Langford

The City of Langford is a city of over 35,000 people (2016), and is the business hub of "Westshore", a group of municipalities to the west of Victoria. Visitors would primarily enjoy the lakes and trails which are less busy than similar offerings closer to Victoria downtown core.

Understand
Langford's history of European settlement dates to 1851, when Captain Edward Langford established one of the four Hudson's Bay Company farms in the Victoria area. In the early 1860s, the region of Langford experienced a short-lived gold rush in what is now Goldstream Provincial Park. The area was a favourite recreation destination for thousands of Victorians in the late 1800s: day-trippers travelled via railway to the popular country resort Goldstream House Hotel; hunters built their lodges on the shores of the lakes near the mountains; and a summer colony of the well-to-do city folk relaxed and socialized at Langford Lake.

The region has become the fastest growing little city on Vancouver Island, with big retail stores and new residential developments, and the expanding suburban town of Langford became a city in 2003.

By car
Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) passes through Langford on its way between Victoria and the other cities further north on Vancouver Island. Highway 14 connects with Highway 1 in Langford.

On weekdays, traffic congestion is considerable getting in/out during rush hour. This is an issue in all of Victoria's West shore communities.

Goldstream Ave from Colwood is the other main way into Langford.

By bicycle
The Galloping Goose Regional Trail passes through Langford and is a favourite of cyclists.

By bus
Langford is well-connected to Victoria by BC Transit (see Get around below), where more connections are possible.

Walking
Getting around on foot is fine for the downtown core but a bicycle or vehicle are better options for the outskirts including shopping at the big box stores.

Cycling
The city has created marked bike trails along key roads allowing easy travel throughout the city. The Galloping Goose Trail, bike and pedestrian trails along the old railway tracks and along Goldstream Ave connect well the different sections of the city.

City Center Park has bicycle rentals.

By public transit

 * The two main public transport hubs are Langford Exchange at Westshore Town Centre (formerly CanWest Mall), south of Langford's "downtown"; and Western Exchange at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Colwood.
 * Notable bus routes:
 * 50 - Frequent route between downtown Victoria and Langford. Travel time between Victoria and Langford is 45 to 50 minutes.
 * 61 - During morning and afternoon rush hours from Monday to Friday travels between downtown Victoria and Sooke. Outside of those hours, the route travels between Langford and Sooke (connects with route 50 in Langford during this time).
 * 61 - During morning and afternoon rush hours from Monday to Friday travels between downtown Victoria and Sooke. Outside of those hours, the route travels between Langford and Sooke (connects with route 50 in Langford during this time).


 * Bus routes:
 * 44 - Route between downtown Victoria and Duncan with a stop in Langford.  Cost per trip is $10. Operates several trips on Saturdays.   As of September 3, 2023, these trips will be renumbered as route 66.
 * 66 - Route between downtown Victoria and Duncan with a stop in Langford.   Cost per trip is $10. Trips from Monday to Friday leave Duncan in the morning before 6:30 am (before 9:30 am as of September 3, 2023), and leave Victoria in the afternoon.
 * 99 - Route between downtown Victoria and Shawnigan Lake. Operates Monday to Friday, consisting of early morning trips to Victoria and afternoon trips to Shawnigan Lake.

See

 * A secondary hub is forming around City Centre Park with nearby lakes and sports fields. The main shopping mall, WestShore, and cinemas are nearby also.
 * Hatley Park National Historic Site, British Columbia (2012) - 03.JPG
 * Watch high-caliber rugby matches at City Centre Park.
 * Watch high-caliber rugby matches at City Centre Park.
 * Watch high-caliber rugby matches at City Centre Park.

Nearby
In Colwood you will find:

Local lakes and trails

 * Ed Nixon Trail  adjacent Langford Lake, The Galloping Trail adjacent Glen Lake and (high view point, good hike with ocean views) are best for jogging or nature walks.
 * Ed Nixon Trail  adjacent Langford Lake, The Galloping Trail adjacent Glen Lake and (high view point, good hike with ocean views) are best for jogging or nature walks.
 * Ed Nixon Trail  adjacent Langford Lake, The Galloping Trail adjacent Glen Lake and (high view point, good hike with ocean views) are best for jogging or nature walks.

There is also for fishing and swimming.

