The Islander's guide to James Bay, Victoria
Public Parks
Beacon Hill Park
100 Cook StThe most wonderful public park in Canda
James Bay Toddler Park
Montreal StreetThe kids can play and you can get a break. Extraordinarily safe.
Ogden Point Dive Centre
199 Dallas RdSecret location, great views
Finlayson Point
Dallas RoadAbsolutely breathtaking
Dallas Road picnic tables
314 Dallas RdRenovated in 2021, completely now, public Adirondack chairs.
Centennial Park
2805 Carlow RdAmazing views over the inner harbour, lots of wildlife.
Irving Park
250 Menzies StPerfect for the dogs.
Quadra Park
407 Belleville StSmall park with a few lovely sitting benches.
Thunderbird Park
638 Douglas StHistoric Coast Salish art and interpretive museums.
Spiral Beach
1119 Dallas RoadSecret beach off Dallas Road, perfect for dogs.
MacDonald Park
Niagara StreetHuge empty field for sports
Small park south of Fisherman's Wharf on a low hill, beautiful grassy area.
255 recommandé par les habitants
Parc du Quai des Pêcheurs
12 Erie StSmall park south of Fisherman's Wharf on a low hill, beautiful grassy area.
Pubs
The best patio in James Bay. Recommended: the Bent Mast burger and Blue Buck ale.
21 recommandé par les habitants
The Bent Mast
512 Simcoe StThe best patio in James Bay. Recommended: the Bent Mast burger and Blue Buck ale.
The best pub in Victoria. Ask the staff about the famous Canadian artist, Emily Carr.
James Bay Inn Restaurant
270 Government StThe best pub in Victoria. Ask the staff about the famous Canadian artist, Emily Carr.
Steamship Terminal
470 Belleville StSticky Wicket Pub
919 Douglas StreetThe most popular pub in all of Victoria
Bartholomew's Pub
777 Douglas StFun downtown traditional pub with nice patio
Sightseeing
The most breathtaking ocean views on Vancouver Island. The perfect place for kids + pets.
23 recommandé par les habitants
Dallas Road
Dallas RoadThe most breathtaking ocean views on Vancouver Island. The perfect place for kids + pets.
A short 1.6 km round-trip walk through one of Victoria's most loved tourist attractions. Real ocean views, and cool ships nearby.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Phare de Breakwater
The BreakwaterA short 1.6 km round-trip walk through one of Victoria's most loved tourist attractions. Real ocean views, and cool ships nearby.
Emily Carr House
207 Government StThe home of one of Canada's most famous artists
An amazing way to get up close and personal with the Pacific Ocean. Go during low tide: https://www.tide-forecast.com/locations/Victoria-British-Columbia/tides/latest
Dallas Road picnic tables
314 Dallas RdAn amazing way to get up close and personal with the Pacific Ocean. Go during low tide: https://www.tide-forecast.com/locations/Victoria-British-Columbia/tides/latest
A real, working sundial that uses your body to tell time.
60 recommandé par les habitants
Ogden Point Sundial
211 Dallas RdA real, working sundial that uses your body to tell time.
See the most magnificent cruise ships in the world dock here / They will come back in 2022.
Cruise ship dock
See the most magnificent cruise ships in the world dock here / They will come back in 2022.
Need to get to Vancouver in 45 minutes? This is where you get on the helicopter! Great place to hang out if you are an aviation buff.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Helijet International
79 Dallas RdNeed to get to Vancouver in 45 minutes? This is where you get on the helicopter! Great place to hang out if you are an aviation buff.
Carriage rides & horses here. Great for photos. Beautiful fountains. Kids love it.
Confederation Garden Court
Belleville StreetCarriage rides & horses here. Great for photos. Beautiful fountains. Kids love it.
The pole refers to the oral traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the northwest coast.
The top figure, the loon, represents “the teacher of the speakers” as well as an interpreter of all the Indigenous languages spoken. The fisher represents the traditional way of life of coastal Indigenous peoples. Below the fisher is the bone player, who represents a non-verbal game that can be played by people who do not share the same language. The bottom figure, the frog, is from an old mountain story and also symbolizes a tear.
