Greater Victoria Neighbourhoods and Communities

In many ways living in the Greater Victoria neighbourhoods and communities is the same as living in any other moderate-sized Canadian city. We enjoy live theatre, professional sporting events, plenty of green space and a vibrant downtown. However just like every city, there are some things that make Victoria so special and unique, that you just have to come see for yourself! 

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Fall day in James BayFall day in James Bay

Our beautiful city sits on the largest island off the Pacific Coast of continental North America. Our island is larger in area than many European countries and yet we have a population of just around 850,000 with approximately half of us living on the southern tip in the Capital Regional District (CRD). Learn more cool information about the people and the place on our Guide to Vancouver Island page. 

The City of Victoria has a population of approximately 86,000 – with another 300,000 of us living in Greater Victoria in the municipalities of Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke and The Highlands.  The bulk of those not living in the City of Victoria are located in Saanich or "on the Westshore" which is comprised of Langford, Colwood, Metchosin and View Royal. Some argue that Sooke and The Highlands are also part of the Westshore, but mostly they prefer not being lumped together.

Oh and did I mention our incredible weather? The region boasts the most moderate temperatures in the entire country and we get very little snow! And then there's our flowers - with their very own website! 

The many municipalities and distinct neighbourhoods that comprise Greater Victoria add to the character and charm of the region. 

Some of our favourite Victoria neighbourhoods and communities are:

Lekwungen Traditional DancersLekwungen Traditional Dancers

Long before non-native settlement, the region’s Coast Salish First Nations peoples established communities in the area. The indigenous peoples of the region include, among others, persons of the Esquimalt, Songhees, Beecher Bay, Malahat and Tsartlip Bands. 

The rich heritage of the indigenous people is presented in various cultural events as well as world class works of art, found in public spaces, in local galleries and in the Royal BC museum. 

Fort Rodd Hill has previously hosted the Coast Salish Pit Cook that demonstrated how the Coast Salish people traditionally cooked native plants such as camas and lily bulbs in pits. The day began with a traditional welcome followed by carving demonstrations, workshops and presentations as well as songs and dances by the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers. We hope to see a return of this event in our post-pandemic world.

Lekwungen Traditional DancersLekwungen Traditional Dancers

This is just one example of some of the cool stuff happening in the Greater Victoria neighbourhoods and communities.  Other activities include:

  • Moss Street Paint In (Victoria)
  • Symphony in the Summer Festival (formerly known as Symphony Splash in the inner harbour)
  • Ribfest (Esquimalt)
  • Buccaneer Days (Esquimalt)
  • Dragon Boat Festival (inner harbour)
  • Oak Bay Tea Party (at Willows Beach in Oak Bay)
  • Goldstream Salmon Run 
  • Gorge Family Picnic (on the Gorge Waterway in Saanich)
  • Eats & Beats (Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood)

Be sure to check out our Festivals & Events page for even more local activities. 

Would you like to contribute? It’s easy!  We all have our favourite places – maybe it is for relaxing, outdoor adventure, shopping, dining or arts and entertainment. Just click on the link and tell us what yours is. Upload a photo if you have one and let others know your favourite Victoria neighbourhoods. 

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