Esquimalt Lagoon

Esquimalt (pronounced ‘Ess-KWI-malt’) Lagoon features miles of breathtaking ocean

lagoon side of the road

Lagoon Side of the Road

beachfront perfect for walks, beachcombing, sand castles and water play.   Across the road from the beach is the lagoon, where ducks and swans float and herons and eagles are often spotted along with many other shorebirds. The calm water of the lagoon is perfect for a peaceful ride in the canoe or kayak.

Parking is all along the road that runs adjacent to the lagoon.  This beach gets very crowded in the summer months.

Please note that Esquimalt Lagoon is a migratory bird sanctuary.  Please keep dogs under control at all times.

There is one only restroom at the junction of Lagoon Rd. & Ocean Blvd.

Esquimalt Lagoon features miles of breathtaking ocean beachfront with a view across to the City of Victoria at one end and the amazing snow capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains at the other. Fisgard Lighthouse completes the view.

Beyond the lagoon sits the majestic Hatley Castle and its surrounding gardens and old growth forest, which are now home to Royal Roads University.

Across the road from the beach is the large, shallow lagoon enclosed within a sand spit and connected to the ocean by a tidal channel at the one end. It’s a favourite spot for birdwatchers and kayakers.

The Lagoon is one of seven Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in British Columbia, and an important stopover for birds journeying between North and South America. Look around and you’ll see Blue Herons perched high in the evergreens and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. Please keep dogs on-leash to protect this sensitive habitat and nesting area.

People flock to the lagoon to see the wildlife, walk along the beach, picnic, beach comb, sun bathe on the sand, splash in the cool water, kayak and scuba dive.