Community
Esquimalt, BC
The Complete Guide to Living in Esquimalt, British Columbia (2026)
“Discover one of Greater Victoria’s most walkable, waterfront, and family-friendly communities.”
Welcome to Esquimalt
Located immediately west of Downtown Victoria, Esquimalt has quietly become one of Greater Victoria’s most desirable waterfront communities. Offering an exceptional combination of oceanfront parks, family-friendly neighbourhoods, modern amenities, and excellent value, Esquimalt continues to attract first-time buyers, military families, professionals, retirees, and investors alike.
Historically recognized as the home of Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet, today’s Esquimalt has evolved into a vibrant municipality with beautiful parks, expanding cycling infrastructure, local restaurants and cafés, modern condominium developments, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
If you’re considering moving to Greater Victoria, Esquimalt deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Map of Esquimalt
Quick Facts
Why People Love Living in Esquimalt
- ✓Waterfront parks and incredible ocean views
- ✓Minutes from Downtown Victoria
- ✓Excellent value compared to many neighbouring communities
- ✓Family-oriented neighbourhoods
- ✓Beautiful walking and cycling trails
- ✓Modern recreation facilities
- ✓Strong military and government employment
- ✓Growing local restaurant and café scene
- ✓Friendly community atmosphere
- ✓Long-term redevelopment and investment potential
At a Glance
Esquimalt offers the perfect blend of convenience and lifestyle. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Victoria while benefiting from quieter residential neighbourhoods, scenic waterfront parks, and a strong sense of community. Significant investment over the past decade has transformed Esquimalt into one of Greater Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities, with new residential developments, improved public spaces, expanded cycling infrastructure, and a thriving village centre.
Whether you’re looking for your first condominium, a family home, a townhouse, or an investment property, Esquimalt provides an excellent balance of affordability, lifestyle, and long-term value.
By the Numbers
~18,000
Population
40+
Parks and Green Spaces
<10 min
Average Commute to Downtown
Multiple
Regional Cycling Connections
1912
Incorporated
4–25°C
Year-Round Temperature Range
Who Is Esquimalt Best For?
Schools
School District 61 serves Esquimalt with the following schools:
Elementary Schools
- Macaulay Elementary — English and French Immersion
- Craigflower Elementary
- Victoria West Elementary
Middle Schools
- Rockheights Middle School
- Shoreline Middle School — English and French Immersion
Secondary School
- Esquimalt High School — English and French Immersion
Francophone School
- École Victor-Brodeur — K-12
Private Schools
- Lighthouse Christian Academy
- Selkirk Montessori
- Westside Montessori School
For a complete overview of educational options in the region, visit our Victoria School Guide.
Community Character
Esquimalt has transformed dramatically over the past decade while maintaining its welcoming community atmosphere.
You’ll find a diverse mix of:
- •Young professionals
- •Military families
- •Government employees
- •Healthcare workers
- •Retirees
- •First-time buyers
- •Investors
- •Long-time residents
Housing ranges from charming character homes and family neighbourhoods to waterfront condominiums, modern townhomes, and new mixed-use developments.
The municipality continues investing in parks, streetscapes, cycling infrastructure, recreation facilities, and public amenities, making Esquimalt an increasingly desirable place to call home.
Climate
Thanks to the Olympic Mountain rain shadow, Esquimalt enjoys one of Canada’s most comfortable climates.
Residents enjoy:
- •Mild winters
- •Warm summers
- •Long growing season
- •Low annual snowfall
- •Outdoor recreation throughout the year
Average Temperatures: Summer 20–25°C, Winter 4–8°C.
Popular outdoor activities include:
Walking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, golf, fishing, and gardening.
Top 10 Reasons to Move to Esquimalt
- Incredible Waterfront: Miles of scenic coastline, parks, beaches, and harbour views.
- Prime Location: Only minutes from Downtown Victoria.
- Excellent Value: One of the strongest lifestyle-to-price ratios in Greater Victoria.
- Community Spirit: Friendly neighbourhoods and active community events.
- Recreation: Excellent parks, sports fields, recreation centres and waterfront trails.
- Cycling: Direct connections to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and Greater Victoria cycling network.
- Employment: Home to CFB Esquimalt plus easy access to Downtown Victoria, healthcare, and government employment.
- Investment Potential: Continued redevelopment and municipal improvements support long-term growth.
- Family Friendly: Excellent schools, playgrounds, sports programs, and community services.
- Outstanding Lifestyle: A relaxed waterfront community with exceptional convenience.
Real Estate
Esquimalt offers a diverse selection of housing options, including waterfront condominiums, modern townhomes, charming character homes, family properties, and new developments.
With continued revitalization and strong buyer demand, Esquimalt has become one of Greater Victoria’s most attractive communities for both homeowners and investors.
Esquimalt is one of the more affordable options in core Greater Victoria, making it popular with first-time buyers and military families. The housing stock is a mix of character homes (many from the early 1900s), post-war bungalows, and newer condo and townhome developments. Single-family homes average around $1.2 million, with condos ranging from $400,000 to $600,000. The market has seen steady price growth, driven by demand from buyers priced out of Victoria and Oak Bay. The Esquimalt waterfront has seen significant redevelopment, with new condo projects along the Songhees waterfront and the Dockside Green development.
| Property Type | Current Benchmark Price | 1 Month Change | 3 Month Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family | $1,059K | -16,400 (-1.5%) | -2,200 (-0.2%) |
| Townhome | $734K | -18,800 (-2.5%) | -20,800 (-2.8%) |
| Condo | $524K | -18,800 (-3.5%) | -13,900 (-2.6%) |
Source: Victoria Real Estate Board Housing Price Index, June 2026
Looking for homes in Esquimalt? Browse the latest listings, market updates, neighbourhood guides, and real estate resources at VictoriaProperties.com.
Helpful Resources
Municipality
Parks and Recreation
Schools
School District 61 – Greater Victoria. For more detail, see our Victoria School Guide.
Transportation
Regional Information
Andrew’s Local Insight
“Having sold homes throughout Greater Victoria since 2006, and living in Esquimalt himself, Andrew and his team at Victoria Property Group have watched this community evolve into one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Buyers are often surprised by just how much Esquimalt has to offer: spectacular waterfront parks like Saxe Point and Macaulay Point, an easy commute to downtown, fantastic recreation, and a genuine sense of community. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating to Greater Victoria, or looking for a long-term investment, Esquimalt continues to offer exceptional value and an outstanding quality of life.”
Andrew Holenchuk, REALTOR®
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Esquimalt?
How long does it take to commute from Esquimalt to CFB Esquimalt?
What schools are in Esquimalt?
Is Esquimalt safe?
Is Esquimalt walkable?
What is it like living near CFB Esquimalt?
Thinking About Moving to Esquimalt?
Choosing the right community is just as important as choosing the right home. Andrew and the Victoria Property Group team would be happy to answer your questions, recommend neighbourhoods that fit your lifestyle, and help you navigate today’s real estate market.
Call or Text
1-250-589-2897