Vic West

Lifestyle & Recreation

Here, the charm of downtown Victoria and its inner harbour are at your fingertips. Scattered within walking distance, residents can enjoy some of Victoria’s best fine and casual dining. Whether it be a locally roasted coffee at a neighborhood café, a pint at a local brewpub, or a romantic dinner featuring picturesque views of the inner harbor and the Gorge waterway.

Vic West is an ideal place for families young and old; with so much to do and see, days are easily fun-filled no matter the weather. The Songhees walkway spans the edge of the neighborhood offering spectacular waterfront and harbour views perfect for walks with the dog, adventures with the kids, and jogs for the fitness enthusiasts. Vic West also has one of the highest ratios of parkland to population in the city with Banfield Park, Victoria West Park, Raynor Park, and Barnard Park all found therein.

Amenities & Transportation

Victoria West has become increasingly popular due to its prime location. With a walkscore in the mid-70’s, and a transit system score in the high-50’s, owning a vehicle here is optional. Most homes for sale in Vic West are only minutes to downtown over the historic Johnson Street bridge. Vic West also features Westside Village to satisfy home buyers basic and recreational needs with grocery stores, clinics, offices, fitness center, and the local park including skatepark, basketball court, and baseball/soccer fields.

History

Historically, Vic West was the site of the indigenous village of the Songhees. In 1911, the Songhees people relocated a short distance away to permit industrial, commercial and residential development of the area. Not originally known for its wealthy inhabitants, Vic West was home to mostly working-class citizens contributing to the growth of the region’s shipping and rail industries. At one time, there were as many as seven shipyards located in the area due to its excellent placement along the Gorge Waterway. As industry began to diminish by the late 1980’s, Vic West was reborn as condominium developments to accommodate the area’s growing demand for residential housing. What started out as one building in the late 1800’s has grown to include several exciting contemporary development sites such as Dockside Green, Bayview Place and the Railyards.

Schools

In terms of schooling, Victoria West Elementary is located on the edge of the neighbourhood’s border and has a strong focus on literacy. For older students, Rockheights Middle School and Esquimalt High School are located in nearby Esquimalt.

Location

Vic West is part of the City of Victoria’s core, though it is separated from downtown by the waters of the inner harbour to its north, east, and south. On its western side is the district of Esquimalt.