Saanich Peninsula (Area Population: 37,670)
The beautiful rolling landscape of the Saanich Peninsula is dotted with farms, communities, parks, forests, lakes, and ocean inlets. Two main routes run between Sidney and Greater Victoria: Highway 17, known as the Pat Bay Highway, and Highway 17A, also called West Saanich Road. Highway 17 is the most direct route to Victoria, while Highway 17A offers a more relaxed drive through the scenic rural areas of the Saanich Peninsula. Both routes are wonderfully scenic and lead to the Peninsula’s many delightful sights and attractions.

City of Victoria (Population: 326,00)
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, was originally established in 1843 by James Douglas as a fort for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Bastion Square marks the site where a portion of the fort once stood, although all that remains now are two iron rings set into the rocks at the foot of Fort Street, next to the old Customs House.

GREATER VICTORIA MUNICIPALITIES:

Oak Bay
Oak Bay has it all…a charming seaside suburb close to downtown Victoria in beautiful British Columbia. Find time to rest a while on the sandy beaches, enjoy a cup of tea or a pint of beer, discover Oak Bay’s unique shops, great restaurants, colourful gardens and leafy avenues... But there’s much more... with snow-covered Mount Baker and bald eagles in view, try kayaking or whale watching, feeding the seals, salmon fishing, or an eco-adventure trip... yes, Oak Bay has it all.

Esquimalt
Esquimalt, named after a First Nations word for “place of shoaling waters,” was first established in 1865 as a British naval base. The Royal Canadian Navy took charge in 1910 and still operates the second largest naval base and dockyard in Canada after Halifax.

View Royal
View Royal was first settled in the early 1850’s by Dr. John Helmcken when he purchased 259 hectares (640 acres) of farmland from the Hudson’s Bay Company. At the foot of present-day Helmcken Road, a concrete marker and bronze plaque commemorate the days when crews from passing ships replenished their water supplies from a spring that flows from a property on Bessborough Road.

Colwood (Population: 14,524)
Established by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Colwood was originally a farm that supplied the growing population of Fort Victoria. Today, Colwood is a wonderful place to golf, fish, cycle, and boasts a range of attractions and activities.

Langford (Population: 18,060)
Right next door to Colwood is the community of Langford. Well worth a visit, Langford features pristine parks, crystal-clear lakes, and a wealth of recreational choices.

The Highlands is a lovely area with many beautiful parks including Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Mount Work Park, and Lone Tree Park.  All of these parks have walking and hiking trails and feature gorgeous scenery.  While you're in the area, stop in at the Caleb Pike Homestead, recently designated a National Historic Site.  The home was built in 1883 and some of the apple trees are more than 100 years old.  Picnics are permitted on the lawns and tours of the grounds are offered.

Sooke (Area Population: 11,620)
Sooke is a bustling town known for its community spirit and pride and for top-notch outdoor adventure experiences. Those looking for easy-going relaxation will find plenty of beaches and parks to explore, while the more energetic can choose from golfing, cycling, fresh and saltwater fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, hiking, and much more.

Port Renfrew (Population: 400)
The West Coast Road ends at the quaint village of Port Renfrew, known for fresh and saltwater fishing, canoeing in the San Juan River, and dense forests of massive trees. Port Renfrew also marks the southern end of the West Coast Trail (see page 96). The friendly local pubs and inns are havens for hikers from all over the world embarking on or completing their treks on the West Coast Trail or the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.

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