Recreation

West Shore Parks & Recreation

You would be hard pressed to find a West Shore resident who has not taken advantage of West Shore Parks & Recreation programs and facilities. From little ones who became fast friends attending things like toddler socials, pre-school programs, swimming and skating lessons – to the moms who got to know each other as they cheered on their kids together – West Shore Parks & Recreation programs continually help to weave our community together.

Something for everyone

West Shore Parks & Recreation offers an outstanding variety of recreation and leisure opportunities, including a swimming pool, exercise facilities, ice rinks, a golf course, playing fields, playgrounds, outdoor tennis and volleyball, lawn bowling, lacrosse, a bmx track and more.

But the offerings go well beyond sports. With programs focused on art and music, youth empowerment and leadership, health and wellness, nutrition, finance, computers and many other special interests, there is truly something for everyone.

The trail that runs around the forested perimeter of the lovely grounds and overlooks the playing fields and golf course is a favourite for walkers and joggers. 

With the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre, The Q Centre Arena, WildPlay Element Park and the Juan de Fuca Library on the same site, West Shore Parks and Recreation offers a myriad of services and benefits. It is truly part of the fabric of our Westshore community, helping residents stay connected and healthy.

Find out more and register for programs happening now at www.westshorerecreation.ca.

Colwood Council recognizes that access to recreation and community programming is important for health, well-being and quality of life.

Colwood's Parks & Recreation Master Plan identifies the need for more recreational and community facility space as our population grows.

The City has the opportunity now to secure land in the Royal Bay development to plan for a future Colwood Community Centre intended to provide additional recreational and social service space for our growing community.

The City is working with the Royal Bay developer and other partners to create a draft park management plan for the new Quarry Park that is to be created on the south side of Latoria Boulevard with connections to Latoria Creek Park.

The Quarry Park Management Plan will be split into two phases: North and South. The Royal Bay development team is set to begin work on the north end of Quarry Park in 2024 with amenities like a community playground and a bike skills park. The South portion of the park is under development and includes plans for the new Colwood Community Centre. School District 62 is also in the planning phase for a future elementary school adjacent to Quarry Park. In the spring of 2024, City will be seeking community input on the draft Quarry Park Management Plan, which will include draft plans for the South phase and the proposed Colwood Community Centre.

Envisioning an inviting and inclusive Colwood Community Centre

In 2023, the City of Colwood prepared a feasibility study to examine all aspects of a proposed community centre, including community, economic, technical, and environmental considerations. The feasibility study establishes a vision for the community centre and outlines the space requirements, conceptual plan, and Class D cost estimates. The comprehensive feasibility study positions the City well to apply for grants that would allow for such a project to proceed. 

The vision for the Colwood Community Centre is to provide a spectrum of local, publicly accessible, and affordable community programming and recreational opportunities. A mix of multi-use adaptable spaces will support community health, safety and wellness in an inviting and inclusive community space that welcomes all Colwood residents, broader community members, and partners. 

The feasibility study outlines a plan for multi-use flex spaces, a fitness centre, and potential for child care, community, and gymnasium spaces.

Review the full Colwood Community Centre Feasibility Study

Watch for opportunities to provide input

As part of the Quarry Park planning process, the City will be asking community members and other stakeholders to provide comments on the conceptual plans for the Colwood Community Centre and its integration with the surrounding parkland.

Colwood is home to four golf courses with Bear Mountain just a short drive into Langford.

Olympic View Golf Course

Olympic View Golf Club is rated the #20 Best Golf Experience in Canada and USA West (Fairways and Greens Magazine 2006) and previously ranked within the Top 35 Public Golf Courses in Canada and Top 50 Golf Courses in Canada by the Golf Course Ranking Magazine and Score Golf Magazine.

Living up to its name, the Olympic View Golf Course looks upon the grand Olympic Mountains to the south while you progress through a magnificent, award-winning course. The roar of two spectacular waterfalls, a harmony of eagles and the tranquil sight of deer grazing, the calmness of twelve lakes and stylish rock outcroppings aim to still your mind while you play the Olympic View. You will need this calming influence for the incredible 17th hole, which encompasses enough natural beauty for an entire course. From the tee, aim toward a 40 foot hawaiianesque waterfall that frames the green 417 yards away. Breathtaking.

Royal Colwood Golf Club

One of the oldest golf courses in British Columbia - and one of only five "Royal" courses in Canada - Royal Colwood Golf Club is a pillar of Vancouver Island golfing heritage. Beyond hosting the Monarchy numerous times, the Royal Colwood has graciously entertained tournaments of all levels including the Times Colonist Victoria Open of the Canadian Tour.

An exclusive club, the Royal Colwood Golf Course was designed in 1913 by B.C. Amateur Champion Arthur Vernon Macan. Remaining virtually unchanged since its original construction, the Royal Colwood offers a course that not only challenges you with 18 brilliant holes, but also to make your mark on golfing history.

Juan de Fuca Golf Course

Juan De Fuca’s Par 3 nine hole course is an excellent course to sharpen your short game skills. The holes range in length from 79 yards to 170 yards. The beautiful fairways and greens are surrounded by seven water hazards providing the accomplished golfer an opportunity to sharpen their skills. If you’re a beginner golfer or looking for a place to take the family without the pressure and frustration of a long regulation course this is the place for you. Beginners and families will have fun learning the game in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club

Bear Mountain Golf Resort is simply unlike any other golf resort in Canada. Situated in the foothills of Mount Finlayson and with an awe-inspiring view of the south Island to Mount Baker and everything in between, Bear Mountain is the only 36-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed property in Canada. Bear Mountain specializes in tournaments from small corporate and social groups of 16 to large scale events with the ability for a double shotgun start for 288 golfers. The resort also hosted the 2010 Telus World Skins Game, won by Canadian Mike Weir.

There are two courses at Bear Mountain Golf Resort: the Mountain Course and the Valley Course. Each has their own unique character and setting, but both offer superb playability in a lush, West Coast environment. The Mountain Course has one rare feature: a true 19th hole. This extra par 3 makes it difficult for golfers to keep their eyes on the ball: golfers face Mount Baker and tee off into the beautiful Victoria city skyline, with the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. The 19th hole offers the longest set of tees at 7,083 yards, making it one of the longest courses on Vancouver Island