Esquimalt Lagoon

Esquimalt Lagoon in Colwood is a 90-hectare coastal sanctuary shaped by glaciers, rich in Indigenous history, biodiversity, and natural beauty.

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Location

Colwood
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About

Welcome to Esquimalt Lagoon, a stunning 90 hectare coastal ecosystem shaped by nature and time.

History

Around 13,000 years ago, as the last great continental ice sheet began to retreat, it left behind a massive block of stagnant ice, buried beneath layers of gravel. Over time, that ice slowly melted, creating a deep depression that filled with seawater. This became what we now know as Esquimalt Lagoon.
Meanwhile, powerful ocean currents carried sediments from glacial meltwater streams to the south. These currents deposited sand and gravel along the coast, gradually building up the Coburg Peninsula, the narrow spit that now shelters the lagoon.
But this spit isn’t fixed. It continues to shift and change shape as waves and currents reshape the coastline, just as they have for thousands of years.
Esquimalt Lagoon has been a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Oral history and archaeological evidence show that the Esquimalt and Songhees Peoples relied on this area for food, shelter, and ceremony; harvesting clams, mussels, sea cucumbers, and crabs.
The nearby forest provided wild rose hips, camas, and berries for food and medicines. Nettle plants provided string for fishing nets.
A village at the east end of the lagoon was occupied for 1,000 years and two villages at the west end were occupied 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.
Everything changed with the arrival of European settlers. In 1854, a naval base was established nearby, and by 1858 during the gold rush, settlement in the region rapidly expanded. Farms began to appear, and industries followed, including a sawmill and later a tannery.
In 1902, coal baron and politician James Dunsmuir purchased land near the lagoon and built the grand estate known as Hatley Park. Then in 1940, the federal government took over the property to create the Royal Roads Military College.
Over the years, military activity, including a rifle range, along with logging, construction, waste dumping, farming, and even ornamental gardening, have all left lasting impacts on the lagoon’s environment.

The shallow lagoon is sheltered by Coburg Peninsula, a sand and gravel spit that protects it from the open ocean.
At its northeast end, a tidal channel connects the lagoon to the sea, allowing salt water to mix with freshwater from nearby streams.
Esquimalt Lagoon is one of the least altered shorelines in the Capital Region District. But even here, challenges like pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species still pose a threat.
What makes this place truly special is its unique geology and the rich biodiversity it supports. The lagoon is one of seven federally protected Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in B.C., a vital resting and feeding ground for thousands of seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. You may see blue herons, oyster catchers, mallards, and mergansers as you explore.
It’s also a key stop on the Pacific Flyway, the major migration route that stretches from South to North America.
While walking on the ocean side of the spit, you’ll find several driftwood creations by artist Paul Lewis.
16 of Paul’s creations are on display here including sculptures of ravens, Canadian geese, eagles, a trumpeter swan, raccoons, squirrel, belted kingfisher, grey squirrel, barred owl, and a snowy owl.
Locals and visitors alike treasure this area, not only for its incredible wildlife, but also for its peaceful beauty and recreational opportunities including kayaking and scuba diving.
Bordering the lagoon are remnants of some of the oldest coastal Douglas fir forests in the Victoria region.