Esquimalt
OVERVIEW
Located less than 10 minutes from Downtown Victoria and surrounded by waterfront, Esquimalt offers a unique blend of history, nature, and convenience. It was used as a port by the Royal Canadian Navy in the 1880s and is still home to the Canadian Forces Base. Before the township of Esquimalt was officially formed in 1912 by early settlers, its land has long been inhabited by the Coast Salish people for over 4000 years.
Esquimalt Condominium Benchmark Price: $348,800 (as of Dec 2018, according to MLS® Home Price Index)
Townhouse Benchmark Price: $529,500 (as of Dec 2018, according to MLS® Home Price Index)
Single Family Home Benchmark Price: $638,500 (as of Dec 2018, according to MLS® Home Price Index)
Esquimalt
Rich in history, Esquimalt still reflects its early beginnings with traditional heritage homes and buildings, complemented by lush trees, parks, and coastal waterfront.
This Township encourages the maintenance and preservation of historical buildings, respecting the district’s early history, and lending to its old-world charm. Whether you’re looking for a beautifully refurbished heritage home, a renovation project, or simple-living in a modern, waterfront condo that’s a short stroll away from the action and amenities of Downtown Victoria, Esquimalt may prove to be the ideal location for you.
ESQUIMALT LOCATION
Lifestyle
Outdoor Urbanite
70% city + 30% Island Life
Walkable and bikeable access to Downtown Victoria and neighbouring districts of Victoria West and Saanich/Tillicum area.
Plenty of beautiful parks, historical sites, beach access, and walking trails. Each area of Esquimalt is relatively close--within a short bike ride, drive and even stroll--to a small plaza or strip of convenience stores.
Walkability and Bikeability
Esquimalt has a Walkscore of 65. Somewhat walkable (some errands can be accomplished on foot) and, on average, people in Esquimalt are within a 5-minute walking distance to 3 restaurants, bars or coffee shops. Stroll or cycle to downtown Victoria via the paved Galloping Goose trail.
Pet-Friendly
Dogs are welcomed on-leash at many parks and public beaches and a few parks offer designated dog off-leash areas. Refer to this Dogs in Parks document for details on where dogs are allowed or restricted in the Esquimalt area.
Senior-Friendly
Easy access to outdoor parks and green spaces, and living within close proximity to Downtown Victoria, hospitals, and amenities make Esquimalt a somewhat senior-friendly district. Getting to Downtown Victoria is easier by bike, public transit or car when compared to the 50+ minutes it can take on foot. Esquimalt Road is somewhat poorly-lit and can be busy with traffic and pub goers after dark.
Family-Friendly
Esquimalt offers a variety of single-family homes, spacious townhouses, and condos--some of which are along quiet streets and cul de sacs. Family-friendly community and sporting events, as well as easy access to parks, schools, community centres, and Downtown Victoria, make Esquimalt a suitable community for families.
Key Landmarks & Amenities
Parks & Outdoor Attractions
Surrounded by ocean and beaches on nearly every side, Esquimalt boasts over 30 parks and public green spaces to enjoy. Following are just a few:
This beautiful, 143-acre, 18-hole golf course welcomes players of all levels and ages. Its park-like setting makes it one of Vancouver Island’s favourite golf clubs. Find out more!
Connected to the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and includes a water park for kids, playgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and a public washroom.
History dating back to the early 1900s. Now features a breathtaking rose garden and old-growth trees and a paved walkway with picnic tables and benches along the Gorge Waterway. Also serves as the grounds for the Gorge Waterway Nature House. The Gorge Waterway offers calm waters that are perfect for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. Find out more!
A 2.9-kilometre waterfront walkway that features plenty of benches.
Features a walking trail, beach access, benches, picnic tables, a grassy area, and one of the best lookout points for viewing the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Find out more!
Schools
Esquimalt is part of Greater Victoria School District No. 61 which includes 27 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 7 secondary schools. The following schools are located within the Esquimalt area and include public schools as well as independent schools and programs:
Victoria Montessori Preschool: Offers preschool and childcare using Montessori curriculum to students 2.5 years through K.
La Pre Maternelle Appletree Preschool: Francophone preschool for children from thirty months of age to school age.
Macaulay Elementary: Public elementary school offering dual track instruction in both English and French Immersion to students from K to grade 5.
Victoria West Elementary: Public elementary school offering English and optional early French Immersion instruction to students from K to grade 5.
Craigflower Elementary: Public elementary school located on traditional territories of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, offering instruction to students from K to grade 5.
Rockheights Middle School: Public middle school offering instruction to students from grade 6 to 8.
Shoreline Community Middle School: Public middle school offering instruction in both English and French Immersion to students from grade 6 to 8.
Esquimalt High School: Public high school located on traditional territories of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, offering both English and French Immersion instruction to students from grade 9 to 12.
Esquimalt Music Centre: Offers music instruction in drums, guitar, and piano/keyboard to children, teens, and adults.
École Victor-Brodeur: French first language school offering instruction to students from K to grade 12.
