Community
Living in Highlands, BC
The Complete Relocation Guide to Highlands, British Columbia (2026)
Discover why Highlands is one of Greater Victoria's most peaceful and scenic rural communities, offering large acreages, protected forests, exceptional privacy, and a lifestyle immersed in nature just minutes from the city.
Welcome to Highlands
Nestled in the hills northwest of Victoria, the District of Highlands is one of Greater Victoria's most unique municipalities. Covering approximately 38 square kilometres, Highlands is known for its rolling hills, old-growth forests, pristine lakes, and commitment to preserving the natural environment. Unlike many communities experiencing rapid growth, Highlands has intentionally maintained a low-density rural character, making it one of the region's most sought-after locations for buyers seeking space, privacy, and tranquility.
With large acreages, custom homes, hobby farms, and equestrian properties, Highlands offers a lifestyle that's difficult to find elsewhere in southern Vancouver Island. Despite its peaceful setting, residents remain within a 20 to 30-minute drive of Downtown Victoria, Langford, and major amenities.
If you're looking for fresh air, dark night skies, abundant wildlife, and room to breathe, Highlands may be exactly what you're looking for.
Quick Facts
Why People Love Living in Highlands
At a Glance
Highlands is one of the least densely populated municipalities in Greater Victoria, and that's exactly how residents like it. The community is made up of winding country roads, mature forests, lakes, rocky outcroppings, and custom homes thoughtfully integrated into the landscape.
Development is carefully managed to preserve the municipality's natural beauty and rural character. Most properties are significantly larger than those found elsewhere in Greater Victoria, offering homeowners privacy, room for gardens, workshops, hobby farms, or simply the opportunity to enjoy nature from their own backyard.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate immediate access to regional parks, trail systems, and nearby destinations like Mount Work Regional Park, Thetis Lake Regional Park, and Lone Tree Hill Regional Park.
By the Numbers
Who Is Highlands Best For?
Community Character
Highlands is defined by its commitment to preserving nature and maintaining a rural lifestyle.
Housing options include:
- Luxury estate homes
- Custom-built residences
- Acreages
- Hobby farms
- Horse properties
- Forest retreats
Unlike many suburban communities, Highlands has very little commercial development. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and maintaining the area's natural beauty. This unique approach has helped Highlands remain one of Greater Victoria's most exclusive and desirable rural communities.
Climate
Like the rest of Greater Victoria, Highlands benefits from one of Canada's mildest climates. Learn more about the Victoria weather and climate throughout the year.
Residents enjoy:
- Mild winters
- Warm summers
- Long growing season
- Low snowfall at lower elevations
- Outdoor recreation throughout the year
Popular activities include:
Top 10 Reasons to Move to Highlands
Incredible Privacy
Most homes sit on generous acreages, offering a level of privacy rarely found elsewhere in Greater Victoria.
Protected Natural Beauty
Highlands has long prioritized protecting forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and open space, creating a community where nature remains the focus.
Outstanding Hiking
Residents enjoy quick access to Mount Work Regional Park, Lone Tree Hill, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, and numerous local trail systems.
Spacious Properties
Whether you're looking for a custom estate, hobby farm, or equestrian property, Highlands offers some of the region's largest residential lots.
Peace and Quiet
With minimal traffic and little commercial development, Highlands offers a peaceful environment that's ideal for those looking to escape the pace of city life.
Abundant Wildlife
It's common to see deer, eagles, owls, hawks, and other wildlife throughout the community, making nature part of everyday life.
Outdoor Recreation
Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and exploring nearby lakes and parks are all easily accessible.
Convenient Location
Although it feels wonderfully secluded, Highlands is only a short drive from Langford, Victoria, shopping, schools, and healthcare.
Strong Long-Term Value
With limited land available for development and strict planning policies, Highlands continues to attract buyers seeking premium rural properties.
Exceptional Lifestyle
Few communities offer the same combination of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience. Highlands provides a rare opportunity to enjoy country living without leaving Greater Victoria.
Real Estate and Market Trends
Highlands offers one of the most distinctive real estate markets on southern Vancouver Island. Housing opportunities include luxury estates, acreage properties, custom homes, horse properties, hobby farms, and forest retreats. Because new development is limited and large parcels are increasingly scarce, Highlands properties continue to attract buyers looking for privacy, space, and long-term value.
