Brentwood's Oceanfront Campus

Brentwood’s oceanfront campus has an international reputation that matches our educational profile as one of the world’s great boarding schools.

Sheltered on the pristine coastline of Vancouver Island, our 90-acre campus has over one kilometre of waterfront facing the Gulf Islands and stunning views of a snow-capped Mount Baker. This beautiful setting and our modern campus facilities open up a wide variety of opportunities for our students.

Sustainability

By using innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact, Brentwood uses less energy now than we did 20 years ago. Highlights:

Geothermal Loop (below the ocean; warming our buildings)
Building controls—allows us to turn off and on heat to specific areas and rooms
Fresh air delivery—automatically calibrated air cycles to room occupancy
Irrigation and bio swells designed into the landscape
Provisions for “purple water” plumbing of non-potable water

Learn more about Corporate Social Sustainability at Brentwood >

Aerial photo of Brentwood campus with ocean in front and Mill Bay Centre shops above, at the west edge of campus

A private school teacher and students during an outdoor class

Learning Opportunities

Experiential learning happens all around our campus. Academics classes regularly take advantage of our mild climate to bring students outdoors.

During the fall, students can observe the salmon running up the Mill Bay estuary and into Shawnigan Creek—right from the north end of campus. Our environmental club volunteers with local conservation groups, helping to capture and transfer salmon to these upstream waters.

Science classes venture out to the shores and waters of Mill Bay throughout the year as they examine marine biology specific to our geography and climate. These tactile moments foster a connection to our surroundings as we help students develop a stewardship attitude toward the natural environment.

Waterfront Activities

Our rowing program has an international reputation for success that has produced 24 Olympic Games rowers to date. Brentwood has also hosted university crews and clubs from around the world through over 50 years of regatta events.
Our outdoor pursuits students kayak and canoe in the protected waters of the Saanich Inlet, even travelling to the nearby Gulf Islands to camp overnight. As well, the oceanfront Brentwood docks provide a place where students can go for a swim when the weather is warm.

Campus as seen from the south with dining hall and arts building nearest, new academic centre beyond

Two students smiling while swimming by the docks

Students relaxing on outdoor terraced seating on the Brentwood campus

Arts Around Campus

During the year, our visual artists spread out all across the campus. Brentwood painters are inspired by views of the ocean and green hills of Vancouver Island. Photographers explore how the landscape changes throughout the seasons. 3D Art and Sculpture students combine the shapes and colours offered by the outdoors with their imaginations. Photojournalism students cover the happenings in every corner of the campus. Musicians take to the amphitheatre on sunny days to enjoy views of Mount Baker and beyond.

Learn more about the Arts >

Compact Campus

Our campus design ensures that students living, studying, and playing in this environment experience an incredibly strong sense of community. Most of our buildings are within a few minutes walk of one another, which is advantageous if students need to quickly return to their dorms between classes or stop at Crooks Dining Hall for a healthy snack. The size of the campus provides safety and security, with staff close at hand when needed.

Brentwood In-depth

Our Philosophy

Activities

Two girls in a shared dorm room face chatting with bright windows behind

Student Life