Langford BC: A Visitor’s Guide

green trees around a lake and blue sky - Langford Lake

As one of the fastest growing areas in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Langford has so much to offer! Just north of Victoria, the City of Langford or Westshore as it is also called, is a hot-spot on Vancouver Island for recreation, dining, shopping and so much more! Langford offers a great quality of life with numerous job and real estate opportunities with new neighbourhoods, new homes and townhouses being developed annually making Langford a great option for anyone looking to relocate to south Vancouver Island! Plus, EMR provides guests with short and long-term, furnished rentals so you can enjoy life on south Vancouver Island and house-hunt in comfort! 

Westshore Town Centre

2945 Jacklin Rd, Langford, BC V9B 5E3

In Westshore town centre, guests will find many amenities, restaurants, shopping and entertainment including a large Cineplex Odeon movie theatre! 

Bear Mountain Resort 

1999 Country Club Way, Victoria, BC V9B 6R3

If you’re an avid golfer, Langford is the place for you! At Bear Mountain Resort, you’ll find not one, but two Nicklaus designed golf courses: the Valley Course and the Mountain Course. Whether you’re taking on one course or making an epic day of it on both, golfing at Bear Mountain is always an incredible experience and offers some of the best facilities and service on the South Island. Plus, you can find a five-star spa, tennis courts and gym with state-of-the-art equipment if golfing isn’t your thing!  

Goldstream Provincial Park

Parking lot off Malahat Dr

As one of the most popular parks for camping and hiking on the South Island, Goldstream is a must when you’re exploring Langford! Whether you want to spend a day trekking through this old-growth temperate rain forest looking for waterfalls, camp amongst the trees or take kids on an easier path to the Visitor Center and see all the incredible displays, Goldstream has it all! If you’re in the area between October and December, you can watch the annual salmon run where the water is teeming with spawning salmon as they race upstream to lay their eggs. 

Mount Finlayson

Trailhead off Malahat Dr.

In Goldstream, you can find the trailhead to Mount Finlayson, one of the steepest hikes in Greater Victoria that offers scenic views from the summit. This trail is very popular and busy on the weekends so aim for mid-week and be sure to bring plenty of water – this is a strenuous hike but the views from the top are worth it! 

Langford Lake

3018 Trillium Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 4G3

Located in the heart of the City of Langford, Langford Lake is a favourite place for locals and visitors to go swimming, boating, and fishing. It’s the largest of the three lakes in the Langford area and offers numerous boardwalks, a public beach, playground, and boat launch as well as many other access points to launch a vessel. 

City Centre Park

1089 Langford Pkwy, Langford, BC V9B 0A5

Right near the community of Westhills, you’ll find City Center Park, Langford’s top family entertainment and recreation destination. Here, you can go bowling, skating, or play a round of mini-golf and if you need to let the kids go wild, the PlayZone is an incredible indoor play place! Plus, it’s here that you can watch the local soccer and football teams play in Starlight Stadium and treat the family to some great food at City Center Grille! 

Galloping Goose Trail

Trail map – multiple access points

The Galloping Goose is an incredible 55 kilometre, multi-use trail that runs all the way from downtown Victoria to Sooke! Because the trail meanders through the municipalities of Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt and Metchosin on the way to Sooke, it’s an incredibly popular cycling trail for commuters but it is also a great place to go for a jog, walk or even ride a horse through no matter where you’re staying! There are multiple access points to the trail from beginning to end so if you want to see where you can access it, take a look at the map linked above! 

Downtown Victoria

Map 

With its seamless blend of old-world charm and stunning natural beauty with modern architecture and forward-thinking urban development, it’s no wonder why downtown Victoria is one of the reasons that Victoria is consistently rated as one of the best destinations in Canada. In downtown, you can walk through historic sites and buildings, find incredible shopping and dining all while admiring the glittering ocean and beautiful greenery!    

Florence Lake

Map

Florence Lake is one of the smaller lakes in Langford, but it offers so much, especially if you’re looking for a great spot to fish! With two boardwalks where you can easily drop a line and enjoy a beautiful day on the water plus a trail around the lake for walking or jogging, a boat launch and public beach area, Florence Lake is a great place to go if you’re looking for a calm spot in nature. 

