Royal Bay

It's an exciting time to be part of what is happening in Colwood! "2020 has also been an exciting story of bringing our Official Community Plan to life. Colwood Council was honoured to welcome Victoria Shipyards to our Allandale district, the Royal BC Museum and Archives building to Royal Bay, and the expansion of Royal Bay Secondary (making it the largest high school on Vancouver Island with over 1,600 student capacity)"

We can hardly wait for a walk in the park! Nearly 17 acres of South Latoria - the next phase of Royal Bay - will be dedicated as neighbourhood parks, natural parkland, trails, and greenways. All residents will live within a five-minute walk of parks and open space. #colwoodiscalling

Love where we live!

Have you been sticking to your New Year's resolutions so far? If you answered "yes", keep up the good work! If you answered no, we've got some tips that can help! -Start small. Focus on one goal at a time, write it out, and also write out a clear action plan on how you are going to achieve that goal.... -Talk about it with family and friends. Making your goals known can make your journey easier and less intimidating, while also creating a support system! -Don't beat yourself up. We all have slip ups - remember that every day is a new beginning that can bring you one step closer to your goals. You've got this!

The weather may be a bit grey these days but there’s nothing better than a walk with a view to brighten the day.

Have you taken your Christmas tree/decorations down yet? If not, how long do you keep them up? Photo by @kc.granger

Nothin' like coffee and a view on the first Saturday in 2021 - agree!? Great photo by @vicfoodadventures

Some Sundays, we just can't help but pull back the covers and snuggle up for a some extra R&R... How about you? Are you the "sleep in" type, or the "up and at 'em" type?

Happy New Year!! No matter where your path takes you this year, we wish you nothing but health, happiness and prosperity! Photo via @

Need some ideas for your at-home NYE celebration? We've got you covered - here are some great ideas the whole family will enjoy! Celebrate with sparklers in the backyard Family PJ Party Minute-to-win-it Game Night... Reminisce through photos Mystery Dinner Party Create a time capsule Scavenger hunt Plan a vacation for the future Host a Family Olympics Have an idea to add? Share it below!

Amazing views like this remind us of how fortunate we are to live, where we live. We hope you see your fair share of great views over the weekend! Fantastic photo capture by @jasonfrankphotography

Is a Monday a Monday without a visit to the coffee shop? #GiveUsAllTheJava #MondayMorning

Hands up if you indulged a little too much over the holidays... Perhaps a visit to one of our beautiful trails is in order?

While a lot of people head out at first light to take in the Boxing Day deals, we much prefer staying at home, staying in our new Christmas PJs and indulging in some R&R. How about you? Are you scoping out the deals today - or kicking back on the couch with Netflix?

Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone a day that's merry, bright and full of love. Happy Holidays! Beautiful capture by @itkasanimages

There are two different types of people on Christmas eve: "the scrambler", running from store to store getting all of the last minute things kind - and the "laid back" I've been done for weeks kind. Which one are YOU?

The #royalbaycheer in the neighbourhood warms the ! Thanks to everyone who has been sharing their Royal Bay holiday pictures! Congratulations to @squishyprints @wildwoodflowerpower and @ksoul76. You’ve won a @sequoia_coastal_coffee gift card just in time for the holidays. We will connect and make arrangements to get it to you.

Walking in a winter wonderland! Would love to see your pics around Royal Bay today!

Need some inspiration for your Christmas dinner spread? We've got you covered! Now, the question is - will you go simple and classy, or bold and playful? Comment below!

A beautiful view to end your weekend! We hope you had a great one.

We sure love having Sequoia in the neighbourhood. Any commute is better with a hot coffee in hand and you can’t beat the sunrise.

Christmas may look a bit different this year... but, that doesn't mean it can't be FUN! We found this great article filled with lots of festive at-home activities the whole family can enjoy. Check it out: https://bit.ly/2Upd8l5

How amazing is the Christmas tree entryway? Today is your last chance to enter our #HolidayCheer giveaway! Want to win a $20 gift card for Sequoia Coastal Coffee? Upload a photo showing off your holiday cheer, tag US (@royalbaycolwood) as well as #RoyalBayCheer to be entered! It could be your beautiful lights, a photo of you sporting your fav ugly holiday sweater, whatever gives you that boost of Yuletide cheer, we want to see it! You have until 11:59:59 pm TONIGHT!... Good luck! Another amazing photo capture by @itkasanimages

Looks like some elves have been busy adding some extra festive touches to the trails #royalbaycheer

We agree! Fortunate to share it with you! Go Ravens!

