Victoria West Waterways Committee

Vic West is bounded by water on three sides—spanning Victoria Harbour, Selkirk Water, and the Gorge Waterway. The VWCA Waterways Committee advocates for community interests around swimming, paddling, public access, shoreline health, and water quality.

Active Projects & Announcements

BC Hydro Submarine Cable Project

BC Hydro is replacing aging underwater transmission cables spanning the waterway between Vic West and downtown/Esquimalt to maintain electrical grid reliability.

Impacts: Temporary barge positioning, localized shoreline staging, and short-term navigation advisories.
More Info: Visit the BC Hydro Project Page for operational schedules and work notices.

Gorge Waterway Initiative (GWI)

The VWCA collaborates with the GWI—a coalition of community groups, local governments, and agencies dedicated to protecting and restoring the Gorge Waterway and Portage Inlet.

Resources: Access watershed mapping, shoreline restoration guides, and community speaker event announcements via the CRD Gorge Waterway Initiative.

Water Quality & Public Health

Water sampling along the Gorge Waterway and Banfield Park dock is conducted regularly during the summer recreational season to monitor bacteriological levels ($E.\ coli$).

🌡️ Water Temperature: View real-time Gorge Water Temperature Observations.
🧪 Sampling Results: Review detailed Island Health Recreational Water Testing Results for Banfield Park Dock.
🌧️ Watershed Protection: Learn about storm outfall monitoring and watershed health at the CRD Environmental Services Portal.

Recreational Access Points

Note: Swimming is strictly prohibited in Victoria Harbour (from the Selkirk Trestle south to the Ogden Point Breakwater) due to active vessel traffic. Please review the Transport Canada Port of Victoria Regulations before heading onto the water.

Swimming & Deep-Water Entry (Gorge Waterway)

Banfield Park Main Dock: Swimming area, deep-water entry, and ladder access.

Human-Powered Watercraft Access (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes)

Railyards Dock: Launch access for human-powered watercraft (Google Maps).
Point Ellice Bridge / Railyards Beach: Beach access off the Galloping Goose Trail (Google Maps).
Dockside Green Dock: Public launch access (Google Maps).
Songhees Park Beach: Shoreline launch spot (Google Maps).
Songhees Beach: Shoreline launch spot (Google Maps).
Lime Bay Park Beach: Launch area for non-motorized craft (Google Maps).

Shore Viewpoints & Walking Access (No Launching)

Mary Street Park Beach: Shore access only (not suitable for launching watercraft) (Google Maps).
Rainbow Park: Shore access only (not suitable for launching watercraft) (Google Maps).

Get Involved & Contact

Have feedback on local shoreline access, water quality concerns, or observational data to share?

Meetings: Join us at our monthly committee meetings (schedule updated on the VWCA event calendar).

Contact the Chair: Email the Waterways Committee at waterways@victoriawest.ca.