Esquimalt

Esquimalt is a small city located at Vancouver Island's southern tip. Esquimalt's municipality is adjacent to Victoria to the east and is bordered in the south by the Strait of Juan de Fuca. To 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 part of the Capital Regional District too.

In the year 2001, the city of Esquimalt had a population of 16,127. It is home to the Pacific fleet of the Canadian Forces. Esquimalt covers 7.04 square kilometers and forms a portion of the Capital Regional District. Saanich and View Royal 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 that separates Washington State from Canada.

The native Salish peoples who resided within the region called it "the place of shoaling waters." The name came from Es-whoy-malth, a native Indian expression.

The Coast Salish Native people colonized the area around 400 years prior to the arrival of the settlers from Europe. On the eastern coast of Esquimalt Harbour, there has long been a village site close to Ashe Head. This is currently where the Esquimalt Band makes its home nowadays. Before the establishment of their nearby reserve in 1911, the Songhees had resided on the west coast of Victoria Harbour.

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

The west coast of Canada has a rich naval history. During 1846, the Royal Navy established a presence in the city of Esquimalt and now, 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 around 2000 civilians and 4000 military service employees who work at the base or on board the ships. Including their families, there is a large military village within the Victoria area. Yearly, the base contributes about $340 million to the local economy.

The inhabitants of Esquimalt have many recreational facilities to enjoy, like for example a fantastic golf course, a variety of restaurants and shopping. There are 72 acres or 29 hectares of stunning parks and many picturesque waterfront walkways.

The famous Galloping Goose Trail can be accessed with no trouble from the city of Esquimalt. This famous trail is 55 kilometers long and is a multi-use trail connecting Victoria to Sooke and beyond. It is very much a family orientated ride. The abundant views and paved, smooth trail makes for an unforgettable journey. The Lochside Trail intersects with the Galloping Goose Trail. This is a 29 kilometer trail that runs from Victoria through Sidney and to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.