Millstream Village

2401 Millstream Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 3R5

Located in the centre of Langford, Millstream Village is where you can find great shopping and dining all in one convenient location! Here, you can find the Market on Millstream, one of the best grocery stores in the area, several dining options, and large chain stores. For a complete list of businesses and information on events, check the link above!

Holiday Shopping on Vancouver Island Part I: Victoria

The holidays are right around the corner and while it can be so wonderful to shop for the people you love, it can also be stressful, especially if you’re shopping in a new town! That’s where we come in!  To help make your shopping experience fun, easy and local, we’ve made a list of our very favourite local shops so that you can find incredible gifts that have a distinctly West Coast feel for everyone on your list! If you’re staying in Victoria, this list will have you checking off your list in no time! From clothes and shoes to outdoor equipment and toys, we’ve got you covered no matter what you’re looking for! 

Outdoor Clothing and Accessories

Capital Iron

530 Chatham St, Victoria, BC V8W 3W6

From its humble beginnings as a scrap business in the early 30’s, Capital Iron has grown into one of the most popular stores in Victoria for hardware, electrical, paints, clothing, housewares, fishing, marine, camping, barbecues, lawn and outdoor. With the feel of a traditional general store, friendly, helpful staff and convenient downtown and Langford locations, this is one of those, one-stop-shops where you can find everything you’re looking for and more!

Robinson’s Outdoor Store

1307 Broad St, Victoria, BC V8W 2A8

For over 90 years, Robinson’s has been a valued part of Victoria’s outdoor community, providing the highest quality brands, knowledgeable staff right in the heart of downtown Victoria. At Robinson’s, they know that planning an adventure is as exciting as it is daunting and having the right equipment and clothing can make all the difference between a magical experience and a disaster. With custom fittings and incredible customer service, you’ll get exactly what you need no matter what you’re planning!

Fairfield Bicycle Shop

390 Moss St, Victoria, BC V8V 4N1

If there’s a cyclist on your holiday shopping list, then there’s no doubt that the people at Fairfield Bicycle Shop are the ones to go see! With gear for every member of the family, a large selection of bikes and a huge array of accessories, Fairfield Bicycle Shop is a must for everything cycling related! 

Clothing

Flavour

581 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M2

For high-quality mens and women’s clothing, Flavour is a must. You can find edgy basics and clean staples that can elevate a wardrobe or fun, funky items to give anyone’s style a little flare. This is a great shop to visit for anyone on your list and if you can’t decide, get a gift card! With free shipping over $100 to all over the US and Canada, this store is a must for the millennial fashion junky on your list

Cowichan Trading

1328 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y8

The art of First Nations Peoples of the West Coast is stunning, high-quality and completely unique. At Cowichan Trading on the corner of Johnson St. and Government St. you can find authentic Indigenous-made jewelry, clothing, gifts and souvenirs that will wow anyone on your list this holiday. It’s the perfect place to add some authentic West Coast style to your trip down the LoJo shopping district. 

Pocket Clothing 

1541 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8S 1Z7

If you want to be environmentally conscientious this holiday, buying immaculate, high-quality consignment clothing is a great way to go. At Pocket Clothing, you can find brand name, current and vintage items for an incredible price. 

Home 

Paboom

1437 Store St, Victoria, BC V8W 3J6

If you’re looking for an eclectic selection of fun, unique and stylish homeware and decor, head to Paboom. This amazing, open-plan store is so pleasingly organized, it’s easy to spend hours looking at everything they have. Perfect for both little gifts and larger items, you’re sure to walk out with some incredible finds that don’t break the bank.

Vanity Fair Vintage Retro & Antiques

1044 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8V 3K4

With shelves packed with vintage treasures from 50 different vendors, Vanity Fair Vintage Retro & Antiques is an antique lover’s paradise. If you’re looking for fine vintage silver, jewelry, china, militaria, curios or vintage toys, check out this incredible shop in Antique Row on Fort Street.

Femme Seventy

This little, local, online shop offers a carefully curated selection of sustainable homewares, fashion accessories and children’s clothing. With their impeccable taste and fashion-forward, monochromal catalogue, this is the perfect place to source beautiful pieces for the environmentally conscious interior designer on your list. With local delivery available and beautiful packaging, every purchase from Femme Seventy is sure to be convenient and stylish.

