Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada

Coast Salish Native people had inhabited the area for about 400 years before the arrival of European settlers. There has long been a village site near Ashe Head on the eastern shore of Esquimalt Harbour, where the Esquimalt Band makes its home today. The Songhees had lived on the west shore of Victoria Harbour prior to establishment of their nearby reserve in 1911.

Spanish explorer Don Manuel Quimper first arrived in Esquimalt Harbour in 1790, naming it Puerto de Cordova. Hudson’s Bay Company Chief Factor James Douglas visited Esquimalt Harbour in 1843 on a mission to seek a new site for their operations north of the 49th parallel. Establishing the new fort on the shore of Victoria Harbour, Douglas signed a series of treaties with local native people to acquire the area for the HBC, later establishing three farms to supply Fort Victoria and other HBC forts in the northwest with agricultural produce.

The municipality of Esquimalt, incorporated in 1912, has many heritage buildings and beaches with excellent views of Victoria Harbour and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Essentially one large peninsula, Esquimalt is bounded on the south by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the west by Esquimalt Harbour, and on the north by a long fingerlike inlet of tidal water called the Gorge.

The west coast base for the British Royal Navy as early as 1837, Esquimalt Harbour now houses Canada's own Pacific Naval Fleet. The Naval Base was formally authorized on June 29 1865, and was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1910.

The natural harbour occupied by CFB Esquimalt supports the ships of the Canadian Pacific Fleet, with 4000 military service personnel and 2000 civilians working onboard ships or at the base. Add to this their families, and it can be seen that there is a considerable military community in the Victoria region. The base contributes about $340 million annually to the local economy. There is a rich naval history on the west coast of Canada, beginning in 1846, when the Royal Navy established a presence in Esquimalt, to the current operations of Maritime Forces Pacific.

Today, the residents of Esquimalt enjoy its many amenities, which include 29 hectares (72 acres) of beautiful parks, scenic waterfront walkways, recreational facilities, a superb golf course, shopping and restaurants.

Population: 17,407

Location: Esquimalt is located 2.5 miles (4 km) west of downtown Victoria.

View map of the area:
Map of Greater Victoria

Journey through Canadian military history at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, built in 1891 as an annex to the Royal Naval Hospital. Located in Naden on Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the museum exhibits include spotlights on the Canadian Women's Army Corps, the Royal Canadian Navy on the West Coast, and the West Coast Defences. The museum chronicals the birth of Canada's navy on the west coast and describes the many operations and missions west coast ships have served in. Visitors can imagine life aboard a crowded Second World War Minesweeper or learn about the soldiers who protected Canada's West Coast, and children aged 8 years and under can enjoy the special interactive gallery. Visitors note that photo ID is required for entry to the military base (Naden Entrance), and the museum is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Explore the relationship between Canada's navy and the west coast by taking a walking tour of the HMC Dockyard.

The community of Esquimalt boasts numerous charming heritage properties that provide convenient lodging for visitors visiting friends and family members based at CFB Esquimalt - see Premier Listings below.

Esquimalt offers beautiful parks and private gardens, including Highrock (Cairn) Park, 11.75 acres of rocky knolls and natural meadows. The view from the Cairn captures the breathtaking beauty of southern Vancouver Island, and is one of the most panoramic in the Greater Victoria area. The Cairn was donated in 1962 by the Royal Canadian Navy CFB Esquimalt to commemorate its 50-year association with the people of Esquimalt.

Saxe Point, Esquimalt

Wander along relaxing pathways at Saxe Point, a popular waterfront park with beautiful gardens, woods, trails, access to a sheltered beach, and inspiring vistas of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic mountains.

West Song Walkway meanders along the Esquimalt shoreline and captures the views of Victoria Harbour, the Inner Harbour and the Olympic Mountains.

Kinsmen Gorge Park, along the Gorge waterway, provides picnic tables, playground equipment, a children's beach area, and tennis and sand volleyball courts.

Five historic walking tours of Esquimalt have been developed, and maps are available at the library in the Esquimalt Plaza.

Capture the views from MacAulay Point and Fleming Beach, the locations of the now-abandoned military gun sites and observation points used in Esquimalt's early days.

