Exploring the Neighbourhoods of Greater Victoria, BC
One of the best parts about living in Victoria is how every neighbourhood has its own unique personality. Whether you’re looking for waterfront living close to downtown, a family home in the suburbs of Victoria near the University of Victoria (UVic) or a quiet forested spot in Highlands or Metchosin, the Greater Victoria area has something that fits just about every lifestyle. I've lived here all my life and have spent time in just about every corner of the region. So here’s my personal breakdown of all the best neighbourhoods across Greater Victoria, big and small from Sooke to Sidney to Shawnigan Lake.
There's so many great neighbourhoods and I'll be updating this page often. Send us your favourite photos of these neighbourhoods and we'll feature them here!
Victoria
Let’s start right in the heart of it all. Victoria proper includes a few well-known neighbourhoods that offer a mix of history, character, and walkability.
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Downtown
Downtown Victoria is where everything happens. Great restaurants, shopping, pubs, and coffee shops are all within walking distance. It’s compact, historic, and full of charm. If you like condo living and being close to the action, this is the place.
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James Bay
Just south of downtown, James Bay is one of Victoria’s oldest residential areas. You’re right next to the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the Dallas Road waterfront. The houses here are full of character and the sense of community is strong.
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Fairfield
Fairfield has tree-lined streets, heritage homes, and easy access to Cook Street Village and the ocean. It’s one of the most walkable and desirable neighbourhoods in the city. Families and professionals love it here.
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Fernwood
Quirky, artsy, and full of character, Fernwood is known for its community vibe, theatre, and creative spirit. The Fernwood Square area is always buzzing with activity.
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Rockland
Home to historic mansions and the Government House gardens, Rockland feels grand and quiet. It’s tucked just above downtown and has a mix of luxury homes and heritage charm.
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Oak Bay
Oak Bay has that classic old Victoria feel. Think tree-lined streets, Tudor style homes, and manicured gardens. It’s an upscale area with oceanfront streets like Beach Drive and some of the most desirable real estate in the region. Oak Bay Village is charming and full of shops and cafes. Uplands is one of the most prestigious residential areas in all of Greater Victoria.
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Esquimalt
Esquimalt is just west of downtown and is home to the naval base and has some of the most affordable waterfront in the region. The parks along the shoreline are fantastic and there’s a growing community vibe with new restaurants and services popping up.
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View Royal
View Royal is a great mix of residential neighbourhoods and nature. Thetis Lake Park is one of the best places to hike or swim and there’s a nice blend of older homes and newer townhouses. It’s right between Victoria and the Westshore so it’s super central.
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Saanich
Saanich is huge and has a lot of variety. It wraps around much of Victoria and stretches from the lakes and farms of the interior all the way to the ocean.
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Gordon Head
Gordon Head is a quiet suburban area close to the University of Victoria. It’s full of family homes, parks, and a great spot for students and faculty.
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Cadboro Bay
This little beachside village is tucked between the university and the ocean. The beach is popular with families and dog walkers and the small shops give it a laid back vibe.
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Broadmead
Known for its West Coast contemporary homes and forested streets, Broadmead is peaceful and well maintained. You’re close to trails, parks, and shopping at Broadmead Village.
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Royal Oak
Royal Oak is another central area with great shopping and access to trails. It’s close to schools and has a mix of condos and family homes.
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Swan Lake
This neighbourhood is super central and has a mix of older and newer homes. Easy access to downtown and the highway makes this a great spot for commuters.
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Ten Mile Point
A quiet and exclusive waterfront area with large properties and peaceful streets. It’s tucked away but still close to Cadboro Bay and the university.
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Langford
Langford has seen massive growth over the last decade. It’s one of the fastest growing areas on Vancouver Island. You’ll find a mix of new subdivisions, condos, and single family homes. There’s shopping, restaurants, and tons of recreational options including Bear Mountain and Langford Lake.
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Colwood
Colwood has beautiful beaches like Esquimalt Lagoon and Royal Roads University. The neighbourhoods here feel a bit quieter and more laid back than Langford but still have easy access to amenities. Ocean views are a big draw in this area.
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Metchosin
If you’re looking for rural charm, Metchosin is all about open space, farmland, and privacy. It’s great for folks who want space for gardens, animals, or just more breathing room. You’ll find ocean views, forest trails, and a real sense of community.
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Highlands
The Highlands is one of the most forested and natural parts of the region. It’s rural, quiet, and full of hiking and biking trails. Most of the properties are on acreage and it feels a world away from the city even though it’s just a short drive from Langford.
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Sooke
Heading west, Sooke has become a popular spot for people who want more space and Sooke real estate offers an array of affordable homes. It’s got that true West Coast feel with oceanfront properties, rainforest, and a strong local community. The drive into town is beautiful and you’re close to outdoor adventures like East Sooke Park and the Juan de Fuca Trail.
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Sidney
Up the peninsula, Sidney is a walkable oceanside town that’s become very popular with retirees and those looking for a quieter lifestyle. The waterfront walkway is beautiful and the town is full of local shops, cafes, and book stores. It’s also close to the airport and ferry terminal so it’s a great base if you travel a lot.
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North Saanich
North Saanich is mostly rural with a mix of farms, waterfront estates, and quiet residential streets. It’s known for its privacy, natural beauty, and being close to both the ocean and the airport. It’s a peaceful place with a slower pace of life.
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Central Saanich
Central Saanich is full of farms, wineries, and family homes. Brentwood Bay and Saanichton are two great little communities here. You’re close to Butchart Gardens, hiking trails, and the ferry terminal. It’s a great mix of rural and residential.
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Shawnigan Lake
Further north into the Cowichan Valley, Shawnigan Lake is a great spot if you want lakefront living and a cottage lifestyle within commuting distance to Victoria. It’s popular for summer homes but also has a growing year round community. The lake is the heart of it all and it’s a favourite for swimming, paddle boarding, and relaxing on the dock.
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Greater Victoria isn’t just one city, it’s a whole collection of unique neighbourhoods, towns, and communities that each bring something special to the table. Whether you want to live by the ocean, deep in the forest, in a walkable village, or tucked away in a quiet cul de sac, there’s a corner of this region that fits. As someone who’s lived here all my life, I can tell you no matter where you end up, you’re going to love calling this place home.