Greater Victoria Information

Greater Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is Western Canada’s oldest city and the capital of British Columbia. It is made up of 13 distinct municipalities and other unincorporated areas, and each has its own governance and bylaws affecting home buyers and homeowners. These municipalities stretch from the northern tip of the Saanich peninsula through to the West Shore area and Sooke and are grouped into three regions:

The Core (Victoria, Vic West, Oak Bay, Saanich (East and West), Esquimalt)
Peninsula (North Saanich, Sidney, Central Saanich)
West Shore (Colwood, View Royal, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke)

Greater Victoria Regions

Victoria West

Victoria West Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

VIC WEST is one of Victoria's hottest new condo and townhouse markets, driven by waterfront development at the Songhees, Railyards and Dockside Green.

This community boasts a live/work and outdoorsy lifestyle, bolstered by its' proximity to downtown, and access to cycling trails, harbour ferries and some of the finest rowing in the region. The Songhees neighbourhood is home to premium condo towers overlooking the Inner Harbour.

Oak Bay

Oak Bay Village Prime Real Estate Area Victoria Wendy Moreton

Oak Bay hugs the coastline east of downtown, and is home to some of the finest heritage homes in the region. Oak Bay village is a vibrant commercial hub, and the neighbourhood offers immediate access to some of the region's prettiest parks, beaches and recreation.

SOUTH OAK BAY AND GONZALES
Anchored by the Oak Bay Village to the north – called the Avenue by locals – and the spectacular beaches to the south, this part of Oak Bay offer a wide variety of lifestyles – everything from gorgeous waterfront and water view estates and homes to modest rental and seniors accommodation – and everything in between. Great walking, recreation opportunities including the Victoria Golf Club, Oak Bay and Monterey Recreation Centres, Windsor Park for cricket and the vibrant businesses that line the village streets make this one of the most walkable and livable areas of Oak Bay.

NORTH OAK BAY AND ESTEVAN VILLAGE
North Oak Bay features great beach access at the area’s best sandy swimming beach – Willows – as well as great walking and a lovely mix of modest to the more homes stately homes bordering the Uplands. The Estevan village is a vibrant neighbourhood hub and features popular bistros and boutiques that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

HENDERSON
Bordered by the University of Victoria to the north and Uplands Golf Course to the east, this area features a mix of mid-century and newer homes set on large lots, with the rocky outcroppings and winding streets adding to the appeal of the neighbourhood. There are views of city, mountains and water to the south from many areas and parks and facilities for everything from baseball to lawn bowling.

THE UPLANDS is a luxurious master-planned seaside neighbourhood dating to 1907, with some of Victoria's most elegant estates and mansions. Designed in the early 20th century by renowned landscape architect John Olmsted, and the district remains much the same today with it’s meandering boulevards lined with extraordinary gardens and ornate lamp posts. Beach Drive is home to many oceanfront properties and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Uplands park is a large garry oak meadow with a network of walking trails maintained in its beautiful natural state, and runs right out to the ocean at Cattle Point.

Victoria

Victoria Inner Harbour Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

Victoria had the mildest climate in Canada, with a vibrant and diverse economy and numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. Victoria’s is a combination of natural beauty, old-world charm and modern urban living make this one of the most desirable places to live in North America.

FAIRFIELD and GONZALES enjoy some of the best ocean and mountain views in the city. It's home to the historic and beautifully landscaped Ross Bay Cemetery and Gonzales Beach. Cook Street Village is the heart of the area with one of the city's most vibrant food and coffee cultures, while The Dallas Road waterfront is at the one of Victoria's most picturesque jogging (and dog-walking) areas.

ROCKLAND is a neighbourhood full of graceful mansions showcasing striking architectural details and lush grounds. Beginning in the 1880s, its Arts-and-Crafts-style homes were designed by well-known architects. The area is home to Craigdarroch Castle and Government House whose magnificent gardens are open to the public.
JAMES BAY is the neighbourhood to explore for splendid old Victorian houses. Bordering downtown, its homes were built by Victoria's founding families, most of which have been lovingly preserved. James Bay is home to the magnificent Fairmont Empress Hotel and Beacon Hill Park's inspiring gardens, beautiful natural areas and seaside walkway. James Bay Village is a central shopping and recreational enclave at the heart of this neighbourhood, and the Ogden Point breakwater and Fishermans' Wharf are highlights.