When life gives you rain... jump in the puddles! A lovely photo from @barbara_adine of the rainy Royal Roads campus, don't you think?

Keep a sharp eye open for a heron, otter, and a lighthouse spotted on utility boxes in Royal Bay! Inspired by the beauty around us, we are always looking for ways to beautify the neighbourhood. And thanks to our partners in beautification @cityofcolwood

Something cool is happening at Meadow Park in Royal Bay. Stroll along the sparkling stream and through the light tunnels for a little holiday family outing this... season. We're sprinkling a little magic around Colwood to brighten spirits this holiday season. Play under the forest lights at Herm Williams Park and check out the soon-to-be-lit dirftwood Colwood sign on Kelly Road too! You'll also see our signature Colwood starburst lights around the City wherever there are City poles with electrical outlets (many of the light standards throughout the City are hydro poles, which we can't decorate.) (Tag #Colwood in your photos and you could win a gift card to a local business!)

Tis the season to sparkle! Have YOU entered our Holiday Cheer contest yet? Here's what you need to do: 1. Upload a photo showcasing your Holiday Cheer 2. TAG US with both @RoyalBayColwood and the hashtag #RoyalBayCheer for your chance to win 1 of 3 gift cards worth $20 for @SequoiaCoffee... Each photo you tag counts as ONE entry. Entries will be accepted until Friday, December 18th at 11:59:59 pm. Winners will be contacted on Saturday, December 19th. Good luck! This contest is not affiliated with Instagram in any way. Entrants must live in the community of Royal Bay. Amazing photo capture by @itkasanimages

The Countdown to Christmas is on! Watch for the latest festive artwork warming our s (and the hydro pole) as you travel Metchosin Road #loveourneighbourhood

Did you opt for a real Christmas tree this year? With two weeks left to go, you may be wondering how to keep it as pristine as when you brought it home - and we've gathered just the tips you need! Tip #1 - Keep it watered. Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, missing even a day can make your tree dry and brittle before the 25th! The water level should always cover the cut end of the trunk - check it daily, and refill as needed. Tip #2 - Keep it away from heat sources. Dire...ct sunlight or a furnace will quickly dry out the tree. Tip #3 - Do not keep the lights on for long periods of time, and be sure to turn them OFF when you go to sleep or go out. Stay safe, and enjoy the scent and ambiance of your beautiful tree!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!! We want to see your ! A great tree? House lit up? Ugly sweaters? Show us for your chance to win one of three $20 gift cards from Sequoia Coastal Coffee! Here's what you need to do:... 1. Upload a photo showcasing your Holiday Cheer 2. TAG US with both @RoyalBayColwood and the hashtag #RoyalBayCheer Each photo you tag counts as ONE entry. Entries will be accepted until Friday, December 18th at 11:59:59 pm. Winners will be contacted on Saturday, December 19th. Let's celebrate together while staying safe at home this holiday season. We can't wait to see your holiday photos - Good luck! This contest is not affiliated with Instagram in any way. Entrants must live in the community of Royal Bay. Amazing photo capture by @itkasanimages

Sunset is our favourite time of day. Isn't this a beautiful capture by @glam.by.lisa?

We can't take our eyes off of these new wraps around the neighbourhood! Which one is your favourite? Photo via city councillor Gordie Logan

Want to keep tabs on everything that’s happening in Royal Bay? (Spoiler alert : there’s a lot!) Like the unreal playground that is coming to life, the new Sequoia Coffee shop, new house plans, school and museum announcements, and the land preparation that’s underway to prepare for The Commons and Quarry neighbourhoods to be built. There’s no shortage of updates! Check out our blog at: www.liveatroyalbay.ca/tideline-news/

This week @indecentrisotto has setup shop in the Royal Bay food truck court, next to @sequoia_coastal_coffee Swing by for some risotto balls or a mouth watering burger. See you soon!

