7 Things to Do in Victoria's West Shore
The West Shore is composed of the communities of Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Metchosin, and the Highlands. This must-see region lies to the west of Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island from Esquimalt Harbour to rocky Point along the shore of Juan de Fuca Strait which leads out to the Pacific Ocean.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together some of our favourites including family-friendly things to do and unique accommodation options. Here are seven ways that you can enjoy Victoria’s West Shore this summer.
1. Be adventurous
Your adventurous soul will find no shortage of activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Embark on an aerial adventure at WildPlay Element Parks, where you'll make your way through a series of tree-top obstacles and zip lines, unleashing your inner monkey (or sasquatch) amidst Greater Victoria's rainforests.
2. Hike, bike & get out on the water
For a breath of fresh air, choose from the CRD Regional Trails network which includes over 80 kilometers of multi-use pathways. Whether you're running, walking or biking along the trails, these trails will take you anywhere from urban sites through rolling farmland, along oceans, and through parks. If you feel like adventuring with a guide, check out the CRD Regional Parks Nature Outings. Rent a bike from TREK Bicycle Store of Victoria, located right on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail at the Gorge, and enjoy a day of biking out to the WestShore and back from downtown. If you'd like to get out on the water, rent a boat at Pedder Bay Marina and RV Resort or book a fishing charter with First Class Fishing Charters and Adventures.
3. Enjoy a round of golf
Home to several world-class golf courses, the West Shore is undeniably a golfer's paradise. Book a round at Olympic View Golf Course, which is known for its tranquility and nature. As you chip your way through the links, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the golf course blends manicured greens with the rugged natural beauty of our Island rainforests, and you guessed it, breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains across the Salish Sea. After scoring that hole-in-one, you owe everyone a round, so stop by Table Nineteen, Olympic View's on-site restaurant, who serve up fresh, local food created by Executive Chef Cooper Green and his team.
4. Get sporty
Did you know the Westshore plays home to not one, but two sports teams? Footy fans can rejoice as they cheer on Greater Victoria's own CPL team, Pacific FC. Join the sea of purple and blue as fans chant and cheer on the home squad at Starlite Stadium. The stadium is also home to Rugby Canada, and plays host to several friendly matches every year for both the men's and women's national teams.
5. Immerse yourself in local history
Possibly one of the most scenic attractions in all of Victoria is Hatley Park National Historic Site, located at Royal Roads University. It's one of the few Edwardian estates in Canada that still has its key structural elements intact. Here, you'll explore the beautiful Hatley Castle and surrounding gardens.
After your visit to Hatley Park, head over to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. A former west coast artillery fortress that was on active duty from 1895 to 1956, Fort Rodd Hill still houses many original early 19th century buildings. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the history of the site and pay a visit to Fisgard Lighthouse - the oldest lighthouse on Western Canada's coastline.
6. Find your cup of tea
Described as Victoria's coziest tea shop, Island Elixir Tea Company, is the perfect place to find a cup that's right for you. This small but mighty shop, tucked away on Station Avenue, provides a range of handcrafted blends all inspired by the wild beauty of Vancouver Island. But Island Elixir is so much more than just a tea shop, book a tea experience where you can learn about the story of tea, how to steep the perfect cup, teas from around the world, and how to pair tea with chocolate.
7. Roll the dice
Casino Victoria features over 70,000 square feet of entertainment. Players can join an array of table games including blackjack, roulette, pai-gow, and baccarat, or try their luck on one of over 770 slot machines. Make an evening of it by indulging in dinner at the pub, which serves up a casual up scale a la carte menu, or their fast service restaurant focused on quick bites and Asian inspired noodle bowls. The casino also boasts one of the city's best event spaces, attracting concerts, comedians, theatre, and more.
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