Gordon Head

Overview

Gordon Head is one of Greater Victoria's most sought-after family neighbourhoods. Located in northeast Saanich, it offers an excellent balance of established residential streets, top-rated schools, parks, and convenient access to the University of Victoria. Many homes were built between the 1960s and 1980s, although there are also newer subdivisions and executive homes throughout the area.

Why Families Choose Gordon Head

• Excellent public schools, including French Immersion options.
• Large detached homes with generous yards.
• Numerous parks and playgrounds.
• Close to UVic, making it attractive for university staff and families.
• Strong long-term property values due to consistently high demand.

Schools

French Immersion

• Campus View Elementary
• Arbutus or Lansdowne Middle (depending on catchment)
• Reynolds Secondary

Other highly regarded schools include:

• Gordon Head Elementary
• Torquay Elementary
• Lambrick Park Secondary
• University of Victoria

Parks & Recreation

Families rarely need to drive far for outdoor activities.

Highlights include:

• Mount Douglas Park – hiking trails, panoramic views, mountain biking, picnic areas.
• Mount Douglas Beach – calm waterfront ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Lambrick Park – soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts.
• Sierra Park – neighbourhood playground.
• Arbutus Cove – scenic waterfront walking trails.

Average Home Prices (2026)

Current market activity places Gordon Head among the more desirable family neighbourhoods in Saanich.

• Detached homes: approximately $1.29 million median sold price
• Townhomes: approximately $913,000 median sold price

Commute Times

• Downtown Victoria: 20–25 minutes
• University of Victoria: 3–8 minutes
• Royal Jubilee Hospital: 12 minutes
• Victoria International Airport: 30 minutes
• BC Ferries (Swartz Bay): 30 minutes

Nearby Amenities

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

• University Heights Shopping Centre
• Tuscany Village
• Thrifty Foods
• Save-On-Foods
• Gordon Head Recreation Centre
• Public library
• Medical and dental clinics
• Restaurants and cafés along Shelbourne Street and McKenzie Avenue

Best For

✅ Growing families

✅ Professionals working at UVic

✅ Buyers wanting excellent schools

✅ Buyers looking for long-term appreciation

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Cordova Bay

Overview

Cordova Bay offers a very different lifestyle from Gordon Head. While still family-friendly, it has a quieter coastal atmosphere with ocean views, larger properties, golf courses, and direct beach access. Many buyers choose Cordova Bay because it feels like a seaside community while remaining only about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria.

Why Families Choose Cordova Bay

• Beautiful sandy beaches.
• Spacious executive homes.
• Quiet streets with less traffic.
• Strong sense of community.
• Easy access to nature and outdoor recreation.
• Excellent schools.

Schools

French Immersion

• Keating Elementary
• Bayside Middle
• Stelly's Secondary

Other nearby schools include:

• Cordova Bay Elementary
• Claremont Secondary

Parks & Recreation

Outdoor recreation is one of Cordova Bay's biggest attractions.

Popular destinations include:

• Cordova Bay Beach – one of Greater Victoria's longest sandy beaches.
• Mattick's Farm – boutique shopping, cafés, seasonal events.
• Cordova Bay Golf Course.
• Ridge Course (family-friendly pitch-and-putt).
• Lochside Regional Trail – ideal for cycling and walking.
• Nearby access to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.

Average Home Prices (2026)

Cordova Bay continues to command premium prices due to its waterfront setting and executive homes.

• Detached homes: approximately $1.60–1.67 million average/median sale price
• Townhomes: approximately $1.25 million median sold price
• Condominiums: approximately $1.08 million median sold price

Commute Times

• Downtown Victoria: 20–25 minutes
• Victoria International Airport: 15 minutes
• BC Ferries: 15 minutes
• University of Victoria: 12–15 minutes
• Royal Jubilee Hospital: 15–18 minutes

Nearby Amenities

Cordova Bay residents enjoy:

• Mattick's Farm shopping village
• The Beach House Restaurant
• Cordova Bay Golf Course
• Quality cafés and bakeries
• Lochside Trail
• Nearby Broadmead Village Shopping Centre
• Easy access to Sidney and the airport

Best For

✅ Families wanting a quieter lifestyle

✅ Professionals working from home

✅ Golf enthusiasts

✅ Beach lovers

✅ Buyers seeking luxury homes

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Gordon Head vs. Cordova Bay

Which Neighbourhood Is Right for You?

If your priorities are top-rated schools, proximity to UVic, and a larger selection of family homes at a slightly lower price point, Gordon Head is an outstanding choice.

If you picture weekends at the beach, morning walks along the waterfront, golfing, and a quieter coastal lifestyle—and you're comfortable with a higher budget—Cordova Bay offers one of Greater Victoria's most desirable living environments.

For many of my clients, the decision ultimately comes down to lifestyle rather than price. That's why I encourage families to spend time in both neighbourhoods, visit the parks, explore the schools, and experience the community before deciding which one truly feels like home.