West Saanich Neighbourhoods – Royal Oak
Royal Oak is a diverse neighbourhood in West Saanich, about ten minutes’ drive north on the Pat Bay Highway from Victoria BC. Running along the eastern side of the highway, Royal Oak offers a wide range of housing including newer townhome projects, suburban single family homes and a few larger rural properties. People living in Victoria will find access to the city from Royal Oak is excellent, whether by your own car or using transit, it’s a short commute!
Not that it’s necessary to go into town (unless you’re working there), Royal Oak has an excellent commercial centre providing almost every type of shopping and services including dental and doctor’s offices, restaurants, pubs, and recreation. The Commonwealth Pool and fitness facility, which also boasts a branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library sits at the north end of the neighbourhood.
Even though the atmosphere leans rural, this neighbourhood offers great walkability and excellent transit access so those who prefer to forego the expense of owning a car can live here easily. Shank’s pony can easily get you to Beaver Lake Park, where miles of walking trails, swimming beaches and fishing opportunities await. A short hike across the highway leads to Broadmead Village, another commercial center with major retailer anchors and smaller boutique shops.
There is a new (opened in 2008) middle school – Royal Oak Middle School or students may attend Lochside Elementary or Claremont Secondary.
Royal Oak Links
- Royal Oak Shopping Centre
- Royal Oak Middle School
- Saanich Commonwealth Place
- Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
- General Royal Oak Walkscore
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