Knowledge Totem
499 Belleville StThe pole refers to the oral traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the northwest coast.
The top figure, the loon, represents “the teacher of the speakers” as well as an interpreter of all the Indigenous languages spoken. The fisher represents the traditional way of life of coastal Indigenous peoples. Below the fisher is the bone player, who represents a non-verbal game that can be played by people who do not share the same language. The bottom figure, the frog, is from an old mountain story and also symbolizes a tear.
The seat of the government in British Columbia, the Legislature Building features a picturesque lawn and fountain. Enjoy the Victorian Gothic architecture. Great for pictures.
Legislative Assembly Fountain
The seat of the government in British Columbia, the Legislature Building features a picturesque lawn and fountain. Enjoy the Victorian Gothic architecture. Great for pictures.
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon is a 62-bell carillon
It was given by the Dutch community of British Columbia in thanks for Canada's role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands unveiled its cornerstone in 1967, Canada's centennial year. The carillon officially opened in May 1968.
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon
Belleville StreetThe Netherlands Centennial Carillon is a 62-bell carillon
It was given by the Dutch community of British Columbia in thanks for Canada's role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands unveiled its cornerstone in 1967, Canada's centennial year. The carillon officially opened in May 1968.
A museum of Dr. Helmken, an influential figure in the founding of Victoria. One of the oldest houses in British Columbia, still on its original site.
Helmcken House Pioneer Doctor's Residence
638 Douglas StA museum of Dr. Helmken, an influential figure in the founding of Victoria. One of the oldest houses in British Columbia, still on its original site.
The beginning of one of the longest highways in the world.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Mile Zero Monument
18 Douglas StThe beginning of one of the longest highways in the world.
Neighbourhood Garden of All Sorts
206 Niagara StBeautiful well maintained community garden
A statue celebrating one of Canada's most inspirational citizens. One-legged Terry Fox, a cancer amputee, began a run across Canada to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. He became sick halfway through the 4,100 run, and died in June 1981. This statue marks the spot where he would have dipped his artifical leg in the ocean had he lived to continue his run.
Terry Fox Statue
20 Douglas StA statue celebrating one of Canada's most inspirational citizens. One-legged Terry Fox, a cancer amputee, began a run across Canada to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. He became sick halfway through the 4,100 run, and died in June 1981. This statue marks the spot where he would have dipped his artifical leg in the ocean had he lived to continue his run.
The most photographed location in all of Victoria
26 recommandé par les habitants
Inner-Harbour Pathway
Inner-Harbour PathwayThe most photographed location in all of Victoria
Dallas Road Waterfront Trail
Dallas Road Waterfront TrailJames Bay Allotment Garden
163 Montreal StOrchard House
647 Michigan StTallest buidling in Greater Victoria
Emily Carr Statue
Belleville StreetA larger than life statue of the Canadian artist Emily Carr and her pet monkey.
St. Ann's Academy and Auditorium
835 Humboldt StHistoric chapel & gardens, beautiful pictures
World's Tallest Free-Standing Totem Pole - 127 feet
Cherry Tree Grove
Dallas RoadFlagpole
Beacon Hill LoopHuge flagpole overlooking the ocean
Rose Garden
100 Cook StBeautiful rose garden, blooms in June
The Moss Lady
250 Douglas StBeautiful moss-covered sculpture
Lewis Street
Lewis StreetPedestrian walk through historic Victoria houses
Monkey Tree
A unique kind of tropical tree.
Clover Point
Clover PointAmazing viewpoint, currently under construciton
Old Victoria Custom House
1002 Wharf StOne of the very first brick buildings constructed in Victoria
Food scene
A fantastic kitchen, everything on the menu is Michelin-star good.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Heron Rock Bistro
435 Simcoe StA fantastic kitchen, everything on the menu is Michelin-star good.
The most incredible patio views in all of Victoria. Great kitchen and good selection of local beers on tap.
