Located in the heart of the Capital Region, five minutes from downtown Victoria, Esquimalt is surrounded by water and is endowed with over 30 parks, beaches, and green spaces.
Home to 17,655 residents and to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the community’s largest employer, Esquimalt is a diverse community, which has been inhabited by Coast Salish First Nations for over 4,000 years. Esquimalt Harbour was used by the British Royal Navy in the 1800s. Esquimalt’s Graving Dock is now the largest non-military site for ship building and repair on the west coast.
The Township is located in Lekwungen-speaking territory. The name is derived from "Es-whoy-malth," which means the place of gradually shoaling water.
The municipality comprises approximately 1,006 hectacres (2,485 acres) of land and water. Water figures prominently in Esquimalt’s history, location and residents’ lifestyles. Esquimalt’s attractions include the West Bay walkway, a boardwalk between Esquimalt and Victoria, modern recreational facilities, the Gorge Vale 18-hole golf course, a thriving arts community and local events.
Esquimalt is a walkable urban centre, with a small-town feel, progressive leadership, and a commitment to lead the way in community sustainability.
The Township was incorporated on September 1, 1912, and held its centennial celebrations in 2012.