Sunday is a great day for a beach stroll! What treasures will you find...? Great capture by @yabut66

ICYMI: Royal Bay was recently recognized as the Best Subdivision with a 2020 Care Award from the Victoria Residential Builders Association. We share our gratitude with the Colwood community, everyone from our local elected officials and community planners, our trades and contractors and our Royal Bay residents. Everyone plays a role in making Royal Bay the amazing community it is. We believe the best is still yet to come! Learn more on our blog about the four CARE awards GableCraft Homes won this week: www.liveatroyalbay.ca/gablecrafthomes-wins-four-care-awards/

Are you doing your shopping primarily online this year? Here are some great tips that can help you save money while still getting the best gifts for everyone on your list. -' . Instead of clicking "submit order" right away - sleep on it even! Experts say to wait 24 hours, if after that time frame you still think it's a good buy, then you have your answer. - . There is nobody waiting behind you in line, take the time to price match other sources a...nd go for the best-priced item. -' " !" . This trick will have you adding more than you need to your cart just to save a few dollars on shipping. - ! 10% off may not seem like much, but, if you have a lot to buy it can definitely help! (Plus, you can simply unsubscribe later. ) Have a tip to add? Share it below!

Have you been to our new food truck court yet? This week, @FreshCoastVic is here daily from 11AM-7PM! Starting December 7th, @indecentrisotto will rotate in! We have been working our way through the @freshcoastvic menu and highly recommend their Carmanah Rainforest Smoothies Hit your step count, veggie count, and get some vitamin D (sunshine forecasted)!

There is so much talent, skill (and beauty) that comes out of Royal Bay Secondary. We are sure fortunate to have access to such phenomenal programs right in our neighbourhood. Incredibly captured by Jennifer Callioux

We are beaming! Can you tell? We are incredibly proud to be recognized by the Victoria Residential Builders Association with four 2020 CARE awards, including BEST SUBDIVISION! The CARE Awards showcase outstanding projects by Canada’s leaders in sustainable West Coast design and construction. ... Best Subdivision: Royal Bay Phase 2 Best Entry Level Market Home (Shelton) Best Multi-Family/Townhouse Project (West Commons) Best Sales Centre

Wave goodbye to November! Can you believe tomorrow is already December 1st? Time flies when you're having fun! ...I guess it's time to start the Christmas shopping, huh? Amazing photo capture by @aniuiemilia

Forget the to-do lists, the chores, and all of the tasks you really don't want to do. Sundays are for #selfcare, and to us that means kicking back with our feet up, next to the ones closest to us. Happy Sunday!

Living close to water makes a person feel happy, healthy, and truly alive agree?

It's Black Friday! Do you partake in the frenzied shopping? If so, what have you had your eye on this year? While we love a good deal, we encourage everyone to remember businesses in our community who need our support the most this shopping season.

Your table is ready! Swing by @freshcoastvic at Royal Bay today for a great meal and don’t leave without a delish coffee from @sequoia_coastal_coffee #royalbay #colwood #colwoodbc #westshore #yyjfoodtrucks #yyjeats #yyjbusiness #yyjlunch

Seasons change... but the beauty of Hatley Castle, always remains the same. A stunning photo from @natures_beauty_vanisle

IT'S HAPPENING! The new food truck court is now open in Royal Bay! freshcoastvic is holding down the court for the next two weeks. Come by for lunch or quench your thirst with a fresh smoothie. Open daily at 10 am, right next to the local Sequoia Coastal Coffee

Did you know that The City of Colwood is among the 25 best communities to live in Canada, according to Maclean's? It's true! Colwood earned top marks as one of the top 2 safest and best communities in BC, the 6th best place in Canada to retire, and among the top 25 best communities in Canada. More reasons to love living in Royal Bay!

If we have to hunker down, there's no better place to be!

We can't decide what we love more... views of Fisgard in the day or at dusk... How about you? Comment below!

Wondering what to do this weekend? Why not grab a coffee at our local Sequoia Coastal Coffee and walk the Royal Bay loop. Grab your java and walk across Latoria Boulevard to start on the Perimeter pathway behind Royal Bay Secondary. Take in the stunning panoramic ocean and neighbourhood views before joining Painter Trail by Murray’s Pond and then walking up the treed North Ridge Nature trail connecting with the new sidewalks Metchosin Road. A perfect 3 km circle, just enough to finish your coffee and get your steps in.