62 recommandé par les habitants
Breakwater Cafe . Bistro . Bar
199 Dallas RdThe most incredible patio views in all of Victoria. Great kitchen and good selection of local beers on tap.
Great twists on classic East Indian cuisine, run by talented chefs. Perfect place for breakfast or brunch. Try the wraps.
Eggs n Plants
230 Menzies StreetGreat twists on classic East Indian cuisine, run by talented chefs. Perfect place for breakfast or brunch. Try the wraps.
Ultra cozy place to curl up and read a book. Half of the space is a library filled with books that you can read and buy. Time stops here.
9 recommandé par les habitants
James Bay Coffee & Books
143 Menzies StUltra cozy place to curl up and read a book. Half of the space is a library filled with books that you can read and buy. Time stops here.
The best place in Victoria to get ice cream. Great patio. A local hangout and an iconic landmark for decades.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Beacon Drive In Ltd
126 Douglas StThe best place in Victoria to get ice cream. Great patio. A local hangout and an iconic landmark for decades.
The SECOND best fish & chips in Victoria. Outstanding food.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Barb's Fish and Chips
1 Dallas RdThe SECOND best fish & chips in Victoria. Outstanding food.
Wholesome foods and gluten free baking, farm fresh produce, ethically raised meats (including a bone broth bar) and fermented beverages
56 recommandé par les habitants
Nourish Kitchen & Cafe
225 Quebec StreetWholesome foods and gluten free baking, farm fresh produce, ethically raised meats (including a bone broth bar) and fermented beverages
Love Perogy
Here are the food trucks! Rotating food trucks 7 days a week.
BC Legislative Dining Room
501 Belleville StIncredible prices & very fancy
Superior Pizza
455 Simcoe StTraditional, inexpensive pizza. Very good overall.
Thunderbird Korean Fried Chicken on Cook st
253 Cook StThe SECOND best Korean Fried Ckicken in Victoria
Big Wheel Burger
341 Cook StThe most incredible burger joint
Morning People
325 Cook StreetMany food trucks tucked into a side alley
Bar 500 Eatery
500 Oswego StreetGreat menu. Try the chickpea fries.
Pendray Inn and Tea House
309 Belleville StVictorian cottage for high tea
Fantastic authentic italian flat crust pizza and authentic Montreal style bagels, great patio outside
Imagine Studio Café
31 Erie StFantastic authentic italian flat crust pizza and authentic Montreal style bagels, great patio outside
Santiago's Cafe
660 Oswego StMexican-inspired, try the ceviche.
Good Earth Coffeehouse - Capital Park
535 Superior StUpscale coffeehouse
Fun and eclectic sandwich/deli style casual. A Victoria institution, with several locations in the CRD
30 recommandé par les habitants
Bubby Rose's Bakery & Cafe
1022 Cook StFun and eclectic sandwich/deli style casual. A Victoria institution, with several locations in the CRD
Café Hanoi
784 Humboldt StreetFive star Google rating / Vietnamese
Understated and out of the way cafe with great menu selections and beer & wine selections.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Tre Fantastico
810 Humboldt StUnderstated and out of the way cafe with great menu selections and beer & wine selections.
IL Covo Trattoria
106 Superior StUpscale trattoria
PERVERTED ICE CREAM
604 Humboldt StThe most unique and inventive ice cream you have ever seen
Ithaka Greek Restaurant
716 Burdett AveAuthentic Greek
Curry Club Victoria
980 Blanshard StreetFantastic East Indian food
Menbow Ramen Bar -- Authentic Japanese Ramen
1018 Blanshard StreetVery authentic
The Pink Bicycle
1008 Blanshard StThough of as the best burgers in Victoria
Groceries & Cooking
Organic food, exotic spices and the best coffee in James Bay can be found here. Prices are very good.
6 recommandé par les habitants
For Good Measure
3831 Cadboro Bay RdOrganic food, exotic spices and the best coffee in James Bay can be found here. Prices are very good.
Newly renovated with an excellent Covid-19 safe checkout system. Very good produce, super helpful staff.
