HIGHLANDS
The small but mighty District of Highlands is a beautiful residential community filled with parks and breathtaking views. In fact, more than a third of Highlands is protected parkland.
The district is ideal for a wide variety of residents looking for a quiet place to live amongst nature, or looking for a place to seek adventure and endlessly explore, all while being in close proximity to city life in nearby Langford or Victoria.
Profile
Population: 2,225
Average age: 42.3
Average full-time employment income: $68,456
Population density per square kilometres: 58.5
Land area in square kilometres: 38.05
Total private dwellings: 862
Amenities
Highlands residents fall into the Sooke School District, and the catchment has two elementary schools including Lakewood Elementary or Millstream Elementary, which has French immersion. Spencer Middle School then covers grades six through eight, and the newly built Belmont High School serves grades nine through 12.
The district is developing a community garden and has plans for a permaculture and food forest, terraced garden, children’s garden, native plant garden, educational demonstrations, and special events.
The lush green landscapes and endless trails make it hard to leave, but in the event they do want to travel elsewhere, residents have quick proximity to the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal and Victoria International Airport, which are each about a 35-minute drive away. Highlands is also next to the Trans Canada Highway that will take you up island for even more adventure.
For those commuting to Victoria for work, the city is a one-hour bike ride or half hour drive away. BC Transit also has a special express service to downtown Victoria that operates once in the morning and evening on weekdays. A plan developed by BC Transit references plans to improve and increase service to the district as well.
Fun and Family
The District of Highlands boasts some of the best hiking trails in the Capital Regional District. Parks within the district’s boundaries include Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, and regional parks Mount Work, Thetis Lake, and Lone Tree Hill. Gowlland Tod is 1,280 hectares in size, has more than 25 kilometres of trails, is home to a protected area for a rare Douglas Fir habitat, and has stunning views of Finlayson Arm.
Mount Work Regional Park is a local favourite for families wanting to hike, swim, picnic, or bike. It has 11 kilometres of trails to the summit at 449 metres, and has three freshwater lakes including Durrance Lake, Fork Lake, and Pease Lake. Durrance Lake has a beautiful and accessible spot for picnicking, and is perfect for a refreshing swim after a hike to the summit of Mount Work. Steps from the main Mount Work trail is a trail to McKenzie Bight, which is worth the extra trek for its picturesque beach and views. Plus, the view along the forested trail is equally as beautiful, especially as you pass Cascade Falls.
Highlands also has two municipal parks. Twinflower Park has a bike and horseback riding ring, and Eagles Lake Park has a swimming beach.