Nature Walks Right Outside Our Door:
Natural beauty is everywhere on Vancouver Island, but members named two especially favourite walks within 15 minutes of our site. The walk we went on together at Highrock Park is a quick climb with one of the best panoramic views in the area. It’s the perfect place for morning walks, sunset views, or a quick nature break - and some of our members noted that it’s flush with Garry Oaks, which only grow here on the west coast. Nearby, Saxe Point Park features coastal walks and spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Both walks are dog friendly (which our dog members appreciate!)
Everyday Essentials Across The Street:
Our future site is at the heart of Esquimalt, with access to grocery stores, coffee shops and the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, all within a five minute walk. The Recreation Centre includes a swimming pool, gym, and multipurpose rooms, and is fully wheelchair accessible. Right next door is the Archie Browning Sports Centre, home to an ice rink and a six-sheet curling rink. Our cohousing site’s location makes it possible to have fun and run errands without needing a car. We’re close to the local elementary and high schools. And because our site is so central, we’re also just a 5 minute walk from the local library - which means you’ll never be far away from your new favourite read.
Local Food Gems:
Our members all suggested that La Belle Patate and Syriana were the best local eateries to check out, and again - they’re just blocks from our site. Syriana is a restaurant and bakery that was started by a Syrian refugee family who moved to Victoria in 2017. From humble beginnings as a market stall, today Syriana is a thriving restaurant - and they serve the best baklava in town! La Belle Patate serves up authentic Quebeçois fare, including poutine, spruce beer and smoked meat. Ten minutes walk away, you’ll find Kid Sister ice cream, which features hyper-locally sourced ingredients and mouth-watering creative flavours like Quince Swirl, and Sea Salt.
Places Kids Love:
Several members shared why this neighbourhood is such a great place for kids to grow up. One of our members recommends taking your little ones to the Dockyards for unforgettable afternoons of ship watching. Another member shared that she’s excited to take her grandchild to Esquimalt Adventure Water Park, which is a free local splashpad, park and playground all on the Rec Centre grounds. One of our Associate members shared that the Esquimalt Roasting Company has amazing coffee and snacks, as well as a beautiful public square for kids to run around on. And of course, Buccaneer Days (when everyone in Esquimalt dresses like a pirate, matey) is fantastic fun for Esquimalt kids of all ages.
Be Our Neighbour:
One of the reasons we chose this site for Esquimalt Village Cohousing is simple: the neighbourhood already has everything that helps a community thrive. Parks and coast views, schools and recreation, local cafés and family-run restaurants — all within a short walk of our future homes.
Cohousing is about more than the buildings we create together. It’s about the everyday life that surrounds them: impromptu ice cream runs, sunset walks at Saxe Point, kids racing across the splash park, or neighbours bumping into each other on the way to the library.
When we stood together at the top of High Rock Park, looking out over the neighbourhood, it was easy to imagine that future. If sharing this virtual walk around Esquimalt makes you curious about joining our community, we’d love to tell you more.
