Our Neighbourhood

We've put together some important information regarding our little corner of Victoria. We are located across the harbour from downtown Victoria and the inner harbour. In fact we are on the outer harbour. Our area includes Saxe Point, West Bay, Fleming Beach, Macaulay Point and Work Point. We are just 2½ miles from downtown Victoria, but our neighbourhood is very quiet at night, and peaceful during the day.

THE BOARDWALK INTO DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

The oceanfront boardwalk at Westsong Walkway is spectacular, as it winds along the shoreline from West Bay Marina (across from the Empress) to the very heart of downtown. We're located a short walk to its start. Along every curve is a new scene; sometimes an otter playing on its back in the water, using its tummy as a table for some morsel, and sometimes a heron will be using its slow stalking technique in zen-like fashion. The tiny harbour ferries ply back and forth from several points around the harbour, taking locals and tourists alike between West Bay, Fishermans' wharf and downtown. Stunning vistas from the pathway meld with sights of a busy port: US ferries docking within minutes of downtown, float planes arriving and leaving, and cruise ships dwarfing the buildings around them as they moor by the outer harbour. Along this boardwalk, strollers pass under stretching Arbutus trees, their red, peeling bark exposing an inner green smoothness. Spinnaker's Pub is a popular watering hole along the way, affording wonderful views of the harbour as visitors watch whale-watching boats and helicopters going about their business.

LOCAL LANDMARKS

We have our share of romantic places to experience. Stay with us and have a picnic basket prepared, then stroll to our uncrowded beachfront. Saxe Point, McAuley Point and Fleming Beach give a perfect west coast experience to those exploring tidal pools, or clambering along the rock formations. Walk one block to the waterfront and sit awhile on a bench and dream as you look at the cruise ships across from you, or enjoy the Olympic Mountains across the straight. Things slow down in this magical city, as our guests always discover. You'll learn to stop and smell the roses and let life gently wash over you when you discover the secrets of a slower pace.

Fleming Beach attracts divers, with its easy access and rocky terrain. Dogfish and Ratfish are common here, as are Sea Pens and Sea Urchins and lots of Octopus. The Strait of Georgia's cold, clean waters provide the greatest diversity of Marine life in North America - "second only to the Red Sea", according to Jacques Cousteau!

Bouldering, or rock climbing, is a local activity at Fleming Beach. The cliffs are just right for practice, and passers-by often find avid climbers attached to the cliffs at various levels, clinging like spiderman along the steep rocky outcrops.

Along the pathways of McAuley Point, remnants of military batteries still stand like sentinels, minus the artillery once used for defense of the shoreline. Tour the naval base (jump to below) for some history. Gunneries and barracks and bunker tunnels dot the hills, waiting to be explored. In summer, travelling plays are acted amongst these ready-made props, the viewers moving from scene to scene with the actors, the lilting songs from the productions carrying through tunnels and over the hills. This is an enchanting experience. Keep your eye on our events page for these plays - they need reserving!

Saxe Point Park is a favourite spot for newlyweds to have their pictures taken, with its popular waterfront park and beautiful gardens, woods, trails, access to a sheltered beach, and inspiring vistas of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic mountains.

LOCAL SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Take a walking tour in our Victoria neighbourhood and experience the real flavour of Victoria past and present.

Tours include West Bay, Fleming Beach and Saxe Point, Old Esquimalt Village, Memorial and Rock Parks, Gorge Park area, and Fleming Beach/Buxton Green/Macaulay Point.

OUR NAVAL PRESENCE

Journey through Canadian military history at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. Located in Naden on Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the museum exhibits include spotlights on the Canadian Women's Army Corps, the Royal Canadian Navy on the West Coast and the West Coast defences. Take a walking tour of the HMC Dockyard.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

The Archie Browning Sports Centre is right here and houses an arena, six sheet curling rink and lounge areas and is the main location for large meetings, wedding receptions, conventions, conferences and trade shows. Winter activities include hockey, broomball, figure skating, speed skating and curling. During the non-ice months, the centre hosts a variety of trade shows, conferences and community functions, along with ball hockey, roller hockey (in-line skating) and lacrosse.

Point Ellice House offers acres of waterfront with towering fir trees and dazzling displays of perennials and shrubs that cannot grow anywhere else in Canada. Travel back in time to experience an authentic restored Victorian garden, with rambling roses, fragrant Jasmine and English Hawthorn. Relax and enjoy the pristine beauty sipping afternoon tea. Includes a tour of Point Ellice House and tea.

LOCAL AMENITIES

Over our back fence, in the historic country estate to which our house once belonged, a fine restaurant and lounge is now open.

Just blocks away to our west...
A small mall with a deli, supermarket, bank, drycleaner, drug store, dollar store, dry goods store, liquor store, MacDonald's and a hairdresser.

A fish and chip shop, public library, small stores, brand new recreation centre, Archie Browning arena, coffee shops, pizza joint, book shop.

Just blocks away to our east...
West Bay Marina with the little harbour ferries to the Empress, and the Fin & Gill Bar and Grill, the oceanfront boardwalk and art studio, a second small mall with video rentals, restaurant, Subway, A&W, bridge club, bingo hall.

Just a block to our south...
The oceanfront with Macaulay Point, Saxe Point, Work Point, Buxton Green, Fleming Beach and boat launch.

Within 5-10 minutes drive north and west...
Tillicum Mall and Silver City movies, Great Canadian Casino, Montana's Steak House, Four Mile Pub and Restaurant, Gorge waterway with fantastic paths, Gorge Point Pub and restaurant, oodles of restaurants - Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Jamaican, etc.

Don't forget, downtown Victoria is just 2½ miles east, or a five minute drive. Here you'll find a restaurant to suit your needs, no matter how unique!

Whatever you decide to do during your stay with us, come home after a hard day of sightseeing and touring, don your robe and soak in the private garden hot tub!

We know you'll enjoy your visit to Victoria and our bed and breakfast. After all, we intend to spoil you.