Community Profile - Greater Victoria Municipalities
Community Facts
Colwood Established by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Colwood was originally a farm that supplied the growing population of Fort Victoria. Today, Colwood is a wonderful place to golf, fish, cycle, and boasts a range of attractions and activities.
Esquimalt Esquimalt, named after a First Nations' word for “place of shoaling waters,” was first established in 1865 as a British naval base. The Royal Canadian Navy took charge in 1910 and still operates the second largest naval base and dockyard in Canada after Halifax.
Langford Right next door to Colwood is the community of Langford. Well worth a visit, Langford features pristine parks, crystal-clear lakes, and a wealth of recreational choices.
Metchosin A predominantly rural area, Metchosin is criss-crossed by winding country roads leading past farms, acreages, and seaside homes, and to a number of lovely parks and attractions.
Oak Bay Oak Bay has it all…a charming seaside suburb close to downtown Victoria in beautiful British Columbia. Find time to rest a while on the sandy beaches, enjoy a cup of tea or a pint of beer, discover Oak Bay’s unique shops, great restaurants, colourful gardens and leafy avenues... But there’s much more... with snow-covered Mount Baker and bald eagles in view, try kayaking or whale watching, feeding the seals, salmon fishing, or an eco-adventure trip... yes, Oak Bay has it all.
View Royal View Royal was first settled in the early 1850’s by Dr. John Helmcken when he purchased 259 hectares (640 acres) of farmland from the Hudson’s Bay Company. At the foot of present-day Helmcken Road, a concrete marker and bronze plaque commemorate the days when crews from passing ships replenished their water supplies from a spring that flows from a property on Bessborough Road. Officially incorporated into Greater Victoria in 1988, modern-day View Royal is a predominantly residential area overlooking Portage Inlet at the end of the Gorge Waterway, a meandering fiord popular with kayakers. Peaceful Portage Park is the location of a traditional Native shortcut to Portage Inlet and Victoria Harbour from Esquimalt Harbour and a lovely place to while away an afternoon. Thetis Lake Regional Park is a family favourite with its beaches, hiking trails, and playground area.
