James Bay
James Bay is Victoria’s oldest neighbourhood. It offers a “best of both worlds” experience that includes calm, tree-lined residential streets and world-class attractions and landmarks in some of Victoria’s most iconic settings, making it a great addition to sight seeing itineraries, and also an excellent home-base for exploration throughout the region. Known for its historic architecture, green spaces, and ocean views, James Bay feels like its own mini Victoria.
About James Bay
At a glance
James Bay is located between Victoria's Inner Harbour and the wide-open Salish Sea on the very southern tip of Vancouver Island. The neighbourhoods is known for its green spaces, access to the water, and heritage charm, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of day to day to life. With its proximity to downtown and the Inner Harbour, James Bay puts many of the city's top attractions, dining, and shops within reach, while feeling like its own little slice of the island.
What it feels like to be here
Simply put, charming. James Bay is unhurried, it's relaxed vibe is felt everywhere from its oceanfront walkways to its treelined streets and sprawling parks. Its a very welcoming neighbourhood that invites exploration, whether that's wandering through cherry blossoms or ducking into a heritage building. One moment you might be sharing coffee with friends, the next soaking in the sunshine on the beach, James Bay is a place where you'll always feel comfortable doing what you want to do.
When James Bay shines
All the time! The neighbourhood's energy changes with the tides and the seasons. In the mornings and evenings, a seaside stroll along James Bay's waterfront can't be beat, where you might see breathtaking views of distant mountains and playful marine life. Afternoons are perfect for exploring parks and attractions. In the spring, blooms and blossoms paint the neighbourhood in a vibrant palette, and in the fall, fiery autumn reds add a cozy feel to heritage homes and landmark architecture.
Beacon Hill Park
Many folks believe that Victoria is the crown jewel of British Columbia. If Victoria is the crown, Beacon Hill Park is the emerald that rests in it. Just a few minutes walk from downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour, you'll find this sprawling 200-acre park. As you wander the winding pathways, you'll find gardens, playgrounds, a petting zoo, a putting green, a cricket pitch, maybe even a peacock or two. And that's just scratching the surface. Take a stroll from city to sea and back again through Beacon Hill Park, you'll be amazed at what you find along the way.
Beacon Hill Park
What you’ll love doing
Emily Carr House
This National Historic Site of Canada was once home to one of Canada's most celebrated artists and authors, Emily Carr. Now the Carr House stands as a testament to her legacy. Beautifully restored, the Carr House features period artifacts and offers a range of art and writing classes inspired by Emily. Whether you're an aspiring artist yourself, a history buff, or just someone who like to get hands-on, Carr House provides a brilliant and oh so vibrant way to connect with Victoria's rich arts and culture scene.
Emily Carr House
Beacon Hill Children's Farm
Nestled inside Beacon Hill Park, the Beacon Hill Children's Farm calls to kids and kids at heart. For over 40 years this educational petting zoo has introduced travellers and locals, young and old, to a barnyard of feathered and four-legged friends. While you're there you'll meet pigs, chickens, alpacas, donkeys, and yes, baby goats! For a real sight to behold, be at the Farm at 10:10AM or 4:10PM to watch the Running of the Goats, as the goats stampede from their overnight pens to the petting area and back.
Beacon Hill Children's Farm
Ogden Point Breakwater
The Ogden Point Breakwater stretches out nearly a kilometre into the Salish Sea. Along it's walls, you'll find the GVHA Unity Wall, the largest Indigenous mural in Canada. Follow this breathtaking pathway to the lighthouse at the end which watches the entrance to the Victoria Harbour. As you walk, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Salish Sea and distant Olympic Mountains. But be sure to watch the water too, where you might see harbour seals, eagles, sealions, divers, and if you're really lucky perhaps even an orca or a Giant Pacific octopus.
Ogden Point BreakwaterFisherman's Wharf
Vibrantly coloured, floating, and full of fun, Fisherman's Wharf almost feels like its own little neighbourhood. Located at the corner of Dallas Road and Erie Street, this tiny community is home to iconic floathomes, unique on-the-water dining options, and adventure opportunities such as whale watching and kayaking. It's also a fishing hub, through which much of the region's fresh seafood flows into the city (local tip, pop in for fish n' chips). For a distinctly maritime experience, visit Fisherman's Wharf by harbour ferry, exploring Victoria's harbour as you travel on the water.
Fisherman's Wharf
What to do in James Bay
From history to nature, outdoor adventure, and even dinosaurs, James Bay has it all. The neighbourhood is filled with heritage homes making it a wonder for the architectural explorer. It's surrounded by the sea, making it a paddlers paradise, and perfect for nature lovers looking to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Best of all, James Bay doesn't have to be meticulously planned, just follow the roads and see where they lead, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find along the way.
Local tips
Walk the waterfront at golden hour
How do you make breathtaking views even better? Enjoy them during golden hour. Around sunrise and sunset, the James Bay waterfront is sight to behold, the sky adorns pastel hues, the waters shimmer a little brighter, and everything looks, well, just perfect. This is James Bay in all its glory, the waterfront is calling, will you answer?
Explore the residential streets
James Bay's got character! Wandering the tree lined streets of James Bay rewards curiosity. From historic architecture to heritage homes, little libraries to lighthouses, every nook and cranny of James Bay is filled personality. Hidden gems like the Tea Cup Tree make the perfect stop for a photo op you won't find anywhere else.
Have a picnic in the park
The relaxed vibe and stunning surroundings of James Bay make for a picture-perfect picnic. Stop by a neighbourhood grocer, like Red Barn, to stock up on local goodies, maybe a sandwich, some cookies, and a Phillip's soda, then settle down beneath a willow tree or atop a piece of driftwood as you watch the world sail by.Where to eat
Pair fantastic food with fabulous ocean views in James Bay. Many of this neighbourhood's top restaurants and eateries are located on-the-water or along the shoreline. With it's proximity to the ocean and access to working ports, James Bay is a haven for seafood lovers looking to experience fresh caught seafood straight from the Salish Sea. Add to the experience the neighbourhoods heritage charm, where you'll find dining nestled in heritage buildings, and it's no wonder why James Bay is a foodie favourite 'hood.
Getting to James Bay and getting around
How to get to James Bay
Accessing James Bay is as easy as a gentle ocean breeze. The FRS Clipper and Black Ball Ferry Line dock along the Inner Harbour in James Bay. Seaplane terminals are just a 10-minute walk away from the corner of Belleville and Government Streets, the gateway to this historic neighbourhood. For those travelling on BC Ferries, it's just a 35-minute drive from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. For those visiting from other Victoria neighbourhoods, James Bay is easily accessible by transit, bike, and is walkable from downtown and Chinatown.
Getting here
Getting around
James Bay is best enjoyed by bike and foot. It's a neighbourhood where you need to afford yourself the opportunity to slow down. But for those looking to fit James Bay into a tightly planned itinerary, the neighbourhood is drivable, well connected to the regional transit system, and explorable by a range of alternative travel methods including paddling and golf carts.
Getting aroundWhere to stay
Whether you're looking for oceanview suites, a heritage stay, or a boutique getaway, James Bay has a stay for every traveller and every budget. The neighbourhood's top accommodations put the city's best dining, attractions, and shopping within reach, while also offering easy access to the Salish Sea and Beacon Hill Park. James Bay feels like it's own community, providing a relaxed vibe away from the bustle of the city, and truly connected with the natural world around us.
Pair it with
FAQs
Download Victoria's Vacation Guide
Navigate our map of Greater Victoria
Victoria Visitor Centre
812 Wharf Street
Victoria, B.C.
More Greater Victoria
Corporate Hub