FERNWOOD is home to trendy shops, cafes, theatres and galleries, and is recognized as one of Victoria's most engaging communities. A mix of heritage homes, bungalows and a variety of infill and strata alternatives attract residents from all demographic groups and lend this urban neighbourhood a vibrant spin.

ROCK BAY is a mixed commercial and residential area adjacent to downtown that is undergoing change as it moves from industrial to a mix of industry, retail and residential uses. It’s an appealing mix of marine industry, and home to the dynamoc Selkirk Waterfront Community, overlooking the Upper Harbour, Selkirk Trestle and the Gorge waterway.
BURNSIDE/GORGE enjoys scenic views of the Lower Gorge Waterway, and access to stunning parks and a trails system that follows the Gorge waterfront all the way to downtown. Burnside residents access shopping and cinemas at Uptown and the Tillicum Centre.

HILLSIDE-QUADRA is another area worth exploring for its views of the city, mature Garry Oaks and a variety of housing styles. This hilly, urban neighbourhood five minutes north of downtown Victoria is perfect for family living with excellent shopping and eateries.

Saanich East

Cadboro Bay prime real estate area in Victoria Wendy Moreton

Saanich East and Saanich West is a sprawling area composed of a number of distinct neighbourhoods.

The eastern side of Saanich is dominated by the University of Victoria which is very much a part of the local life of the community. Saanich West is a multifaceted community stretching from the established suburban neighbourhoods of the Gorge area north to the rural farmland around Elk Lake and Prospect Lake.

The landscape of Saanich is unique for its ecological diversity and leisure potential. There are 170 municipal parks, three regional parks and a cycling network route to see and explore. Saanich has more parks per capita than any other municipality in B.C. There are several excellent golf courses in Saanich: Blenkinsop Valley, Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and Prospect Lake golf courses.

Saanich's distinct neighbourhoods include the following:

GORDON HEAD is a solidly upper middle class family area with several shopping malls, restaurants and movie theatres within a short driving distance.

HIGH QUADRA overlooking Blenkinsop Valley.

BROADMEAD with imaginative West Coast architecture.

CORDOVA BAY is perched along the seaside and includes a mixture of cottages, small farms, sizable family homes and new subdivisions.

THE GORGE waterway on the west side of Saanich is a beautiful setting and a popular area for young families who prefer to live close to town. The Tillicum mall, Town and Country shopping centre and the Silver City movie theatre are all conveniently located.

The Victoria General Hospital is little farther West and North among the family-oriented neighbourhoods of Strawberry Vale, West Burnside and Glanford Area. Interurban campus of Camosun College lies in the middle of this growing area, which is also host to many new subdivisions of single family residential development.

PROSPECT LAKE is slightly further North, a well established area featuring a 9 hole golf course and a "lakeside retreat" ambience. Decidedly rural, the Elk Lake/Beaver Lake and the Old West Saanich Road areas include many horse farms and small acreages.

For more information, visit the website of The District of Saanich.

Esquimalt

Esquimalt Real Estate Market Victoria Wendy Moreton

Esquimalt is the municipality immediately to the west of Victoria. It offers a variety of interesting contrasts in lifestyles with an abundance of parks, foreshore vistas and a marina.

Esquimalt has a strong mix of high quality residential properties, some excellent waterfront properties and a very active business community including a light industrial district. It has a well-established community spirit and all of its services were well-developed many years ago. Some of Esquimalt's most attractive residential areas are Saxe Point and Rockheights.

Esquimalt has a full range of recreational facilities including a curling rink, indoor swimming pool, recreation centre and the top-ranked Gorge Vale Golf Club.

Facing the western approaches from the sea, Esquimalt is a very pleasant and sun-filled location. It is home to the Department of National Defence and headquarters of Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet. Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt employs around 4,000 military and 3,000 civilian personnel, making it a significant contributor to Victoria's economy.

For more information, visit the website of The Township of Esquimalt.

Colwood

Colwood Harbour Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

Incorporated in 1985, the City of Colwood is divided into residential pockets such as Triangle Mountain, Colwood Creek, Colwood Lake Estates, Wishart and Lagoon areas. There are business centres at Colwood Corners and Hatley Park.

