Oak Bay is located to the east of Victoria and along the coast. It is a vibrant neighbourhood which is only 10 minutes from downtown Victoria, but it feels far away from the hustle and bustle. There are galleries, cafes, bistros and shopping. The many beaches in Oak Bay are easily accessible.
Oak Bay is one of the most desirable residential area for real estate in Greater Victoria, with architecture that ranges from late 19th century to today’s contemporary West Coast. It is considered the most British community, as English charm is found on the streets of this municipality. The community offers easy access to downtown Victoria.
Oak Bay has gorgeous ocean views, fine landscapes, a recreation center, two world-class golf courses (the Uplands Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club), the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and Oak Bay Marina. Oak Bay shares the University of Victoria and Camosun College with the neighbouring municipality of Saanich. The Oak Bay Village is the heart of Oak Bay, which runs along Oak Bay Avenue. It is a great place to browse boutiques and coffee shops.
Oak Bay has a long stretch of scenic coastline and breathtaking vistas. It takes its name from the protected Garry Oak tree, found throughout the region. The attractiveness of the streets is enhanced by beautiful canopies of trees. Popular, sandy beaches including Gonzales Bay and Willows Beach offer enjoyment to everyone. There are three recreation centres in the municipality and its main shopping areas, Oak Bay Avenue and Estevan, maintain a village-like atmosphere.
Estimated Distance / Travel Time
- to Victoria International Airport: 30 km / 35 min.
- to downtown Victoria: 4 km / 10 min.
Location
Oak Bay is only a 10 minute drive from the heart of downtown Victoria. It is easily accessible by bus or car, and is a common destination for cyclists. The drive to Oak Bay is scenic, as the roads wind along the waterfront. Oak Bay is the location of many of Victoria’s iconic waterfront estates and homes.
Population
Population is approximately 18,000.
Schools
Oak Bay lies within School District 61. There are 2 elementary schools, 2 public middle schools and one public high school in Oak Bay. Private schools in Oak Bay include Glenlyon Norfolk School, St. Christopher Montessori, and Saint Michael’s University School. The southeast portion of the University of Victoria Campus is within Oak Bay’s borders.
Recreation
Oak Bay is home to a large number of parks, playing fields and natural areas. There are three recreation centers: Oak Bay, Henderson, and Monterey. The recreation centres offers swimming, skating, and indoor tennis. The 3 golf courses in the area include Uplands Golf Club, Victoria Golf Club and Henderson Park Golf Course. Many cyclists and joggers tour the area because of its scenic ocean side routes. Oak Bay offers lots of outdoor opportunities such as three waterfront parks: Willows Beach, Gonzales Beach, and Cattle Point. Willow Beach is one of the finest beaches on Southern Vancouver Island.
Oak Bay has several beautiful gardens to stroll through, and parks with plenty of viewpoints. The community is bicycle and pedestrian friendly. This municipality has many peaceful streets of elegant homes and gardens. As you walk or bike, watch for the Garry Oak trees that line most streets. A walk in Uplands Park in late spring would be fabulous when wildflowers cover the park meadows. Oak Bay Marina offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed wild seals.
Economy
Oak Bay’s unique character attracts many tourists to the area. The tourism sector is very important for this area. Local service sector employers include the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and the Oak Bay Marina. Because of its close proximity, many residents live in Oak Bay and work in Victoria.
Oak Bay Real Estate
The area has lots of mansions and luxury apartments. Oak Bay is a perfect place to call home. With classical tree-lined streets, this community has very well maintained houses and property lawns. Its prime location makes Oak Bay one of the best residential area in Greater Victoria. The housing market is very expensive due to the desirability of the location. It has a large number of old style and heritage homes.
Oak Bay Neighbourhoods
- Gonzales
- Willows Beach
- South Oak Bay
- Uplands
Oak Bay Neighbourhoods: Gonzales, Uplands, Willows Beach, Windsor Park, South Oak Bay. The Uplands in Oak Bay has a reputation of being a community for older, wealthier residents of Victoria because of the million-dollar houses which have million dollar views of Haro Strait, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olypmic Mountains, and Mt. Baker. In fact, some of the estates found in Oak Bay are among the most expensive private residences found in North America. And while Oak Bay has been a desired area for retirees, the Estevan, Willows and South Oak Bay neighbourhoods offer more modest housing suitable for young families.
Find local information about Oak Bay real estate at One Percent Realty Valentino, your real estate source when you buy or sell houses in Greater Victoria. For more details call Valentino at 250-686-2242 or email valentino@onepercentrealty.com.