The Archie Browning Sports Centre houses an arena, six sheet curling rink and lounge areas and is the main location for large meetings, wedding receptions, conventions, conferences and trade shows. Winter activities include hockey, broomball, figure skating, speed skating and curling. During the non-ice months, the centre hosts a variety of trade shows, conferences and community functions, along with ball hockey, roller hockey (in-line skating) and lacrosse.

The Esquimalt Recreation Centre, a water sports and multi-purpose building, boasts a six-lane, 25-metre heated indoor pool, with a number of activity and meeting rooms that will accommodate up to 300 people for various recreation programs, community meetings, and wedding receptions.

Esquimalt offers easy access to the nearby Galloping Goose Trail, a 55 kilometre multi-use trail, which connects Victoria to Sooke and beyond. The Galloping Goose is very much a family ride. A paved trail with abundant scenery makes for a smooth journey.

Golf: The nearest golf courses are the Metchosin Golf Course, the Olympic View Golf Club, and the Royal Colwood Golf Club. Other Victoria courses in close proximity include Gorge Vale Golf Club, Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club, and Cordova Bay Golf Club. Nearby Oak Bay has the Uplands Golf Course and Victoria Golf Club. Golf Packages in Victoria.

	SpringTide Charters, Victoria	Listing Details
	Join SpringTide on BC’s newest and largest whale watching vessel, the 86-passenger, 61-foot Marauder IV, and experience the excitement and memories of our Pacific Ocean Wildlife! Enjoy complimentary beverage and snacks while listening to professional biologists provide an informative interpretation. Or, join other adventurers for the exhilarating excursion onboard one of SpringTide's high-speed, open Zodiacs.

	Cottage Pirouette Bed and Breakfast, Victoria	Listing Details
	Charming 1930's home located in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from the centre of Victoria and close to the CFB Esquimalt Naval base. Featuring coved ceilings, hardwood floors, and ceramic tiles. Choose a Japanese or Canadian breakfast, served on Royal Doulton china and featuring a variety of homemade breads and jams.

	EMR Vacation Rentals, Vancouver	Listing Details
	EMR is a fully licensed Travel Agency offering fully furnished vacation homes, condos, suites, and estates in Victoria, Vancouver, Tofino, Whistler, the Okanagan, and on Vancouver Island. We have a large inventory of unique properties to select from. This includes properties that feature oceanfront, beach front, breathtaking views, private hot tubs, luxurious settings and more.

	Geoffrey McLean - Re/Max Camosun, Victoria	Listing Details
	Geoff McLean specializes in real estate in the Greater Victoria area. His honest approach to serving his clients has earned him an excellent reputation on Vancouver Island, with numerous awards and accolades. Geoff is well connected in the industry and in the community, important details when choosing a Realtor.

	Lighthouse Brewing Company, Victoria	Listing Details
	BC's Fresh Local Brewery, Lighthouse Brewing Company is a Quality First progressive thinking microbrewery producing four all-natural distinct beers: Race Rocks Amber, Beacon India Pale Ale, Keepers Stout, and Lighthouse Lager. Initially supplying Victoria-area pubs and bars, you can now find our beers on tap and in retail stores at over 450 locations across British Columbia.

	Miles Takacs - Coldwell Banker, Victoria	Listing Details
	If you are looking for Real Estate in Victoria British Columbia, you have found your way! Miles Takacs has lived in Victoria for over 30 years and knows the city well. From waterfront luxury to quaint English charm , Miles' extensive local knowledge will help you find what you're looking for.

	Real Estate On Vancouver Island, Bowser	Listing Details
	Looking for Vancouver Island Real Estate information? We can help! Buying a home? Try our Personalized Property Search. See all the information such as room sizes, taxes, pictures and more on your own private web site. Selling your home? Get a Free Home Home Market Evaluation. Find out how much your home should sell for in today's ever changing market.

	Scott Piercy & James LeBlanc Real Estate, Victoria	Listing Details
	Scott Piercy - Sotheby's International Realty Canada - offers twelve years of marketing properties and brokering luxury vacation homes in the international marketplace. He has the resources to find the perfect match for the most challenging homebuyers, as well as a host of international clients for the special vendor.

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