The West Shore comprises the communities of View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin and the Highlands District. It is an area of growing residential subdivisions and commercial centres. 

There are many popular neighbourhoods including Bear Mountain, Royal Bay, Westhills and the newly announced Beachlands along the Colwood waterfront.

Langford has a large number of lakes and parks, which offer a variety of recreational pursuits. The larger lakes include Thetis Lake, Langford Lake, Glen Lake and Florence Lake. The popular Goldstream Park also has a provincial campground and is famous for its annual salmon spawn.

Colwood offers a variety of recreational pursuits. The Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre for example is considered to be one of the most complete sport complexes in the province. For the golf enthusiast, there are the Royal Colwood and Olympic View golf courses as well as the nine hole Juan de Fuca course. The area offers a nature reserve and beaches, Colwood is also home to Royal Roads University. Views of downtown and of the American coast over the Strait of Juan de Fuca are also enjoyed by visitors and residents.