Cycling
The Galloping Goose Trail, the Langford section is mostly packed dirt and gravel, is great to commute toward downtown Victoria. Going west the trail is great with kids as it goes through active farms (horses, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks), there are also birds and deer wildlife in abundance. The trail is wide. The fall colours and the section near Hatley Memorial Gardens (cemetery) is especially nice; that section is great to grab blackberries in the Summer and the branches from mature trees on each side of the trail form a tunnel.

Good road options are going to Happy Valley Road, to Metchosin Road, (shortcut at Latoria Rd), further through to the Coburg Peninsula, then to Sooke Rd and back on Goldstream road (15-25 km).

There are four or more little independent bikes shops around town happy to help cyclists. The one by the Galloping Goose Trail at Sooke Rd comes in handy to trail travelers.

Golf

 * There is are two spectacular golf courses at Bear Mountain designed by Jack Nicklaus, the and the.

Photography

 * The trails, lakes and parks offer plenty to the hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. Events at City Centre Park and Westshore Motorsports Park offer live sporting options.  The old rail vestiges have interesting views and they lead all the way to the trestle in Goldstream Provincial Park.

Memorial Park events

 * In the summer there are regular concerts, markets and events. Check the city web site for info.
 * Remembrance Day ceremonies (11 hour, 11 month (11:00, Nov 11)) are attended by thousands in the park.
 * The fountain and Vimy Rigde partial replica statue give a solemn feeling to the park. The other end is playful with the bandstand and kid playground.

Bowling

 * City Centre Park has the only bowling alleys in greater Victoria. Book early it’s often full.

Go-carts

 * Go-cart racing is available at Westshore Motorsports Park.

Other ideas with young kids

 * There is a water parks and playground at Centennial Park on Carlow St that is good for young children (free).
 * There is a big water park (free for residents) at City Center Park.
 * Memorial Park has a good kid playground.
 * Glen Lake Park has a good playground and a sandy beach. It is quieter than most lakes shore areas.
 * Mini Golf and Playzone at City Centre Park.

Goldstream Provincial Park


is a provincial park with old growth forests, salmon streams, eagles, picnic areas, nature house and spectacular hiking trails.

Drive north along Highway 1 until you see the park entrance on your right to access the more popular locations within the park. Parking is free along the highway. Or you can help pay for the park and use the park pay parking nearby.

Between October and December the Goldstream River within the park has people flock to the creekside to witness the annual salmon run.

A popular and slightly challenging hike is Mount Finlayson, Greater Victoria's tallest mountain. The views on top are spectacular. Depending on your level of fitness going up is 50-90 minutes. There are precipices and for those scared of heights or with young children you may want to pass.

There are also two waterfalls located within the park: Goldstream River takes a small plunge over  in the southwest corner of the park; and Greater Victoria's very own Niagara Falls are a very tall and thin chute on Niagara creek.

Although not apart of Goldstream Provincial Park, the Niagara rail trestle is another popular attraction, accessed by Goldstream Park trails. Crossing the highway is best done using a tunnel underneath.

The nature house is great for kids. It has an eagle cam, various bones and animals on display. A gift shop well stocked with books on the local nature, coffee and lights snacks are also available.

Nearby
In Metchosin you will find:
 * The expansive (great for skimboarding!),, a drive up Lombard Drive, and a visit to My Chosen Cafe (on the corner of Metchosin Road and Happy Valley Road).  Metchosin is connected to Sooke Road in Westshore by Happy Valley Road (in Langford) and Metchosin Road (in Colwood).  It is also connected to Sooke by Rocky Point Road.

In View Royal you will find:


 * Swimming at in the small town of View Royal between Langford and Saanich (though it is part of Westshore).  Kayaking, beaches and trails are all available here.  This popular lake is accessible by Six Mile Road and by Greater Victoria public transit (catch #50 to Langford from downtown, get off at Six Mile Road, then hitch a ride to the park... everyone on Six Mile Road seems to be heading to the lake and it is probably one of the easiest places in Greater Victoria to hitchhike).

Buy
Langford is the host of the big box chains in Victoria. There is little in terms of unique whimsical boutiques where to find souvenirs.



Sleep

 * Camping sites are available at Goldstream Provincial Park.
 * Camping sites are available at Goldstream Provincial Park.

Connect
Free Wi-Fi is available in key parts of the city (Goldstream Village, City Centre).

Hospital

 * The nearest hospitals are in Victoria, the closest of which is Victoria General Hospital.

Go next
You can head southwest along Highway 14 to reach Sooke or head north along Highway 1 to reach Shawnigan Lake or Duncan.