Not all treasures are recognized for their historical significance, until you dig a little deeper. This unveils the story of a relic, found in the Goldstream/Humpback area of Langford. Such a small thing, that holds a magnificent past. Subscribe to the Podcast to unlock additional Episodes. Each month, new Episodes are researched, written and relea…

The Westshore pioneer life of Stanley Arthur Clark was full of promise, a wife, children, great job. No one knew it would end in tragedy just off the coast of Sidney at the northern end of the Saanich Peninsula. He is buried in Colwood Cemetery. This is his memory. Please consider supporting the Podcast by becoming a monthly subscriber https://podc…

Did you know that a Pioneer Cemetery existed? This episode delves into the history of the cemetery along with some of its occupants. A graveyard doesn't represent just an old assortment of broken headstones and monuments to be forgotten. Its a window to observe and understand the past of the Westshore and its pioneers. Please consider supporting th…

This episode concentrates of the writing of Robert Connell who lived in Victoria and wrote of his hikes in the Westshore area during its early years. His writings on local geology and botany, was extremely well known to Victorians at the time. He often led trips out of Victoria to Goldstream, Skirt Mountain, Sooke, and other area's, talking about t…

The Ranger Station that covered the Langford District area was located at 697 Goldstream Avenue. In fact, most don't realize that its location was where Veterans Memorial Park is now situated in Langford. Hear about the building and Forest Rangers activities from fighting fires to measuring logs. *Become a Patron for access to Bonus Material* - Acc…

Follow the reflections of a journey from Victoria through the Highlands in 1916. The Highlands was a special place away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria for the 'adventurer' and those seeking to get away from the 'miles-per-hour' enthusiast. Show Notes Facebook Community Support the Podcast for only the price of a cup of coffee. Show you like…

Emma a pioneer (and daughter of Caleb Pike) of the Highlands had a tumultuous life. Her mother dying. Her husband 'a notorious character' who deserted her and her young children. Tragedies and bad luck. But through it all, with true grit and determination she managed to raise a family, purchase property, and support herself. *Become a Patron for ac…

Many years ago, a young teen, walked along the E&N tracks at night in the Goldstream area on Vancouver Island. What happened next will send shivers down your spine! *Become a Patron to access Bonus Material* - Access to extensive written materials, bonus episodes, and more. Level Up! Basic Subscription - keep the Westshore History Podcast alive! Un…

Do ghosts haunt your house? Are there monsters in the forest? Have you seen unearthly figures in the night? Here's 3 short stories from newspapers in the past that will make your hair stand on end. Grab a blanket and listen in the dark - if you dare! *Become a Patron to access Bonus Material* - Receive extensive written materials and photographs Ba…

Take a walk around the Humpback/Goldstream farming area on Vancouver Island as it once was, and peep into the lives of early pioneers before the Humpback Reservoir changed the landscape in 1912. *Become a Patron for Bonus Material* - Access extensive written materials on this and other episodes. Show Notes Basic Subscription - gain access to bonus …

The E&N Railroad on Vancouver Island has been plagued with squabbles and controversy since its beginnings in the 1870's, but has also created strong feelings of nostalgia then and now. This is a look at its early history, the building of the Niagara Canyon Trestle (an engineering feat for its time), and also deaths that occurred during it's constru…

This episode will recount some of the known drowning tragedies, and the circumstances surrounding them. It will also tell you the story of what I consider to be Guardian Angel of Langford Lake - Hazel Baynes, as she is truly the definition of hero. Support the Podcast Buy a coffee if you enjoyed this episode Website Join the Facebook Community Grou…

In this episode, we look into the origins of the name 'Happy Valley', the Stone Man discovery, and the Lava Pillows. Happy Valley, is a part of the municipalities of both Langford and Metchosin on Vancouver Island. The area as a whole provides a rich farming and pioneer history to delve into. Become a Patron of this Podcast Buy me a coffee! Website…

A strange mystery surrounds the discovery of a skeleton in 1869 along a trail on a hot, humid August day. There is 'hideous evidence of murder.' Bullet holes and suspicious activity are found. Clues, rumour, and gossip grip the area. Who was this man? What happened? Who was the assassin? Do the police get their man? Listen to the tale of one of the…

There's Gold in that stream! In the 1860's hundreds of prospectors travelled and set up camp along the Goldstream River in search of fortune. However, their dreams would soon be dashed as reality set in. This is the story of a gold rush that never 'panned out' except in people's imaginations. Basic Subscription for access to all subscription Episod…

Emily Carr (1871–1945) was one of the first artists of national significance to emerge from the West Coast. However, many don't know she also wrote several extraordinary books about her life, where she travelled, and what she saw. As a child, and later in life as an adult, she spent time in and around Langford, in particular the Goldstream and Mill…

In 1967, the tragic event of the Flying Firemen rocked the people of Langford and Vancouver Island. First-hand eye witness and newspaper accounts describe the crash of the PBY-5A Canso Water-bomber, which occurred while fighting a blazing out of control forest fire that threatened Goldstream, Skirt Mountain and residents on a hot sunny day in July.…

In the early 1900’s, Langford Lake was a wilderness, and prime area for hunters and fishermen. Access was an arduous journey along a dusty wagon trail with the lake largely hidden from view by tall stands of old growth forest. But those that travelled along the pot holed, dirt wagon road. Listen for a glimpse into what the area was like and some pi…

Join me in the journey through Westshore history. Together we'll dive into little known events and the people that we thought we knew. These are the stories they don't tell in school. My plan is to enlighten, entertain, make you laugh, and okay, at times, cringe. And it's a lot lighter than reading a textbook. *Become a Patron for access to Bonus M…