parking and no obvious signage indicating a beach. In some cases a pedestrian-only trail will whisk you to the beach, and other times there will be a set of stairs.
Ardmore’s beach access points are enjoyed primarily by residents of the community, which is what they were designed for. Homeowners from around the area can enjoy peaceful walks down to the beach to take a dip or let the dog roam. It’s part of what makes Ardmore such a desirable neighbourhood to live in.
Ardmore Golf Course
The crown jewel of Ardmore is the Ardmore Golf Course, a cherished destination for both local residents and golfers from across Greater Victoria. Originally established in the early 1900s as the “North Saanich Golf Club,” the course was later relocated to its present setting, where it has since become a community landmark. Though much of its early history has faded, archival notes trace its roots back over a century, adding to the course’s enduring character and timeless appeal.
Image credit to Ardmore Golf Course
Ardmore Golf Course is a 9-hole course that’s designed to be played twice, with separate tee boxes for the front nine and back nine. This peaceful course takes golfers through heritage trees and several ponds.
Along with the main golf course, short game area and practice putting green, Ardmore also has a great pub on-site. Check out the menu. Open every Friday from 11am-6pm, golfers can enjoy tasty appetizers, soups and salads, plus entrees like burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, tacos and flatbread.
