My Favourite Spots on the Westshore

It’s no secret that the housing market in Victoria could use some work—it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find rentals in the communities surrounding UVic. As a result, more and more students are being forced to look for rentals further away from UVic, such as in the Westshore. Or maybe you’re like me, and you’ve been living in the Westshore since well before you started at UVic, and chose to stay.

While the commute isn’t great, I choose to focus on the positives. The Westshore communities (Colwood, Langford, Highlands, View Royal, and Metchosin) have some beautiful views and perks that make living out here pretty awesome. Therefore, here are my favourite spots on the Westshore:

Royal Bay Beach Park

Photo by Maddy Morrison

You’ll find some beautiful views here, as well as a volleyball court, playground, and often a couple food trucks.

Sequoia Coffee and Big Wheel Burger are just up the road as well, and Royal Bay is a developing neighborhood so I hear a Noodlebox is coming soon!

Starlight Stadium

Photo by Maddy Morrison

Whether you’re watching a professional game from Pacific FC or attending one of the many events here, Starlight Stadium is a great place to spend a weekend night.

Juan de Fuca Library

Photo by Maddy Morrison

It’s not the flashiest library out there, but it’s one of the only places I can get some work done. It’s always quiet, they have a great selection of books, and they have big tables that look out onto green space.

Esquimalt Lagoon

Photo by Maddy Morrison

It’s what you might here Westshore locals call “the goon,” but it’s also the perfect place to take a walk on the beach.

Lookout Lake

Photo by Maddy Morrison

My personal favourite lake in the Westshore, and always my first choice for a summer lake-day.

Belmont Market

Photo by Maddy Morrison

A new addition to Langford that has some great restaurants!

Triangle Mountain

Photo by Maddy Morrison

There’s not many places to hang out or park a car up here, but it’s nice for a drive at sunset. I have a couple friends who live up here and the views of the mountains always amaze me. It’s also where you’ll find Lookout Lake!

My-Chosen Cafe

Photo by Maddy Morrison

This is your typical small-town, family-run restaurant complete with the Sugar Shack next door to the restaurant and My-Chosen Pizza downstairs. They even have a small farm in the back with goats, chickens, and ducks!