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GREATER VICTORIA COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Greater Victoria is comprised of several municipalities and townships. If you are wondering where you should live in Victoria, our neighbourhood and municipality guides will help give you a general idea of each area. This is a general guide that can help newcomers understand the main differences between the different parts of Greater Victoria. For all real estate listings, please refer to the real estate listings map of Greater Victoria. Our blog also features topics related to all of Greater Victoria real estate news (i.e. new strata bylaws). 

VICTORIA COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Also known as the “Downtown Area,” Victoria is a concentrated area with a rich history. As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria contains Parliament and several other government buildings. Historic sites, parks, and a beautiful harbour are just a few of the many features Victoria contains.

Photo of Empress Hotel in Victoria community information
Photo of pub in Victoria commercial district commercial real estate

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Shopping is a dream come true in Victoria, especially in established areas along Johnson Street, Douglas Street, and Government Street. Many commercial real estate listings are emphasizing smaller spaces like boutique shops, office spaces, and restaurants. Many businesses have been established for decades, making this area’s shopping reputation very desirable.

Photo of sold home by Ann Watley in Victoria Residential Real estate

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Residential real estate tends to lean towards condominiums, townhouses, and smaller-sized homes on the outskirts of Downtown, such as Fairfield or Fernwood. These single-family homes are usually older builds, while multi-family units like condominiums are generally newer construction with more modern features.

Photo of Bastion Square in Victoria Things to do in VIctoria

THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA

Downtown Victoria contains the best shopping district in the entire Greater Victoria region, combined with a competitive restaurant market. In Victoria, you will find everything you need (and more) from a 50+ year old bookstore, a 100+ year old tea and coffee shop, modern shopping malls like Mayfair Shopping Centre and Hillside Centre, and Victoria’s Chinatown, which is the oldest Chinatown in all of Canada!

SCHOOLS & OTHER AMENITIES NEAR VICTORIA

Photo of Victoria Parliament Schools and Other Amenities in Victoria

OAK BAY COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Oak Bay runs along the eastern edge of the Greater Victoria Region. It has a slower pace of living compared to Downtown Victoria and offers its own charm. Oak Bay is a great place to retire, relax, and unwind.

Photo of Oak Bay Pier and Ocean Oak Bay Community Information

SCHOOLS AND AMENITIES NEAR OAK BAY

  • Oak Bay High School
  • Monterey Middle School
  • Margaret Jenkins Elementary School
  • Sundance-Bank Elementary School
  • Willows Elementary School
  • Ross Bay Cemetary
  • Camosun College
Photo of interior of home with brown and beige accents real estate in Oak Bay

REAL ESTATE IN OAK BAY

Oak Bay is primarily a residential neighbourhood with many single-family homes. Several luxury homes can be found in Oak Bay, some with oceanfront access to Willow’s Beach and phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean. Executive-style homes can be found in subareas such as Rockland, Fairfield, and Uplands. The Uplands neighbourhood is a top-of-the-line suburb with the most luxurious homes, manicured lawns, and pride of ownership. 

Photo of Willow Beach in Oak Bay things to do in Oak Bay

THINGS TO DO IN OAK BAY

Willows Beach is a beautiful, white sandy beach located on the eastern side of Oak Bay. Generally less populated than other Victoria beaches, Willows Beach contains a relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean. Nearby is Oak Bay Avenue, or “the Avenue” as locals call it. This main street holds most of the commercial options for the area, along with a mini shopping area near Estavan and Cadboro Bay Road. Locally owned and operated shops line Oak Bay Avenue, along with a few recognizable features such as banks, grocery stores, and a library.

CENTRAL & NORTH SAANICH COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Central and North Saanich make up a very large portion of the Greater Victoria Region. Central Saanich contains Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, while North Saanich connects northward into Sidney. Just north of Downtown Victoria is another region referred to as Saanich.

