Western Communities

The Western Communities encompass the communities of Colwood, Highlands, Langford, and Metchosin.

Colwood
Established by the Hudson's Bay Company, Colwood was originally a farm which supplied the growing population of Fort Victoria. Today, one of the most popular attractions in the area is Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Park, the site of Victoria's coastal defence between 1878 and 1956. Walk through Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse on the west coast, then stroll through the peaceful grounds and relive the past or have a picnic on the lawn or by the sea. Look for shells along the sandy beach at Esquimalt Lagoon, watch the seabirds in the sanctuary and enjoy the views of Victoria and Esquimalt across the water. The Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre offers swimming, and a variety of sports activites including a par 3 golf course and jogging trails.

The Highlands
The home of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, a 1200 hectare park with 25 km of hiking trails. Mount Work Park, where hikers can explore several trails, Lone Tree Park and Caleb Pike Homestead Historic Site.

Langford
Next to Colwood is the community of Langford and Goldstream Provincial Park which draws crowds, especially during the fall months, to see the spawning salmon. This annual upstream journey takes place generally between late October and the end of November, and can be viewed from bridges and pathways along the river. Eagles can also be seen as they make an annual stop in the park to feed on the salmon.

Goldstream is also the place to find massive trees, majestic waterfalls, and a meandering river that meets the sea. The Nature Hut, located in the park, features exhibits and offers guided hikes and nature walks.

Mt. Finlayson at 1375 feet offers superb views of Finlayson Arm and the surrounding Victoria area. The trailhead is located on the east side of Mount Finlayson Road, just past the Goldstream Park day-use parking lot and the bridge over the Goldstream River.

Visit Mill Hill Park and enjoy a short walk to the summit lookout to catch spectacular views. Along the lush creekbed carpets of yellow wood violet, trillium and sword ferns are seen in spring-a beautifully scenic spot for horseback riding, jogging, cycling or hiking.

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is a 100 km multi-use trail that links the communities of View Royal, Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke. The trail can be used for hiking, cycling, roller blading, horseback riding, or just going for a stroll.

Metchosin
Metchosin, a predominantly rural area, is a nature lover's paradise with many trails, beaches, and parks. Historic sites include the Metchosin Schoolhouse and St. Mary's church. Built in 1871, the one-room schoolhouse was one of B.C.'s first schools. Now one of the province's smallest museums, it contains a fascinating array of area artifacts and photographs. A short distance from the village, at the end of Taylor Rd. there are earthwork fortifications - evidence of Spanish landings in the 1790's.

Take in views of the Victoria skyline and the Juan de Fuca Strait from Albert Head Lagoon Park and walk or ride horseback in Devonian Regional Park, both nature sanctuaries, as well as The Galloping Goose, also a multi-use trail. For birders there's a variety of forest, meadow, and seashore birds at Witty's Lagoon Park - a bird sanctuary, and Matheson Lake Park - a great place to hike or swim.

Ocean beaches, where eagles, seals and otters may be spotted, include Witty's beach, Taylor beach and Weir's beach. For golfers there's Metchosin Golf & Country Club, Olympic View Golf Club, and Green Acres par 3 driving range. For divers Metchosin even boasts a marine park, Race Rocks Marine Ecological Reserve.

Throughout the community a number of very talented artists and craftspeople have studios where you can find pottery, jewelry, stained glass, hand crafted furniture, fabric art, paintings, and carvings. In the spring, summer and fall the Metchosin Farmers' Market has lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as delicious home baking and jams.

Other events include "Fired Up" an outstanding pottery art exhibition held in May, the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts held at Pearson College in July, the Metchosin Sheep Dog Trials in late July, Metchosin Day and St. Mary's Blackberry Festival in September, The Metchosin Gift Show & Studio Tour in November. Wander the beautiful grounds at Pearson College of the Pacific, one of the United World Colleges and the location of the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts. In December the students of Pearson College give a concert at the Community Hall. From September to May there are monthly concerts at St. Mary's Heritage church and the Community Hall holds craft fairs in March, October and November.