The area offers a variety of recreational pursuits. The Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre is considered to be one of the most complete sport complexes in Juan de Fuca course. The area offers a nature reserve as well as a beach for sun tanning, swimming, wind-surfing, sailing or just walking. Views of downtown and views of the American coast over the Strait of Juan de Fuca are also enjoyed. In addition, there are a number of smaller parks. Colwood is also home to Royal Roads University.

Garbage collection is done on a private basis and the area is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Fire Department is a mix of regular and volunteer members. The area is well served by public transit. There is a private medical clinic available in Colwood Corners for emergency assistance, but most medical problems are taken care of at the Victoria General Hospital located on Helmcken Road which is very close by.

For more information, visit the website of the City of Colwood.

View Royal

The town of View Royal was incorporated in 1988 and encompasses 1,007 hectares (2,488 acres) of land and 253 hectares (626 acres) of foreshore and land covered by water.

View Royal lies at the doorstep of Greater Victoria's urban core and adjacent to the established municipalities of Esquimalt and Saanich.

View Royal is served by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis and areas within the township are protected by a tree-cutting bylaw.

View Royal has been divided into seven distinct Precincts based on such factors as topography, major transportation corridors, natural environment and the age of housing stock. They are Craigflower, Harbour, Helmcken, Hospital, Burnside, Atkins and Wilfert. Each Precinct can also be described and identified according to its population, the number of dwelling units by type and ownership, the amount of land available for new development and the presence of commercial and retail land uses.

For more information, visit the website of The Town of View Royal.

Saanich West

Saanich West Gorge real estate area Wendy Moreton

Saanich East and Saanich West is a sprawling area composed of a number of distinct neighbourhoods.
The eastern side of Saanich is dominated by the University of Victoria which is very much a part of the local life of the community. Saanich West is a multifaceted community stretching from the established suburban neighbourhoods of the Gorge area north to the rural farmland around Elk Lake and Prospect Lake.
The landscape of Saanich is unique for its ecological diversity and leisure potential. There are 170 municipal parks, three regional parks and a cycling network route to see and explore. Saanich has more parks per capita than any other municipality in B.C. There are several excellent golf courses in Saanich: Blenkinsop Valley, Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay and Prospect Lake golf courses.
Saanich's distinct neighbourhoods include the following:
GORDON HEAD is a solidly upper middle class family area with several shopping malls, restaurants and movie theatres within a short driving distance.
HIGH QUADRA overlooking Blenkinsop Valley.
BROADMEAD with imaginative West Coast architecture.
CORDOVA BAY is perched along the seaside and includes a mixture of cottages, small farms, sizable family homes and new subdivisions.
THE GORGE waterway on the west side of Saanich is a beautiful setting and a popular area for young families who prefer to live close to town. The Tillicum mall, Town and Country shopping centre and the Silver City movie theatre are all conveniently located.
The Victoria General Hospital is little farther West and North among the family-oriented neighbourhoods of Strawberry Vale, West Burnside and Glanford Area. Interurban campus of Camosun College lies in the middle of this growing area, which is also host to many new subdivisions of single family residential development.
PROSPECT LAKE is slightly further North, a well established area featuring a 9 hole golf course and a "lakeside retreat" ambience. Decidedly rural, the Elk Lake/Beaver Lake and the Old West Saanich Road areas include many horse farms and small acreages.
For more information, visit the website of The District of Saanich.

Sidney

Sidney Waterfront Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

"Sidney by the Sea" as it is affectionately known, is located about 20 kilometres north of Victoria. It enjoys a temperate climate, natural amenities and friendly community character. Sidney is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Sidney has extensive waterfront walkways, parks, restaurants and marinas. Sidney is very proud of the redeveloped Mary Winspear Community Centre, which includes the 315 seat Charlie White Theatre. Sidney's popular Thursday evening street market runs through the summer and attracts visitors from around the region.

With its sister municipalities of North Saanich and Central Saanich, Sidney helps fund the nearby Panorama Leisure Centre, which provides indoor tennis, two indoor ice rinks, a large indoor pool and other facilities.

There is daily ferry service to Anacortes, Washington, U.S.A. Sidney is less than two kilometres away from the Victoria International Airport, just a few kilometres from the B.C. Ferry Terminal to Vancouver and only 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria.

For more information, visit the website of the Town of Sidney.