Outside view of home sold by Ann Watley in West Saanich Community Information
Photo of home sold by Ann Watley on Barrett types of real estate in Saanich

TYPES OF REAL ESTATE IN SAANICH

Real estate listings in Central and North Saanich are mainly residential with a few commercial zones filled with shopping options like grocery stores, restaurants, and medical buildings. Shelbourne Street, Saanich is very desirable for families and has a mix of single-family homes and townhouses for residential real estate options. Gordon Head is a popular area for families, as there are plenty of affordable housing options and it isn’t too far from the downtown core. 

Photograph of Butchart Gardens in Saanich things to do in Saanich

THINGS TO DO IN SAANICH

The Butchart Gardens is a top tourist attraction in Victoria. This 118+ year old garden contains several distinct zones showcasing attractive landscaping, rare flowers, and themed gardens. After your lovely stroll through the garden, stop in at a restaurant for a bite to eat or to experience an authentic high-tea experience. Saanich is also home to several wineries, parks, Broadmead Shopping Centre, and Mount Douglas Park.

Dad and daughter playing at the beach with orange sunset and ocean in behind schools and amenities near saanich

SCHOOLS & AMENITIES NEAR SAANICH

SIDNEY COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Located on the upper north side of the Saanich peninsula, Sidney is a beautiful seaside community with a small-town charm.

Photograph of Sidney Pier with town and vibrant blue sky in behind Sidney Community Information
Outside photo of sold home by Ann Watley at Allbay types of real estate in Sidney

TYPES OF REAL ESTATE IN SIDNEY

Many properties in Sidney began as farms and have evolved into more established areas. You can find almost any type of property in Sidney, from hobby farms to modern condominiums. Townhouses and single-family homes are also popular choices. Ranchers on large lots for gardening, executive-style homes, and oceanfront properties are all options within Sidney. Buildings are generally only a few floors tall at most, so you are unlikely to find skyscraper condominiums in Sidney anytime soon. This adds to the small-town charm that is so popular with families and retirees.

Photo of thew waterfront area in Sidney with commerical real estate

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

The commercial real estate district is concentrated to the east of the Victoria International Airport. Sidney offers a small-town lifestyle, so most shops are locally owned and moderately small in size. Office spaces, hotels, restaurants, and a few grocery stores are other commercial options within Sidney.

Sidney waterfront and look out on to the ocean things to do in Sidney

THINGS TO DO IN SIDNEY

Sidney is a great starting point for entertainment. With easy access to Downtown Victoria, those options are as easy as hopping on a city bus and going for a ride. In addition, the Swarz Bay Ferry Terminal connects with the Lower Mainland in Tsawwassen, making trips to Vancouver an absolute breeze. The Victoria International Airport offers even more options for getting from place to place. Those that prefer to stay within Sidney will benefit from the multiple beaches, restaurants, and beautiful scenery.

WESTSHORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION

ESQUIMALT, COLWOOD, LANGFORD, SOOKE

The western side of Downtown Victoria is collectively referred to as “Westshore.” This is another large area comprised of Esquimalt, Colwood, Langford, and Sooke. This is an actively growing area within the Greater Victoria region. Many working professionals choose to live in West Shore due to the proximity to Downtown Victoria and the number of affordable homes.

Photograph of lighthouse in Westshore Community information
Photo of home sold by Ann Watley at Gourman types of real estate in westshore

TYPES OF REAL ESTATE IN WESTSHORE

Residential real estate within Westshore contains more affordable single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums when compared to Victoria. The increase in population over the past few years has also meant more construction of commercial real estate properties. Activity centres, educational institutions, restaurants, office spaces, and retail spaces have all seen an increase in their numbers. 

Arial view of Victoria from Mount Doug things to do in Westshore

THINGS TO DO IN WESTSHORE

Westshore is great for working professionals, families, and retirees. At only a short distance from Downtown Victoria, the number of things to do just keeps on increasing. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of parks and nature trails, and brave ones can even attempt an obstacle course at WildPlay. The pristine Bear Mountain Resort has been a choice location for many getaways, weddings, and special events.

Photo of Hatley Castle in Westshore Schools and Other Amenities in Westshore

SCHOOLS & AMENITIES NEAR WESTSHORE

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MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.