Brentwood's Oceanfront Campus has an international reputation that matches its educational profile as one of the world's great boarding schools. Sheltered on the pristine coastline of Vancouver Island, our 49-acre campus has over 1,000 meters of waterfront facing the Gulf Islands and stunning views of a snow capped Mount Baker in Washington State. Just 40km north of Victoria, our campus sits next to the village of Mill Bay (pop. 3,250) and is less than one hour's drive from four major ferry terminals and the Victoria International Airport.
Oceanfront Opportunities
Brentwood's unique location on the east coast of Vancouver Island opens up a wide variety of opportunities for our students. Academically, our science students can gather real world data from the ocean and its surroundings and incorporate marine biology and oceanography into the curriculum. Our athletes are able to row, sail, kayak and canoe their way around the protected waters of Mill Bay. Artists get inspiration from the breath-taking views of Mount Baker and Saanich Inlet. There is no better place to experience the true beauty of British Columbia.
Compact Campus
The compact layout of Brentwood's campus makes it easy for students to get to the places they need to be quickly and efficiently. Most of our buildings are within a minute's walk, which is advantageous if students need to quickly return to their dorms between classes or grab a quick snack from the dining hall. The size of the campus also provides more safety and security with staff close at hand when needed. An essential reason for our campus design is that a compact campus helps create a sense of community. At Brentwood, students know each other.
Local Community
Mill Bay has long been a destination for families seeking a rare and vanishing ideal: a safe and quiet rural life in an idyllic setting. In addition to the natural charms that make it a haven for hikers, cyclists, and boaters, Mill Bay boasts an excellent shopping facility and a small marina. Restaurants, banks, a medical centre with X-ray and lab services, a pharmacy, and many independently owned retail outlets ensure that this community is also convenient for our students. This area of Mill Bay is affectionately called ‘up town’ by our students.
Vancouver Island Tourist Attractions
Vancouver Island has one of the world's most diverse settings for sightseeing, adventure and nature activity in both the summer and the winter months. Brentwood College School is nestled in the Cowichan Valley, a region that boasts natural beauty and extensive recreational attractions for hiking, biking, and mountain climbing. The town of Cowichan Bay is also a distinctive waterfront community that overlooks the Gulf Islands. The southern part of the island hosts the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, which is also just 20 minutes away. This has a vibrant urban atmosphere has many Art Galleries, Theatres, shopping facilities and historical buildings such as the Parliament Building, the Empress and Craigdarroch Castle. The Island in general has countless tourist opportunities. The Pacific Rim national park, North Island. is over 500 square kilometers, offering sandy beaches (Long Beach), hiking trails (West Coast Trail), and wildlife viewing. Vancouver Island is also one of the premier locations for kayaking, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching. The North Island boasts one of the highest peaks in BC, offering great winter skiing and snowboarding at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
| Learn more about our surrounding communities: | Nanaimo | Comox Valley | Ucluelet | Tofino | Local Accommodation |
Getting to Brentwood
The Brentwood campus (Google Maps), is less than an hour's drive from four major ferry terminals and the Victoria International Airport.
- Ferries run regularly between Tsawwassen (Greater Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria), between Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo), and between Seattle and the Victoria Inner Harbour.
- By air, you can fly into the Victoria International Airport.
- Alternatively, you can travel by helicopter or seaplane to the Victoria Inner Harbour. By prior arrangement with the school, you may also land a chartered or private seaplane, or moor a private boat at the Brentwood College dock.
