Find descriptions below for Esquimalt's water viewpoints and beach accesses.
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Arm Street Promenade
Arm Street Promenade is a .5 hectare park with views of the popular Gorge Waterway.
A combination of steps and ramps leads to a walkway and every bench has its own vista of life on the Gorge.
This waterway was established by the Township of Esquimalt, the City of Victoria and the Provincial Capital Commission in 1982.
The promenade is located at the end of Arm Street, on the north side of Craigflower Road. Enter on foot from Selkirk Avenue.
Denniston
At the bottom of Grafton Street lies a pathway flanked by native vegetation leading to a rocky headland. Here you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, from Saxe Point Park to the West Shore.
Forshaw
Drive west on Craigflower Road then turn right on Forshaw Road. At the end of this road you’ll find a ramp suitable for a canoe or a kayak launch and a bench to sit and admire the pleasant vistas over the Gorge waterway including Kinsmen Gorge Park and Saanich walkway. The beach access doesn’t offer any parking space; therefore mostly used by the local residents.
Foster
A pathway from the bottom of Foster Street leads via steps to a pebble beach. Look down to see what the tide reveals, or look across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains.
Kinver
The bottom of Kinver Street attracts more than beachcombers. Kayakers and canoeists can launch from here, and at low tide, you can walk to nearby Fleming Beach.
McNaughton
This quiet viewpoint at the end of McNaughton Avenue features a fully accessible platform with benches to rest and enjoy the view of the Gorge Waterway.
Nelson
A concrete and wooden stairway at the bottom of Nelson Street leads down to a viewing platform just shy of the water. From the deck there are pleasant views over the Juan de Fuca Strait and the West Shore.
Watersheds
Sturdee
At the end of Sturdee Street you’ll find steps flanked by wild roses leading down to a small pebble-beached cove. There are narrow views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca, while a resting bench near the street overlooks cliff side willows.
West Bay Walkway
Esquimalt's West Bay Walkway was developed in 1980 as a joint project with the Provincial Capital Commission and the City of Victoria. It connects to Victoria's West Song Way for 2.9 kilometre walk from downtown to West Bay.
The walkway features overhanging Douglas fir and Arbutus trees, as well as some Oaks, broom and wild flowers. Also in evidence are glacial score marks on the rocky outcrops.
West Bay Walkway is fully accessible, and provides rest stops where every bench has a great view.
The walkway is found on lower Head Street.
Yarrow
This small viewpoint at the end of Yarrow Street is marked by a large Sequoia (Redwood) and several old apple trees. The beach is actually a tidal flat suitable for launching a canoe or kayak.