Welcome to Downtown Victoria
Located less than 10 minutes from Downtown Victoria and surrounded by waterfront, Esquimalt offers a unique blend of history, nature, and convenience. It was used as a port by the Royal Canadian Navy in the 1880s and is still home to the Canadian Forces Base.
Overview
Located less than 10 minutes from Downtown Victoria and surrounded by waterfront, Esquimalt offers a unique blend of history, nature, and convenience. It was used as a port by the Royal Canadian Navy in the 1880s and is still home to the Canadian Forces Base. Before the township of Esquimalt was officially formed in 1912 by early settlers, its land has long been inhabited by the Coast Salish people for over 4000 years.
Esquimalt
Rich in history, Esquimalt still reflects its early beginnings with traditional heritage homes and buildings, complemented by lush trees, parks, and coastal waterfront.
This Township encourages the maintenance and preservation of historical buildings, respecting the district’s early history, and lending to its old-world charm. Whether you’re looking for a beautifully refurbished heritage home, a renovation project, or simple-living in a modern, waterfront condo that’s a short stroll away from the action and amenities of Downtown Victoria, Esquimalt may prove to be the ideal location for you.
Lifestyle
Outdoor Urbanite
70% CITY + 30% ISLAND LIFE
| Walkable and bikeable access to Downtown Victoria and neighbouring districts of Victoria West and Saanich/Tillicum area. |
Plenty of beautiful parks, historical sites, beach access, and walking trails. Each area of Esquimalt is relatively close--within a short bike ride, drive and even stroll--to a small plaza or strip of convenience stores. |
Walkability and Bikeability
Esquimalt has a Walkscore of 65. Somewhat walkable (some errands can be accomplished on foot) and, on average, people in Esquimalt are within a 5-minute walking distance to 3 restaurants, bars or coffee shops. Stroll or cycle to downtown Victoria via the paved Galloping Goose trail.
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Pet-Friendly
Dogs are welcomed on-leash at many parks and public beaches and a few parks offer designated dog off-leash areas. Refer to this Dogs in Parks document for details on where dogs are allowed or restricted in the Esquimalt area. |
Family-Friendly
Esquimalt offers a variety of single-family homes, spacious townhouses, and condos--some of which are along quiet streets and cul de sacs. Family-friendly community and sporting events, as well as easy access to parks, schools, community centres, and Downtown Victoria, make Esquimalt a suitable community for families.
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Senior-Friendly
Easy access to outdoor parks and green spaces, and living within close proximity to Downtown Victoria, hospitals, and amenities make Esquimalt a somewhat senior-friendly district. Getting to Downtown Victoria is easier by bike, public transit or car when compared to the 50+ minutes it can take on foot. Esquimalt Road is somewhat poorly-lit and can be busy with traffic and pub goers after dark.
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Key Landmarks & Amenities
PARKS & OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Surrounded by ocean and beaches on nearly every side, Esquimalt boasts
over 30 parks and public green spaces to enjoy. Following are just a few:
This beautiful, 143-acre, 18-hole golf course welcomes players of all levels and ages. Its park-like setting makes it one of Vancouver Island’s favourite golf clubs.
Find out more!
Connected to the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and includes a water park for kids, playgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and a public washroom.
History dating back to the early 1900s. Now features a breathtaking rose garden and old-growth trees and a paved walkway with picnic tables and benches along the Gorge Waterway. Also serves as the grounds for the Gorge Waterway Nature House. The Gorge Waterway offers calm waters that are perfect for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Find out more!
A 2.9-kilometre waterfront walkway that features plenty of benches.
Situated between the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and Archie Browning Sports Centre, its 2-hectares of multi-use sports fields make it a popular spot for community events such as RibFest as well as outdoor concerts and movies.
A 9-hectare heritage site that was built in 1924 to commemorate Canadian WWI veterans.
Features a walking trail, beach access, benches, picnic tables, a grassy area, and one of the best lookout points for viewing the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.
Find out more!
