Itineraries & Maps
Oak Bay is full of adventures and activities. We’ve developed suggested itineraries to help you plan your Best Day in Oak Bay.
Choose your own self-guided walking tour and enjoy Oak Bay, your way.
The Coastline Tour
It’s fun to explore a destination through a resident’s perspective. Whether this is your first or your fiftieth time in Oak bay, here are our insider recommendations for living like a local for a day.
When hunger calls, head to Estevan Village for some great Vancouver Island food compliments of Ruth and Dean. This quaint bakery and café is just a quick walk from Willows’ Beach and offers a tasty breakfast sandwich to pair with a Monogram coffee. You won’t be disappointed.
On the south part of Oak Bay, you’ll find many points of interest that you can enjoy by foot, by bike, or by car. Nestled on a quiet windswept islet you’ll find the Chinese Cemetery. Stand under the giant sentinels, enjoy the fantastic views of Washington’s Olympic Mountains and the lighthouse on Trial Island, and see if you can find the secluded Adirondack chairs situated on the beach rocks. A great spot to reflect and enjoy paradise.
Only a few minutes away from the cemetery, you’ll find Anderson Hill. A quick climb up to a perch amongst local Garry Oaks will reward you with stellar views of the Salish Sea. Take in the passing ships, the character homes that hug the coastline below, and admire the Gonzales Observatory to the West.
It all starts with a good coffee and there is no shortage of amazing places to find good java in Oak Bay. Local tip: Hit Demitasse on McNeil Avenue where you can order a coffee and great local food. While you’re waiting for your order, take in the beauty of the back garden where owners Rob and Kathryn keep their amazing collection of beautiful and unusual plants.
While you could spend all day taking in the West Coast beauty of Oak Bay, leave a little time for yourself to do some treasure hunting. The main avenue is home to a curious collection of vintage shops that are full of great finds. Get ready to find the luxury resale goods and accessories, along with great furniture and knick-knacks from a bygone era.
A Day On The Avenue
This signature street is known for its eclectic shops, cafes and galleries. Here is our shortlist for exploring Oak Bay Avenue.
Travellers and residents alike know that Ottavio is a fantastic place to start your day. This Italian inspired bakery, complete with a sprawling patio and fountain, is home to strong espresso, and sweet delights to help you start the day right.
Steps away from Ottavio, you’ll find the Avenue Gallery where you’ll fall in love with a classic collection of paintings and sculptures. Art lovers rejoice! If you’re in the mood for window shopping or buying a new piece, this is the place for you. Oak Bay is home to countless studios and galleries, including the Avenue Gallery and Side Street Studio, just to name a few.
If you’re in the shopping mood, Nicholas Randall should be on your list of stops. Here, a delightful selection of unique houseware finds, trendy women’s apparel, locally made jewellery and other covetable items will ensure you bring something home.
Every good neighbourhood has a charming bookstore. In Oak Bay, that bookstore is Ivy Books. Get lost in new fiction, classic literature, or shop the greeting cards and magazines.
Anyone looking for children’s books or the perfect baby shower gift should visit Finn & Izzy. Fun facts: The sisters who run this sweet little boutique also own Nicholas Randall, and the name for their business was inspired by their own daughters: Fionnuala & Isabella.
There is so much more to explore on the main avenue but a day in Oak Bay wouldn’t be complete without a stop off at the English Style Penny Farthing Pub in the heart of the Village. Relax on the patio or take in the Victorian style interior with a hearty helping of pub food and a pint. This English pub is an Oak Bay establishment and has been part of the community for nearly 20 years. It will be easy to see why this is one of the must-visit pubs in the region.
Local Gems
It’s fun to explore a destination through a resident’s perspective. Whether this is your first or your fiftieth time in Oak bay, here are our insider recommendations for living like a local for a day.
When hunger calls, head to Estevan Village for some great Vancouver Island food compliments of Ruth and Dean. This quaint bakery and café is just a quick walk from Willows’ Beach and offers a tasty breakfast sandwich to pair with a Monogram coffee. You won’t be disappointed.
On the south part of Oak Bay, you’ll find many points of interest that you can enjoy by foot, by bike, or by car. Nestled on a quiet windswept islet you’ll find the Chinese Cemetery. Stand under the giant sentinels, enjoy the fantastic views of Washington’s Olympic Mountains and the lighthouse on Trial Island, and see if you can find the secluded Adirondack chairs situated on the beach rocks. A great spot to reflect and enjoy paradise.
Only a few minutes away from the cemetery, you’ll find Anderson Hill. A quick climb up to a perch amongst local Garry Oaks will reward you with stellar views of the Salish Sea. Take in the passing ships, the character homes that hug the coastline below, and admire the Gonzales Observatory to the West.
Oak Bay loves its coffee shops, Within Timeless Toys & 4Cats shop on Oak Bay Avenue you can find Hide + Seek. Grab your coffee, grab a quick bite, and continue your explorations.