North Saanich

Brentwood Bay Prime Real Estate Area in North Saanich Wendy Moreton

The overriding philosophy of North Saanich residents is to retain the rural qualities of the area with an acute awareness of the protection of the environment.

Agricultural, residential and institutional uses are the primary land uses in North Saanich with only minor commercial or industrial uses (with the exception of the Victoria International Airport). The dominant agricultural/residential uses result in the highly valued rural atmosphere of North Saanich living. Almost all the housing is classified as single detached homes.

The Panorama Leisure Centre provides indoor tennis, ice arena, pool and other facilities while the Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club and the Ardmore Golf Course serve golf enthusiasts.

Because of the community's preference for retaining larger lot sizes and the rural nature of residential neighbourhoods, water supply is provided by wells or the municipal water system. North Saanich is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Waste disposal is done on a private basis.

For more information, visit the website of The District of North Saanich.

Central Saanich

Agriculture is the most extensive land use activity in Central Saanich, with pockets of housing ranging from hobby farms to townhouses dispersed throughout. The necessary services are provided through two core commercial areas in Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, supported nicely by the Keating X Road industrial/commercial area.

The overriding philosophy of the community is to retain the current rural character, agricultural land base and as much as possible provide for slow, long-term growth where it will have the least impact on the agricultural lands and the environment.

Central Saanich has its own police force and Fire Department. Garbage collection is done on a private basis.

For more information, visit the website of The District of Central Saanich.

Highlands

Many people choose to live in the Highlands because of its rural character and natural beauty. Residents are encouraged to build their homes with the least environmental impact by minimizing vegetation removal, using materials that blend in with the landscape and positioning homes so that they are not highly visible from the road or viewpoints.

Mount Work Regional Park boasts swimming holes, fishing spots and hilly terrain as well as the highest peak on the Saanich Peninsula. Lone Tree Regional Park has a two kilometre trail that winds uphill, leading hikers to fabulous views of the Highlands, Victoria and the Olympic Mountains.

During a normal winter, the Highlands experiences cooler temperatures and more rainfall than Victoria, which is needed to recharge well water resources and maintain ecosystems during dryer conditions that occur during the summer and fall months.

The Highlands is home to many interesting plants and ecosystems such as wetlands, woodlands, wildflowers and old growth trees. The roads are scenic, narrow and winding.

For more information, visit the website of The District of Highlands.

Metchosin

Metchosin Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

Metchosin is mainly a rural community with large parcels of land. It includes areas such as Albert Head, William Head, Rocky Point, Happy Valley and the Kangaroo Road areas.

Horseback riding, nature trails and parks are common in the district, which also offers a number of golf courses. Matheson Lake is popular for swimming and hiking. Witty's Lagoon is an oceanfront area for a variety of sports and for relaxation. Pedder Bay is well known for its fishing and Metchosin is the setting for Pearson College, which attracts students from all over the world. As the area is mainly rural, there are a variety of farm-related organizations and horse and riding clubs.

Parts of the community are served by a community water system however there are large parts that are serviced by private wells. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm. There are also some private sewage systems. Garbage collection is done on a private basis. There is limited bus service throughout the area, both for public transport and for schools. Metchosin falls under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and has a volunteer Fire Department.

For more information, visit the website of The District of Metchosin.

Langford

Langford Real Estate Market City Centre Wendy Moreton

The Langford area is large, extending from West Saanich to View Royal, along Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke and northwards including portions of the Malahat Drive. Incorporated in 1992, the City of Langford is divided into distinct areas such as Glen Lake, Happy Valley, Florence Lake, Langford Proper, Thetis Heights and the Goldstream Area. There is a business and commercial area running from the Goldstream/Millstream intersection to Jacklin Road and extending to Westshore Town Centre on Kelly Road.

The area has a large number of lakes and parks, offering a variety of recreational pursuits. The larger lakes include Thetis Lake, Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake. The ever-popular Goldstream Park also has a provincial campground and is famous for its annual salmon spawn.

Langford also includes the Olympic View and Bear Mountain developments featuring golf courses, a hotel and spa along with residential housing.

Most of the community is served by a municipal water system however there are large parts that are serviced by private wells. Septic tanks and septic fields are the norm though some areas are served by private sewage systems. Garbage pickup is done on a private basis. There is bus service throughout the area. Langford is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

For more information, visit the website of The City of Langford.

