What are the 13 Municipalities of Greater Victoria?
In a previous post, we talked about the neighbourhoods in and around Victoria. Today, we’re talking about the different features between the regions of Greater Victoria. The Capital Region spans from North Saanich, down to Oak Bay and over to Sooke and it varies from densely populated bedroom communities to vast tracts of farmland. With all these incredible options, you’re sure to find your ideal place in the Capital Region, with the perfect custom home as the icing on the cake.
1. Central Saanich
Called “the Land of Plenty”, the District of Central Saanich is big on agriculture. It’s growing fast and is now home to over 17,000 people with over 7,000 homes. The region is very family-friendly and is home to 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 6 secondary schools. Central Saanich has the highest concentration of agriculture in the region, with housing types ranging from sprawling acreages to pocket neighbourhoods. Central Saanich is a very active community and you’ll find great amenities, beaches and parks, like the gorgeous Island View Beach.
2. Colwood
The oceanfront City of Colwood is steeped in rich history and you’ll find everything from a castle to stretches of beach to acres of old growth forest. Colwood is a seaside community with a population of 17,000 people. Colwood has been growing by leaps and bounds, with the population estimated to grow to over 22,000 by the year 2028. Development projects are a constant in the city, with job opportunities expected to increase by an incredible 83.7% by 2038, thanks to additions to the retail sector. Colwood is home to all the amenities you could ever want, including the popular West Shore Parks and Recreation facility and Galloping Goose trail running through the heart of the city.
3. Esquimalt
Only 5 minutes from downtown Victoria, the Township of Esquimalt is a peninsula with over 30 beaches, parks and green spaces. Esquimalt is perhaps best known for its Canadian Forces base, which also happens to be the township’s largest employer. However, it’s also home to many modern rec facilities, a world class golf course and the West Bay Walkway, which easily connects pedestrians to downtown Victoria. Esquimalt itself is highly walkable and despite its 17,655 residents, it has a great small-town feel.
4. Highlands
Highlands is a rural residential municipality that’s ideal for those who love to be outdoors, exploring the many local trails and taking in the views. Highlands is home to 2 outdoor recreation parks, 1 provincial park and 4 regional parks, including Eagles Lake, a small swimming hole favoured by the locals. Highlands is a good fit for those who want to live in the hills outside of busier residential areas with plenty of amenities nearby.
5. Juan de Fuca EA
The Juan de Fuca Electoral Area is part of the Capital Regional District and includes the diverse coastal areas of Otter Point, Port Renfrew, East Sooke, Malahat, Willis Point and the Chatham and Discovery Islands, located near Oak Bay. According to the 2016 census, the population was 4,670 with 1,192 private homes. The population has been shown to be slowly increasing over the years as more people discover the beauty of the rugged 80 km of coastline, trail systems and popular campsites, including those along the famous Juan de Fuca trail. Otter Point has the largest population of the different areas, with East Sooke in a close second. If you dream of living in a quiet space in nature, the Juan de Fuca EA would be a great fit.
6. Langford
Langford is a sports mecca and a gateway to Victoria. Amenities like the Jordie Lunn bike park, Boulderhouse climbing gym, many parks and playgrounds, the Bear Mountain Rec Centre and so much more means that you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. There’s also plenty of shopping, arts and culture, and of course, the hiking, biking and fishing that the Greater Victoria region is famous for. For families, there are many public and private schools (with two new public schools in progress) making Langford an ideal place to raise a family. One of the largest cities in the Region, Langford has an estimated population of 45,821 and is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada.
7. Metchosin
With a small population of 4,708 and a median age of 51.1, Metchosin is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. With a rural residential feel like Highlands (but by the sea) Metchosin is home to wide open spaces and pastoral farmland, making it ideal for your dream estate. Just 20 KM west of downtown Victoria, Metchosin is ideal for horseback riding along the Galloping Goose Trail, exploring the beach at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park or canoeing at Matheson Lake.
8. North Saanich
Known as “The Land Where It Is Good to Be,” North Saanich District has a population of around 11,000 people. Like most of the other regions throughout Greater Victoria, North Saanich boasts its own long stretches of beach, parks and trails. North Saanich is made up of fertile agricultural farmland and rocky hills. Despite the quiet country living, North Saanich is highly accessible, since it’s home to the Victoria International Airport and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
9. Oak Bay
With a population of 18,000 people, Oak Bay is one of the larger and more densely populated districts in Greater Victoria. It’s also one of the oldest suburban areas in Victoria, having been incorporated in 1906. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Oak Bay is bordered by the Salish Sea and is home to the Oak Bay Marina, making it ideal for boaters. With several private schools for all age groups and a higher median income than the national average, Oak Bay features many well-appointed suburban neighbourhoods and luxury homes.
10. Sidney
Sidney By the Sea is a picturesque seaside community on the Saanich Peninsula. With a mainly level topography, Sidney is very walkable and has many great shops and attractions like the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea Aquarium, bookstores, cafes, and a 420 ft fishing pier and marina. Like North Saanich, Sidney is also highly accessible. It’s home to the Anacortes WA Ferry Terminal (Anacortes is a Sister City), is only 20 minutes driving distance from downtown Victoria and is just a few moments from the Victoria Int’l Airport and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. The median age of Sidney is 60.4, making it an ideal place to retire or build a home for your family in a quieter seaside location that’s still close to Victoria.
11. Sooke
The District of Sooke is touted as a “small town with a big heart – where the rainforest meets the sea.” Sooke has been growing in recent years, with a current population of 13,000. The median age is 42, which represents a shift towards families and young professionals. Residents love its stunning rugged coastlines and rainforest. Mainly a residential rural community, Sooke is a very active community, indoors and out! Whatever your sport, from fastball to ice skating, there’s a community group and a venue for it.
12. Victoria
The Capital of BC, Victoria is the largest of the 13 municipalities within the Capital Region. With a population of 94,000 people, it’s the vibrant core of the region that receives over 4 million visitors each year. With a combination of heritage buildings and state of the art infrastructure on the beautiful southern tip of the island, it’s a great mix of natural surroundings and modern amenities. Victoria is an ideal choice for students of all ages as well, with 44 schools for children of all ages, plus the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College. Victoria is also a transportation hub, with easy access to seaplanes, helicopters, airports, cruise ships, passenger trains and ferries. If you like to be in the centre of it all, Victoria is a great choice.
13. View Royal
Home to over 10,400 residents and growing rapidly, View Royal is a convenient gateway between Victoria proper and the surrounding West Shore. Incorporated in 1988, View Royal started with a population of just 5,000. Despite continued commercial growth and development, it’s maintained a small-town character throughout its 8 precincts. The town has plenty of outdoor green space, with the Esquimalt Harbour, Thetis Lake Regional Park and Portage Inlet. View Royal is home to the Victoria General Hospital and has easy access to north and South Vancouver Island via the Trans Canada Highway.
The 13 regions of Victoria vary and there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to figuring out where you most want to be. Take a look at our upcoming projects throughout the Capital Region to get an idea of what we can do for you. Then, contact us at White Wolf Homes for a complimentary consultation for a custom build or home renovation. Together we can create a plan for a gorgeous new custom home that also matches your lifestyle wish list.