If you think you know Esquimalt, you may not know of “My Esquimalt”. My Esquimalt is the title of the Township’s recently launched tourism strategy. The new promotional material features stunning photography in the form of a brochure, walking tours and an official tourism website: www.MyEsquimalt.com.
“In developing the tourism strategy we came up with 20 different themes representing what Esquimalt has to offer and why we are such a worthwhile visitor experience. Most communities can’t say that,” says Gary McCartie, the developer of Esquimalt’s tourism strategy.
Being “foot friendly” is one of the twenty reasons to visit Esquimalt. This is proven to be true by the seven-part series of self-guided walking tours which has been released. The neighbourhood walking tours, written by fifth-generation resident and local historian Sherri Robinson, includes maps, photos and a historical description of Esquimalt’s past. For instance, the West Bay Area walking tour features the only house in Esquimalt which was designed by Architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury. Rattenbury is the famous architect of the Provincial Legislature Buildings and the Empress Hotel.
Tourism Victoria Board Chair, Randy Wright, had the following to say about Esquimalt’s tourism initiative, "As Tourism Victoria is the marketing entity for Greater Victoria, we look forward to working with Esquimalt to achieve joint success in developing a Tourism strategy. It is an excellent opportunity that will no doubt help us all in broadening our reach to new markets."
Funding for the development of Esquimalt’s tourism strategy comes from the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Tourism Program.