Sooke

Located west of Victoria, Sooke became incorporated in 1999. Sooke is divided into distinct areas known as Sooke Village, East Sooke, Broomhill, Saseenos, Sooke River, Whiffin Spit and "the West Coast Road". There is a growing business section in the downtown core, good schools, sports facilities and an excellent museum.

Sooke offers a variety of recreational activities reflecting its natural surroundings. Excellent fishing, boating, hunting, hiking and horseback riding are available. The area contains an abundance of lakes, parks and nature trails including the Galloping Goose linear park, East Sooke Park, Sooke Pot Holes, the well-known Sooke Harbour, the world-renowned West Coast and Juan de Fuca Trails as well as Botanical Beach at Port Renfrew. Sooke also offers great surfing and whale watching.

Sooke is a popular tourist area boasting the world famous Sooke Harbor House and a large number of private bed and breakfast facilities and country lodges tucked away in the woods and usually on the waterfront. It also has a local government wharf and private marinas.

Sooke falls under the jurisdiction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The community has a volunteer fire department. Parts of the community are served by a municipal water system however there are large areas that are served by private wells and community water systems. Garbage collection is done on a private basis.

For more information, visit the website of The District of Sooke.

Mill Bay

Mill Bay Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

Mill Bay is an unincorporated village-style community of approximately 3,000 people. It includes three shopping malls, including Mill Bay Centre, which serves as a regional shopping centre for the south end of the Cowichan Regional District. As well as being a significant commercial centre, the area is noted for its spectacular ocean views and numerous recreational opportunities. It includes the Kerry Park Recreation Centre with an ice rink, and the Brentwood College School.

Malahat

Malahat Real Estate by Wendy Moreton

Malahat Proper is a rugged region containing mature forests and steep cliffs. Winding north from Victoria, the Malahat Drive offers spectacular views of the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands.

To the north is the community of Shawnigan Lake, an area noted for its pristine lake views and water-based recreational opportunities. The community of Mill Bay, with its quiet waterfront streets, is found at the north end of the Malahat Drive. Beyond Mill Bay is the farming village of Cobble Hill, located on the southern end of the famed Cowichan Valley.

Shawnigan Lake

Malahat Proper is a rugged region containing mature forests and steep cliffs. Winding north from Victoria, the Malahat Drive offers spectacular views of the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands.

Links and Resources for the Greater Victoria Area

Real Estate

Victoria Real Estate Board
B.C. Real Estate Association
Real Estate Council of British Columbia
Open Houses Victoria
Citified Victoria
Vibrant Victoria
BC Homeowner Protection Office
Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation
REALTOR®.ca
The Canadian Real Estate Association
Walk Score

Finances & Banking

BMO Financial Group
Canadian Western Bank
CIBC
Coast Capital Savings
Greater Victoria Savings Credit Union
HSBC
Island Savings
RBC Royal Bank
Scotia Bank
TD Canada Trust
FX Connectors Currency Exchange
Universal Currency Converter

Government

B.C. Statistics
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
Capital Regional District
City of Colwood
City of Langford
City of Victoria
District of Central Saanich
District of Highlands
District of Metchosin
District of North Saanich
District of Oak Bay
District of Saanich
District of Sooke
Government of British Columbia
Government of Canada
Ministry of Finance & Corporate Relations
Residential Tenancy Branch
Strata Property Act
Town of Sidney
Town of View Royal
Township of Esquimalt

Transportation

BC Ferries
BC Transit
Black Ball Ferry MV Coho
Washington State Ferries
Clipper Vacations Victoria Clipper
Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC)
Tofino Bus Island Express
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
WestJet
Air Canada

Business

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Human Resources & Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
Industry Canada
Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Small Business BC
VIATeC
Victoria Better Business Bureau
Westshore Chamber of Commerce

Weather

Environment Canada
The Weather Network

Services

Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL)
CRD Recycling
Island Return It Recycling Centres

Recreation

Capital Regional Parks
Esquimalt Parks & Recreation
Oak Bay Parks & Recreation
Panorama Recreation Centre
Galloping Goose Trail
Royal Victoria Yacht Club
Saanich Recreation Centres
Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre
Sooke Recreation
West Shore Parks & Recreation

Tourism

Attractions Victoria
GreaterVictoria.com
Royal BC Museum
The Butchart Gardens
The Gulf Islands
Tourism Victoria
BC Vacation Homes
Travel BC