If you're considering buying a home in Highlands, Andrew and the Victoria Property Group team can help you navigate the unique considerations of acreage living, from well and septic systems to zoning regulations and property maintenance.
| Property Type | Current Benchmark Price | 1 Month Change | 3 Month Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family | $1,648K | -1,200 (-0.1%) | +31,200 (+1.9%) |
Source: Victoria Real Estate Board Housing Price Index, June 2026
Looking for homes in Highlands? Browse the latest listings at VictoriaProperties.com.
Map of Highlands
Schools
The Highlands is served by School District 62 (SD62 — Sooke). Use the SD62 School Locator to find the school assigned to your address.
Elementary
- Lakewood Elementary
- Millstream Elementary — French Immersion
- Crystal View Elementary — for applicable addresses
- Willway Elementary — for applicable addresses
Middle
- Spencer Middle
- Centre Mountain Lellum Middle — for applicable addresses
Secondary
French Immersion
Francophone
For a complete overview of education options, visit our School Guide and Schools in Victoria page.
Shopping and Dining
There are no commercial services in the Highlands. Residents travel to Langford (10-15 minutes), View Royal (10 minutes), or Victoria (20-25 minutes) for all shopping, dining, and services. The Westshore Town Centre and Costco in Langford are the closest major retail destinations.
Parks and Recreation
The Highlands is surrounded by some of the best wilderness parks in Greater Victoria. Mount Work Regional Park offers hiking and mountain biking trails with panoramic views of the Saanich Inlet. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park features rugged coastal trails through old-growth forest. Thetis Lake Regional Park offers swimming, hiking, and picnicking. The Commonwealth Nature Legacy is a large conservation area with trails. The Galloping Goose Trail passes through the edge of the Highlands, connecting to Victoria and Sooke.
Transportation
The Highlands is accessed via Millstream Lake Road, Munn Road, and Durrance Road, connecting to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) in Langford. The drive to downtown Victoria is approximately 20-25 minutes. There is no public transit within the Highlands. Most residents rely on cars for all transportation. The Galloping Goose Trail provides a cycling route to Victoria. For more details, see our Transportation Guide.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large private acreages (5+ acres)
- Direct access to wilderness parks
- Peaceful, quiet, and private
- Close to Victoria for a rural area
Cons
- No commercial services or amenities
- No public transit
- High property prices for acreage
- Unpaved roads in some areas
Who It Is Ideal For
The Highlands is ideal for those who want a true rural estate lifestyle with large acreages, privacy, and direct access to nature. It is popular with equestrian enthusiasts, conservation-minded property owners, and anyone who wants to live in a forested wilderness setting while remaining within commuting distance of Victoria. It is not suitable for those who want walkable amenities or urban conveniences.
If you're a healthcare professional, remote worker, executive, or retiree looking for space and tranquility, Highlands could be the perfect fit. Many professionals working at Island Health, the Provincial Government, or University of Victoria appreciate the balance of country living with a manageable commute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in the Highlands?
Are there any stores in the Highlands?
How far is the Highlands from Victoria?
Is Highlands a good place for families?
What is the lifestyle like in Highlands?
Helpful Resources
Municipality
Parks and Recreation
- Mount Work Regional Park
- Lone Tree Hill Regional Park
- Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
- Thetis Lake Regional Park
- Highlands Community Trail Network
Schools
Transportation
Regional Information
Relocation Resources
Professional Relocation
Andrew's Local Insight
Since becoming a REALTOR® in 2006, Andrew and his team at Victoria Property Group have always found Highlands to be one of those communities that surprises people. Buyers often think they'll have to move much farther from Victoria to enjoy this kind of privacy and natural beauty, but Highlands proves otherwise. Andrew has shown properties here where the only sounds are birds, the wind through the trees, and the occasional owl at night. It's the perfect fit for buyers who value space, custom homes, and being surrounded by nature. If your dream is to wake up on an acreage while still being within a reasonable drive of the city, Highlands is one of the best options in Greater Victoria.
If you have questions about acreage living, contact Andrew and his team for expert guidance on Highlands properties and the unique considerations that come with rural homeownership.
Thinking About Moving to Highlands?
Choosing the right community is just as important as choosing the right home. If you're considering buying or relocating to Highlands, Andrew and the Victoria Property Group team would be happy to help you compare acreage properties, custom homes, and estate residences while explaining the unique considerations that come with rural living.
Explore homes, neighbourhood guides, market updates, and relocation resources at VictoriaProperties.com.
Thinking About Moving to the Highlands?
Andrew and his team can help you find the perfect acreage property in this unique rural community. Book a free consultation.
Call or Text
1-250-589-2897