Colwood, BC

Know the town

About Colwood

Colwood is a West Shore city that sits between Langford and the sea, with a waterfront that holds some of the best-loved landmarks in Greater Victoria. Its neighbourhoods range from older family streets to new developments on the hillsides, and its shoreline is home to a lighthouse, a castle and a protected lagoon.

Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse

Fort Rodd Hill, a coastal artillery fort built to defend the naval harbour at Esquimalt, is now a National Historic Site run by Parks Canada. Its gun batteries, bunkers and tunnels are open to explore, and right beside it stands Fisgard Lighthouse, the first permanent lighthouse on Canada’s west coast, lit in 1860. The grounds are a favourite with families and photographers alike.

Esquimalt Lagoon

Esquimalt Lagoon is a long, sheltered lagoon behind a narrow gravel spit, and the road along the spit is one of the region’s most scenic short drives. The lagoon is a federal migratory bird sanctuary, so swans, herons and many kinds of ducks are regular visitors, while the ocean side of the spit is lined with driftwood and views to the Olympic Mountains.

Hatley Castle

Overlooking the lagoon, Hatley Castle was built in the early 1900s as the home of coal baron James Dunsmuir. The estate is now Royal Roads University, and its gardens and grounds, along with the castle’s museum, are open to visitors. The castle has also appeared in a number of films and television series.

Getting here

Colwood is about twenty minutes from downtown Victoria along the Old Island Highway, with Metchosin and Sooke beyond it. The Galloping Goose Trail passes through for cyclists.

Scroll down for Colwood’s verified local businesses and any events coming up on the West Shore.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit City of Colwood.