194 recommandé par les habitants
Thrifty Foods
1495 Admirals RdNewly renovated with an excellent Covid-19 safe checkout system. Very good produce, super helpful staff.
The best source for organic produce in James Bay. An outstanding made-to-order sandwich bar.
42 recommandé par les habitants
Red Barn Market
1933 Oak Bay AveThe best source for organic produce in James Bay. An outstanding made-to-order sandwich bar.
A wonderful bodega with freshly baked goods, fresh flowers and plants.
Terrible Truffles Fine Chocolate
501 Government StA wonderful bodega with freshly baked goods, fresh flowers and plants.
Fresh seafood that comes in daily from Fisherman's Wharf, straight off the boat. The best place to buy seafood in Victoria.
19 recommandé par les habitants
Finest At Sea
27 Erie StFresh seafood that comes in daily from Fisherman's Wharf, straight off the boat. The best place to buy seafood in Victoria.
Deer & Dough
1267 Battery StOutstanding traditional bakery, get there early because they sell out fast.
547 Michigan St
547 Michigan StreetJames Bay Public Market every Saturday: https://www.jamesbaymarket.com/
Bond Bond's Bakery
1010 Blanshard StAmazing bakery, a Victoria institution
Farm & Field Butchers
1003 Blanshard StAmazing meats & deli
Personal Health & Personal Services
Pharmasave James Bay
230 Menzies StLocal drugstore with Canada Post office
Visiting Victoria and feeling unwell? This centre is the best way to get immediate medical assitance in James Bay.
James Bay Urgent and Primary Care Centre
547 Michigan StVisiting Victoria and feeling unwell? This centre is the best way to get immediate medical assitance in James Bay.
Canada Post Mailbox
615 Government StMailbox to send postcards
The Blue Room - Hair Studio and Gallery
201 Menzies StLocal hair salon.
Burt's Barbershop
2250 Menzies StA personal favourite. I get my hair cut here. Prices are amazing. Men only.
Fun stuff
The greatest video store on Vancouver Island, over 15,000 titles in stock with new releases. DVD's rented from here can be played back in my suite on the DVD player.
Oswego Video
300 300 Beckley AveThe greatest video store on Vancouver Island, over 15,000 titles in stock with new releases. DVD's rented from here can be played back in my suite on the DVD player.
See the colourfult float homes, fantastic ocean going boats, marine wildlife and merchants throughout this world class attraction.
255 recommandé par les habitants
Parc du Quai des Pêcheurs
12 Erie StSee the colourfult float homes, fantastic ocean going boats, marine wildlife and merchants throughout this world class attraction.
Rent your bikes here! James Bay has fantastic biking. Make sure you lock your bike securely!
Victoria Bike Rentals
185 Dallas RdRent your bikes here! James Bay has fantastic biking. Make sure you lock your bike securely!
Little Free Libraries are all through James Bay! You can find them by the sidewalk in front of houses. Feel free to take any books you want - they are free!
620 Marifield Ave
620 Marifield AvenueLittle Free Libraries are all through James Bay! You can find them by the sidewalk in front of houses. Feel free to take any books you want - they are free!
A fantastic place to register for community activities like yoga. All classes: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/jamesbaycentre/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&viewMode=list
James Bay Community Centre
140 Oswego StreetA fantastic place to register for community activities like yoga. All classes: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/jamesbaycentre/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&viewMode=list
Greater Victoria Public Library - sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch
385 Menzies StGreat local library
Oar Board SUP Rower
85 Dallas RdPaddleboard rentals
Want to go fishing? This is where the boat leaves! https://www.beasleysfishingcharters.ca/
Beasley's Fishing Charters
12 Erie StreetWant to go fishing? This is where the boat leaves! https://www.beasleysfishingcharters.ca/
Victoria Pedicab Co Ltd
75 Dallas RdLook for the pedicabs that patrol James Bay and downtown, and go for a ride!
Ross Bay Public Pebbles Beach
Beautiful pebble beach with ocean views
Musée royal de la Colombie-Britannique
675 Belleville StThe Maritime Museum of British Columbia
744 Douglas St