Esquimalt

Esquimalt is a small city situated at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Esquimalt's municipality is adjacent to Victoria to the east and is bounded in the south by the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Towards the west of the city is Royal Roads and the Esquimalt Harbour, and the northern city border is a narrow inlet of water known as the Gorge, which separates the city from the municipality of Saanich. The northwest border is by the View Royal and the New Songhees IR No. 1A Indian Reserve. The city of Esquimalt is a part of Greater Victoria and also part of the Capital Regional District.

In 2001, the city of Esquimalt had a population of 16,127. It is home to the Pacific fleet of the Canadian Forces. The city of Esquimalt covers 7.04 square kilometers and forms a section of the Capital Regional District. View Royal and Saanich border the community to the north, and Colwood lies towards the west. The Strait of Juan de Fuca lies south of the city of Esquimalt and it is this strait which separates Canada from the state of Washington.

The first native residents of the area referred to it as "the place of shoaling waters." The name came from a native Indian expression Es-whoy-malth.

Before the arrival of the settlers from Europe, the Coast Salish Native peoples colonized the area for over 400 years. There is a village site near Ashe Head, on the eastern shore of Esquimalt Harbour. This is presently where the Esquimalt Band makes its home these days. Before the establishment of their nearby reserve in the year 1911, the Songhees had lived on the west shore of Victoria Harbour.

By 1837, the Esquimalt Harbour provided the west coast base for the Royal Navy. These days, the Harbour houses the Canadian Pacific Naval Fleet. On June 29th, 1865, the Naval Base was authorized formally. In the year 1910, the base was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy.

The west coast of Canada has a rich naval history. In 1846, the Royal Navy established a presence within the city of Esquimalt and today, there are the existing operations of Maritime Forces Pacific. CFB Esquimalt supports the ships of the Canadian Pacific Fleet and occupies the natural Harbour. There are about 2000 civilians and 4000 military service personnel who are employed at the base or on board the ships. Including their families, there is a big military community within the Victoria region. The base contributes roughly $340 million to the local economy every year.

There are many amenities the people of Esquimalt could enjoy from recreational facilities, a variety of restaurants, shopping and a fantastic golf course. There are 29 hectares or 72 acres of beautiful parks and several scenic waterfront walkways.

Galloping Goose Trail is a well-known trail that could be easily accessed from the city. This trail is a multi-use 55 kilometer trail that connects Victoria to Sooke. It is very much a family orientated ride. The plentiful scenery and smooth, paved trail makes for an unforgettable journey. The Galloping Goose Trail intersects with the Lochside Trail. This is a 29 kilometer trail that runs to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal through Sidney from Victoria.