LIBRARIES, Community Centres & facilities
Esquimalt’s multi-use facility including an ice arena (that doubles as an indoor lacrosse box), a curling rink, and lounge. Find out more.
includes a pool, weight room, gym, and fitness spaces as well as a teens centre and spaces for rental. Find out more.
Public access library serving the Esquimalt community. Find out more!
Arts, Cultural Attractions & Festivals
Visit The Township of Esquimalt’s official website for a directory of parks and attractions, amenities, services, and community events within the Esquimalt district. Following are just a few notable, landmark attractions and festivals that the community of Esquimalt is known for:
A fun, annual, community carnival with a parade, food trucks, amusement rides, and local vendors that takes place over the course of a 3-day weekend every May. Find out more!
An annual weekend of local music, beer, cider, kids’ games, and did we mention ribs? It’s fun, delicious and supports a good cause: raising $7M to build an all-weather playing field for the community of Esquimalt. Find out more!
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, with Esquimalt’s annual holiday light show and parade, complete with Christmas carols, a car show, hot cocoa and snacks for the whole family. What started as one man’s dream has become one of Esquimalt’s and Greater Victoria’s most cherished annual traditions. Takes place every year on the first Sunday of December. Find out more.
Retail, GROCERY & DINING
Esquimalt has a few of its own neighbourhood plazas for groceries and dining, as well as being in close proximity to Downtown Victoria and its neighbouring district, Victoria West. Following are just a few key retail hubs within the Esquimalt neighbourhood:
Westside Village Shopping Centre: Located on the outskirts of Esquimalt in its neighbouring district, Victoria West, this outdoor shopping plaza features a large Save-On-Foods grocery store, Starbucks, financial institutions, a day spa, and several other neighbourhood-centric services. You’ll find a large Goodlife Fitness located across the street.
Esquimalt Plaza: Located next to the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Features a large Country Grocer, dry cleaners, liquor store, dollar store, Little Caesars, Esquimalt Optical, Esquimalt Bake Shop, and Serious Coffee.
901 - 1310 Esquimalt Road: On either side of the road you’ll find a strip of various shops including take-out food, Shoppers Drug Mart, convenience stores, and Red Barn Market: a country-style, specialty grocer.
Tillicum Centre: Located within a 10-minute drive from Esquimalt, in its neighbouring district of Saanich, this indoor mall features an Old Navy, Winners/HomeSense, Save-On-Foods, Mr. Pets, Fabric Land, Starbucks, London Drugs Pharmacy and a medical walk-in clinic along with several other retailers, vendors and restaurants. Pearkes Arena and Recreation Centre and Cineplex SilverCity movie theatre are located across Tillicum Centre’s back parking lot.
Accessibility
easy access
Esquimalt’s #15 bus goes directly between Esquimalt and Downtown Victoria, and as far as the University of Victoria campus in Foul Bay.
Proximity
Within 10 minutes' drive to Victoria’s downtown core via two city bridges. | Within walking or cycling distance to Victoria’s downtown core via two city bridges and the scenic, pedestrian-only (walking/cycling) Selkirk Trestle and Galloping Goose Trail. | Within 15 minutes' drive to Victoria General and Jubilee Hospitals. | Within 30 minutes’ drive to Victoria Airport and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. | Within 10 minutes’ drive to Seaplane and Clipper Ferry terminals. | Within 10 minutes’ drive to Tillicum Shopping Centre.
Iconic Condo & Townhouse Communities
Esquimalt boasts a mix of historical building and heritage homes, mid-century family homes, older apartment complexes, and modern, recently-built condominiums. Following are few of the most notable condo and townhouse buildings located within the historical district of Esquimalt:
A modern and recently built, oceanside condominium community of 3 buildings with a combined total of 85-units and 15,000 sq ft of walkways and green space for outdoor enjoyment and yoga. Offers 1-2 bedroom and live/work suites with scenic, harbour views and wellness-focused amenities including Energy Star appliances, low VOC finishes, an alkaline water filtration system, and more. Search our MLS® Victoria search engine for condos for sale in the Westbay Quay community.
Built in 2009, this 4-level, 84-unit condo building offers modernly appointed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites and its own on-site gym. Search our MLS® Victoria search engine for condos for sale in The Ovation building.
Want to view discover new pre-sale opportunities?
Check out our Developments Page!
Shop for a Home in
ESQUIMALT
Considering a move to Esquimalt? You’ll love the convenience and proximity to Downtown Victoria. Esquimalt is also known to host some pretty unique properties, including mid-century modern style homes and spacious condos with vaulted-ceilings. Get started with your search today with a Real Estate Expert. Here are some tips and resources to help get you started with your search!
PROPERTY SEARCH TIPS
f you’re seeking a convenient location that’s within short walking or bicycling distance to groceries, recreation centres, and other amenities, when you use our MLS Victoria Search Engine to shop for properties in the Esquimalt area, also refer to the provided map for townhouses and condos for sale which are situated close to Gorge Park and Tillicum Road, Bullen Park and Esquimalt Road (between Fraser Street and Lampson Street), and Esquimalt Road and Head Street.
Enjoy shopping and shortlisting your favourite ones, and when you’re ready, give us a call at (250) 382-6636 to arrange a viewing.
