The West Shore (Langford & Colwood)

The region immediately west of Victoria is known as the Western Communities, or West Shore, and stretches westwards from Esquimalt Harbour to Rocky Point, along the shoreline of the Juan de Fuca Strait.

This part of Vancouver Island was opened for farming in the 1860s to provide fresh produce for the burgeoning population of gold miners and attendant settlers in the nearby Victoria region. As such, the natural ambience here remains pastoral, particularly in Metchosin and the Highlands. Today, the Western Communities is a largely residential and rural area of Greater Victoria, offering a number of excellent parks, golf courses and many other sports facilities. The population (2006 Census) is 58,450 including the West Shore municipalities of Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, View Royal and the Highlands. The area is accessed from Victoria by Douglas Road, which becomes the Trans-Canada Highway 1, and the West Coast Highway 14 (Sooke Road).

Sidney, Sooke, and the West Shore are close to Victoria

There are three major communities close to Victoria: the delightful seaside town of Sidney in the Saanich Peninsula, the beautiful district of Sooke, and the vibrant West Shore. The smaller communities of Saanich, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, View Royal and the Highlands are also part of the Victoria communities.

Victoria

Victoria is loved for its diversity—a city where the youthful energy of the West Coast blends with time-honoured British, European and Asian traditions; where it is just as natural to picnic on a beach as it is to take tea in a formal tearoom; where you can explore on a bicycle or by a horse-drawn carriage; and where splendid historic buildings house galleries of contemporary art. Victoria is a city of beautiful contrasts, with the elegance of history mingling with the panache of modern life. It is a place to relax and restore your sense of balance and also a place to experience thrilling adventures.

History

When the gold rush started in 1858, Victoria grew into a wild frontier city almost overnight. The population increased tenfold in one year as businesses sprang up to serve the needs of thousands of miners of European and Asian descent who arrived daily, joining the British, French-Canadian, Métis and Hawaiians who were already working for the Hudson's Bay Company. The evidence of these cultural influences is everywhere in Victoria. The Gate of Harmonious Interest is a modern addition to Canada's oldest Chinatown, once a “forbidden city ” of mystery and intrigue where few Westerners dared to enter. The architecture of St. Ann's Academy reflects the Québeçois origins of the sisters of St. Ann who arrived in 1858 and played an important role nursing and teaching in the early days of the city.

Cultural Capital of Canada

In 2005, Victoria's vibrant culture won the attention of the country, and the city was awarded Cultural Capital of Canada status. Several new cultural projects that reflect the city's history, diversity, and artistic community have since developed.

Festivals

As a city, Victoria loves its festivals and the community gathers for gala celebrations to honour all the things Victorians love: jazz music, ghosts, gardens, fine food, visual arts, literature, boats, theatre—and that's just the beginning. Check out the list of annual festival highlights at www.tourismvictoria.com/events.

Dining

Victoria's youthful spirit is also amply evident in its cuisine. In addition to Victoria's long-time affection for afternoon tea, Victoria and all of Vancouver Island are developing a reputation as Canada's Provence. The local bounty is exceptional. West Coast or “Island” cuisine is prevalent and includes specialties such as Pacific Seafood, Island-grown products and local cheeses. Many restaurants feature Vancouver Island and BC wines paired with local and exotic cuisines. For reviews and more information on brewery, culinary, farm, and winery/cidery tours and dinner cruises visit www.tourismvictoria.com/.

Marine Activities

Naturally, with the Pacific Ocean right here, many of the most popular activities for the entire Island are marine-based. Whale and wildlife watching, yachting, kayaking, sailing, diving and fishing are all available. Victoria is famous for sailing and is an international marine racing gateway. From the yearly Floating Boat Show to the Swiftsure International Yacht Race, from the Classic Boat Festival in September to the Dragon Boat Festival, and this year, the Tall Ships Festival in June, boat enthusiasts are active. And don't forget the fish you'll catch!

Location

Vancouver Island and Victoria are easily accessed by a variety of transportation services. You can fly to Victoria International Airport from many Canadian and American cities. You can quickly fly from Vancouver to Victoria “harbour to harbour ” via float plane. Charter flights and helicopter services are also available. For those more interested in scenery than speed, the 1.5 hour journey on BC Ferries between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay is spectacular and comfortable. Washington State Ferries run regularly between Sidney and Anacortes, Washington.

Population

Population statistics show the Victoria municipality population at 78,057, although the Greater Victoria area (Capital Regional District) is 330,088; Vancouver Island is 699,645. Victoria offers a daily newspaper, twice weekly local newspapers, weekly entertainment guides, and many other publications. There are several local radio stations and a TV Station. An active Chamber of Commerce, a variety of business organizations, service clubs and local and national charitable organizations serve the population. Victoria has 2 major hospitals and many walk-in clinics. The University of Victoria offers over 100 programs to 18,000 students in day, evening and distance education classes.

Golfing

If you are an avid golfer, you probably already know about the amazing courses on Vancouver Island, courses designed by masters like Jack Nicklaus, A.V. Macan, and Les Furber, courses that have challenged the likes of Tiger Woods, Mike Weir and Scott McCarron, courses acclaimed in Golf Digest and Score Golf Magazine, and classic courses like the Victoria Golf Club and the Royal Colwood.