Esquimault (ĕs-kwī′ ma̤lt). The western suburb of the city of Victoria (British Columbia). Until recently it was the headquarters of the North Pacific fleet. The ships, save one or two, have been withdrawn and the Dominion has undertaken the maintenance of the fortifications, which are amongst the strongest in the empire. Esquimault has a splendid harbor. It was formerly used exclusively by the navy, but will now be opened to merchant-vessels. There is, besides, a dockyard with a huge dry-dock. Barracks and a naval arsenal complete the equipment of the place, which is heavily fortified.
