Oka Bay, Victoria
Oak Bay is proud of its parks and recreation facilities, which are considered by many to be among the best in the country. Three recreation centres, many parks and excellent outdoor facilities feature a wide range of recreational opportunities.
Oak Bay
The attractive residential community of Oak Bay is considered the most "British" neighbourhood in Greater Victoria. Established by wealthy city residents anxious to escape the mud flats of the Inner Harbour, Oak Bay still retains a distinct genteel flavour, reflected by its village shops, restaurants and tearooms.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always a warm welcome awaiting you in charming Oak Bay.
Oak Bay is named after the distinctively characteristic Garry Oak, the single oak species native to the Coastal Pacific Northwest. The huge, gnarled trees, with their contorted limbs and massive crowns are prevalent along Beach Drive through Uplands and Cadboro Bay, some of which are over 400 years old.
At some point in its history, Oak Bay captured the nickname "Tweed Curtain," an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek reference to its British heritage. This explains the tea rooms. However, times have changed, and so has Oak Bay. Yes, there are tearooms, but there are also cafes, pubs, take-out fish and chips, great restaurants, and a charming shopping district with a wonderful array of specialty shops and art galleries.
The best way to explore Oak Bay is on a bicycle. One of the most popular routes is along the Scenic Marine Drive. This exceptionally picturesque roadway follows the shoreline and grants magnificent water and mountain views. It is said, and it's true, that Oak Bay has million dollar views at any time of the day. The Scenic Marine Drive leads through the Royal Victoria Golf Course, which is the oldest course in the Pacific Northwest. Continuing along the route, stately mansions hug the shorelines to the east and the south in Uplands, a neighbourhood famous for having more millionaires per square mile than any other place in Canada.
Oak Bay has several beautiful gardens to stroll through, and parks with plenty of viewpoints. Besides being bicycle friendly, Oak Bay is also pedestrian friendly. The community takes pride in its many peaceful streets of elegant homes and gardens. As you walk or cycle, take special note of the stately Garry Oak trees that line most streets.
Marine life in its natural habitat can often be seen from the shores of Oak Bay. Sailors, fishermen, and kayakers are not alone in the ocean. They are likely to be sharing the sea with one of three pods of killer whales, gray whales, or minke whales, and as always, curious harbour seals.
Population: 18,059
Location: Oak Bay is located east of downtown Victoria. Oak Bay is bordered by the University of Victoria and Saanich to the north, Foul Bay Road to the west, Haro Strait to the east and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the south.
•Enjoy touches of England in quaint Oak Bay Village. Enjoy afternoon tea served in authentic English Tea Rooms, or shop along the high street, known for its exclusive shops ranging from art and antiques to fashions, giftware, and British sweets. Situated between Yale and Monterey Streets, Oak Bay Village has served the residents of Oak Bay since the turn of the century.
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Sailboats docked at Oak Bay Marina, Beach Drive
The Oak Bay Cenotaph honours the young men and one woman from Oak Bay who died in World War Two. Unveiled on Armistice Day, November 11th, 1948 in Uplands Park facing Beach Drive, the Cenotaph frames a nine-foot tall statue of a woman, her eyes downcast upon the 97 names of Oak Bay's war dead. The inscription reads: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
•Drive through Uplands Estates, once the site of the Hudson's Bay Company's huge sheep farm, and now one of Victoria's most exclusive neighbourhoods.
•The magnificent Glenlyon Norfolk School at 1701 Beach Drive was the original home of architect Francis Rattenbury, who designed many of Victoria's famous buildings, including The Empress Hotel and the Legislative Buildings. The house became the private boys school in 1929.
•Oak Bay's famous Sloan Oak at 1069 Beach Drive is one giant Garry Oak tree with a heritage. A plaque in front recalls the memory of the Honourable Gordon Sloan, jurist and forester. A beautiful specimen of a 'Reclining Oak' can be viewed at 3375 Midland Road.
•Break you trip on the scenic Marine drive for a relaxing pint in the Snug Pub at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, which has provided Olde World charm and graced Oak Bay's seashore for over 70 years. During prohibition "Snug Tea" was a local blend of amaretto and apricot brandy concealed in brown berry puddings!
•The sandy shores of Willows Beach host the elegant Oak Bay Tea Party in June, the biggest party of the year in Oak Bay. This annual event includes food, entertainment, rides, booths, games and a parade.
•Willows Beach is one of the Victoria's most popular swimming beaches, especially during the summer months. Bask in the sun, stroll along the shores, or launch a kayak and paddle offshore. Willows Beach provides one of the best outdoor volleyball courts on Vancouver Island.
•Gonzales Beach at the south end of Foul Bay Road is a crescent-shaped gem, free of crowds and boasting golden sandy beaches.
Oak Bay is a world away from the rush of everyday life. An unhurried day may be spent browsing one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, strolling through parks and along beachfronts or soaking up the ambience in cafes and bistros. A year-round outdoor playground, Oak Bay residents' enthusiasm for gardening and green spaces is evident at every turn.
Oka Bay, Victoria
Oka Bay, Victoria
2011 07 02