Food and Drinks

Victoria Public Market

1701 Douglas St #6, Victoria, BC V8W 0C1

This incredible, bustling, indoor public market is everything you could want in a local market. From fresh pies and incredible coffee to the best (and healthiest) alternative meat options and bean to bar chocolate, this is your one stop shop if you need to create a thoughtful gift basket or to impress the foodie in your life.

Silk Road Tea

1624 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Z3

If you have a tea lover on your list, you absolutely must head over to Silk Road Tea. They have an incredible array of teas, accessories, bath and body products and high-quality skincare. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and all the tea you could ever need, Silk Road is a great place for gifts! 

Rogers’ Chocolates

913 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X5

In the late 1880’s Charles Rogers moved to Victoria and opened a green-grocer in the very same spot as the store stands today. Soon after opening however, he noticed that the chocolates that he had for sale were incredibly popular. Capitalizing on this popularity, he quickly pivoted and changed his grocery store to a chocolate shop and made the chocolates right there on-site. If you want to give someone a real taste of Victoria, you can’t go wrong with Rogers’ Chocolates! 

Vintage Spirits

653 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N8

If you’re looking for a really impressive gift for the wine lover or mixologist in the family, head on over to Vintage Spirits. Here you’ll find the most extensive selection of cocktail tools, syrups, bitters and spirits as well as an astounding, expertly curated selection of new and old world wines and entire sections dedicated to vegan, sustainable and natural wines.  

Jewelry

Violette Boutique

560 Johnson St #104A, Victoria, BC V8W 3C6

If you’re looking for something a little extra special, Violette Boutique is a great place to start. With an incredible selection of delicate, unique and timeless jewelry, incredible skin care, heavenly candles and beautiful purses, a visit to this lovely store is a treat unto itself.

Artina’s Jewelry

1002 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7

For real West Coast statement pieces, you’ll want to head to Artina’s Jewelry on Government St. With an amazing array of handcrafted and hand-carved Canadian jewelry, you’re sure to find an exquisite piece for someone special.

Shoes 

Baggins Shoes

580 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 1M3

Since 1969, Baggin’s Shoes has been a staple in the Victoria footwear scene and today, they carry the largest selection of Converse and Vans sneakers in the world as well as offering in-house custom printing for any pair of shoes in the store. 

Heart and Sole Shoes

1023 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8V 3K5

For a fantastic selection of exquisite, unique men’s and women’s shoes, Heart and Sole is the place to go. Here, you’ll be able to find obscure brands and incredible designs and be helped by incredibly knowledgeable staff. 

Alternative

The Papery

734 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1H2

When it comes to gift giving, sometimes choosing the wrapping paper is as fun as choosing the actual gift! If this is true for you, The Papery is a place you’ll have to go in Victoria. Here, you’ll find out-of-this-world wrapping paper, unique stationary and notebooks plus lots of beautiful writing implements and fun knick-knacks perfect for stockings or souvenirs.

Oscar & Libby’s 

560 Johnson St #101, Victoria, BC V8W, Canada

If you’re looking for something fun, colourful and a little bit wacky, Oscar & Libby’s is the place to go! From their extensive hot sauce collection to the wall of funky socks, this colourful store will brighten your mood and help you check a few gifts off your list! 

Toys

Timeless Toys

2213 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 4T5

There are lots of places to find toys for kids, but why spend your time and money in a big box store when you can find the perfect gift among a thoughtfully curated selection of high-quality toys? This lovely, independent, family run store is dedicated to offering a wide variety of toys from around the world that will stimulate kids, physically, mentally or both! When it comes to little ones, why settle for anything less?

Cherry Bomb Toys 

1410 Broad St, Victoria, BC V8W 2B1

This fun “Mom and Pop” operation is the perfect place for anyone on your list who love action figures, collectables or comics. With an enormous selection of toys and figures from mint condition to well-loved, this super welcoming store is perfect if you have no idea where to start. They can help you choose something no matter if you’re looking to gift something to a serious collector or just looking for something to make the little one on your list who loves action figures smile.