While you could spend all day taking in the West Coast beauty of Oak Bay, leave a little time for yourself to do some treasure hunting. The main avenue is home to a curious collection of vintage shops that are full of great finds. Get ready to find the luxury resale goods and accessories, along with great furniture and knick-knacks from a bygone era.
Fine Food Finds in Oak Bay
There are so many things to try when you visit Oak Bay, including the culinary offerings. Here are a few delicious locales you should treat yourself to next time you’re visiting.
The Coffee Stop: Before you get your tastebuds working, we recommend Hide + Seek, a fan favourite for third-wave coffee found on the main Avenue. Enjoy the shop’s rotating selection of top-notch beans. Be sure to check out their website for cool programming like Waffle Sundays.
The Breakfast Stop: Head to the Village Restaurant, located in Estevan Village when you’re ready for brunch. Omelettes, Eggs Benny, breakfast cocktails piled high with garnishes and burgers are all available. Healthier fare including colourful salads and dishes like the SHAK are also worth a try.
The Sushi Stop: When the craving for sushi hits, the small Japanese restaurant Bon Sushi can be found right off the main avenue. Popular with the locals, this classic spot has everything you need for a proper feast. Enjoy hand cones, bento boxes, rice bowls and an assortment of rolls.
The French Cuisine Stop: You will fall in love with Vis-à-Vis, a French-inspired restaurant and another resident favourite. We recommend heading here to enjoy the sun on the patio in the afternoon (something you can do just about all year). Alternatively, sit at the bar top and enjoy local craft beer, an excellent wine list and interesting cocktails. Indulge in Island harvested oysters, prawn cocktail or a charcuterie board made with in-house veggies, spreads and locally raised meats.
Beachcombers and Seafarers
To enjoy Oak Bay, means to appreciate the 8+ miles of coastline that surrounds the community – whether it’s a dramatic seaside view, a dip in Pacific waters, or the feel of sand between your toes.
If you love the beach, you’re in luck. There are countless public areas and private nooks and crannies to enjoy the sand and sea. One of the most popular spots is Willows Beach. This space is perfect for people of all ages so bring a beach blanket, a camera and take in the fantastic views of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea.
If you plan on spending a few hours at the beach then make use of the Willows Beach Tea Room, a classic beachfront teahouse on the water’s edge. Outside of summer season, we also suggested bringing your own picnic supplies. The wonderful cheese shop in Dean Heights, known as Charelli’s, has an impressive collection of cheeses, olives, tapenades, Italian sweets and fresh baguette to ensure you can customize your own al fresco experience. Chances are good, you’ll spend more time in this shop than planned.
For small groups craving some ocean spray and sea breeze, contact Oak Bay Tours and book a small excursion to explore the surrounding waters. This is your chance to get a front row seat to Chatham Island, Trial Island, and local marine life that frequents the area, including sea birds, seals, otters and playful sea lions who love the kelp beds. For the full experience, request that your guide bring along crabbing nets and enjoy your fresh catch on the docks upon your return to the Oak Bay Marina.
The English Experience
If you come to Oak Bay, you can’t help but notice the quaint laneways, Victorian architecture, and British influence everywhere you look. However, if you’re looking for the royal treatment, follow our guide below on living like a king or queen for a day.
The South Island has been known to host more than a few royals in its day. While you can find High Tea and British experiences throughout the region, but Oak Bay has a few destinations that offer the same great experience without the high price tag or long waits.
Reserve your high tea experience at the White Heather Tea Room. Order an impressive tower of finger foods, hors d’oeuvres, pastries and tea sandwiches to pair with high-quality loose-leaf teas. This lovely and leisurely ritual will make you feel downright regal.
English gardens are readily available in Oak Bay. However, there are a few dazzling spaces you can visit to get your fill of flowers and greenery. Finnerty Gardens is located on the edge of the University of Victoria Campus. This lovely oasis is frequented by students, staff and the public year-round. This space equals instant Zen and relaxation.
The other garden space we highly recommend is the Abkhazi Gardens – home to the community’s own royal family. Here, the backstory is just as romantic as the venue itself. Formerly owned by the Prince and Princess of Abkhazi, this love story includes an escape from the Bolshevik Revolution, time in Shanghai and a World War. When the globe-trotting couple finally settled in Victoria, they developed their one-acre property into the beautiful gardens that locals and visitors now enjoy today. It’s truly magical.
The space is now managed by The Land Conservancy and the gardens can be visited year-round. The Tea Room on site also offers wonderful items in the gift shop and a four-star tea service, including the Moroccan Tea with four courses and specialty gunpowder tea. Entry is by donation.
To cap off your majestic experience in Oak Bay, dine at the Windsor Café. This friendly couple-run café provides a seasonally rotating menu with fresh ingredients and a great selection of wines, cocktails and beers. The cozy atmosphere and garden patio are both great choices to dine on mussels, charcuterie or the soup du jour. For little ones in tow, be sure to ask about the kid’s menu.
