Esquimalt, District municipality and railway point in Capital Regional District, British Columbia, Canada.
Description
Esquimalt is a district municipality on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, positioned between Victoria to the east and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the south. The area combines coastal land with military installations alongside residential neighborhoods and community spaces.
History
British Royal Navy facilities were established in 1855 to treat soldiers from the Crimean War, forming the initial European settlement. Military presence shaped its development and remained a defining feature across generations.
Culture
The name Esquimalt comes from the Lekwungen language of the Songhees Nation and refers to brackish water in their traditional territory. The area maintained its connection to the region's Indigenous people even as European settlers arrived later.
Practical
The area is readily accessible by public transportation and offers access to beaches, parks, and community facilities for both visitors and residents. Most local services and amenities are located in central or easily reached areas.
Did you know?
The Royal Navy seized original Lekwungen territory here during the 1800s for military purposes. This takeover and subsequent use reveal the complicated history between European powers and the region's Indigenous peoples.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Capital Regional District).
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Fort Rodd Hill upper battery guardhouse
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Craigflower Manor
2.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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