WestShore

WestShore: Colwood, Langford, Highlands, View Royal and Metchosin

A must-see family-friendly waterfront community with a rich heritage and unique connection to nature. Most of this area is close to downtown, which makes it a great place to stay just outside the city.

A harbour of history

Be sure to see Hatley Park National Historic Site, a beautifully preserved Edwardian estate complete with an ivy-draped manor house, seaside lawns and formal gardens. Visitors can even walk in the steps of a super hero, as Hatley Castle was featured as Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in the popular X-Men films and in television series including Smallville and Arrow.

Nearby, check out the century-old gun batteries and commanding sea views at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. This park-like setting hosts an historic coastal artillery fort and Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse.

More military history and modern might are on display at the Naval & Military Museum at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

Connect with nature

Cycle along the famous Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which winds through a whopping 55 picturesque kilometres (34 miles) of the WestShore communities. Then stop for a cold pint of fresh, local craft beer or a hearty ploughman's lunch at a neighbourhood pub—you've earned it!

In the Langford area, notable natural features include three prominent lakes (Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake), as well as Mount Finlayson, Mount Wells and Goldstream Provincial Park.