TGIF! As we all stick closer to home these days, we can’t help but appreciate these great views... Have a great weekend everyone.

The sound of waves crashing on the shore, is one of the most relaxing sounds on earth - agree? Great capture by @jocelynntris

More changes are coming to Royal Bay as our next phase of construction continues. Please bear with us as we temporarily close the Metchosin-Painter connector trail behind Pipit Place and Caspian Drive on Wednesday, November 18th. Work will include some tree removal and land grading in preparation for the park extension, lot servicing and park connecting pathways.

New week, new reasons to love living in Royal Bay! We are so excited for the Meadow Park Green, we couldn't help but share this photo from @kinsolplay. Coming soon: Zipline, climber, swings, and a slide tower! Leave some below if you're excited too.

It may be rainy and wet outside... but inside, we're dreaming of sailing... Great photo taken by @gary.woodburn earlier this fall.

The best way to end your week is sunset at the beach! Agree? How are you unwinding this evening? Great shot by @ianterrisphotography

Lest we forget the men and women who gave their all. #RemembranceDay2020

Royal Bay isn't just a beautiful place to live... it's a great place for our kids to learn, too! The recent updates to Royal Bay Secondary School have made it the largest high school on Vancouver Island. Students are loving the 19 additional classrooms including the four new science rooms and two state of the art computer rooms catered to animation and digital arts - plus, the new gymnasium with an indoor turf floor! A truly incredible space to learn & grow, while paving the way to a wonderful future.

VOTE TODAY! Royal Bay is one of the best kept secrets out there. If you live here, you know! Royal Bay and Gablecraft Homes have been nominated for several 2020 People’s Choice CARE Awards. Show your for our great community by placing your vote today! Spread the word! https://careawards.ca/peoples-choice-award-contest/

How amazing are these poppies? Another wonderful creation by Cecelia Penner. As you travel along Metchosin Road be sure to take a moment or two to enjoy them.

Our Royal Bay community is buzzing with their Saturday in hand. Sequoia Coffee is training their team this week, prior to their official opening. The first of its kind locally, the shipping container drive-thru/walk up coffee shop has been a labour of love for all involved and signals the first of many fantastic services coming to the community. #colwood #royalbay #royalbaybc #royalbaycolwood #coffee #yyj #yyjbuzz #yyjeats

It's a beautiful day for a walk in the park... How lucky are we to live where the flowers are still blooming in early November?

TGIF! Anyone else excited for the weekend? We'd love to know what you've got planned - perhaps some outdoor fun in the sun?

New week, new opportunities! Are you ready to make a splash? @dougclementphotography

Daylight savings time has ended - did you remember to set your clocks back? The time change is a great reminder to stay ahead of the game and replace ALL household batteries. Flashlights, smoke detectors, TV remotes, and other important household items - change them all and do so again in the Spring!

Happy Halloween!! Wishing you all a safe and spooky evening.

#TGIF! What fun fall activities do you have planned this weekend?

Trick-or-treating this year? Stay safe and spooky with these tips! -Stay local to your neighbourhood, avoid busy or indoor areas where physically distancing may not be possible. -Keep your group small (6 or less). -Wash your hands before you go out, when you get home, and before eating treats.... -Respect homes by staying away if the lights are out. Source: Provincial Health Services Authority - PHSA

Exciting news from one of Royal Bay's Builders, GableCraft Homes! Check this out...

One of the West Shore’s most recognizable landmarks, the Royal Bay quarry has played an important role in our community for over a century. Throughout the quarry’s years of service, Colwood has grown from its rural roots to become a flourishing urban community. Along the way, Colwood established a rich history and character to build its future. This phase of development will write the next chapter for these lands, serving the community in a new way. Latoria South will unloc...k the promise of Royal Bay with new parks and pathways, safe bike routes, a grocery store, neighbourhood shops and services, and an elementary school. THIS WEEK, site grading and land preparation will begin, and construction is planned for 2021. Please excuse our mess as we bring the community’s vision to life : Royal BC Museum Learn more: https://liveatroyalbay.ca/tideline-news/

The coolest thing about the moon is that somewhere, someone is looking at it in awe just like you. An amazing #ColwoodCapture by @gary_woodburn