Outdoor Adventures and Activities in Oak Bay

Oak Bay is a seaside community offering the widest range of outdoor adventure opportunities available on south Vancouver Island.  Where else can visitors to Victoria and area conveniently go for a day of kayaking, sailing, birding or biking and still be back in time for dinner? Oak Bay is the perfect place to have an outdoor adventure any time of year, whether with friends, or quietly exploring alone.

If ocean adventure is what you crave, try sailing or kayaking. Half-day and full-day trips are popular. The scatter of wild islands and protected coves throughout Oak Bay are favorite destinations. The amazing diversity of wildlife, from seals, sea lions, eagles and all manner of sea birds are reasons why two marine wildlife sanctuaries have been established here. Chatham Island Marine Park and Discovery Island Marine Park, the largest of the Oak Bay islands, are uninhabited, unchanged, and undisturbed and are the most popular destinations for boaters seeking sheltered anchorages, tranquility and beauty.

Fishing charters depart from the Oak Bay Marina where guides will take you to their favorite spots to reel in the big ones. Take a whale watching tour and get to know our resident and transient orcas. Oak Bay is the closest point of departure for Lime Kiln Park and adjacent Haro Strait where most of the whale watching takes place during the summer months.  If lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of our world-famous Cadborosaurus as Cadboro Bay is where he or she is reputed to live.

If you prefer to remain on firm ground, try hiking in one of Oak Bay’s many nature parks, or enjoy biking along its famed waterfront.  For a relaxing afternoon try a self-guided walking tour that winds though stunning residential neighborhoods. Willows Beach and Cattle Point are convenient places from which to view marine activities on Oak Bay waters. Birding is another year-round activity, especially in and around the ocean. And if you are a serious golfer, there are some great courses here to tempt you - especially during winter – Oak Bay is well-known for its year-round golfing.

If you can’t decide between land and sea, take a boat ride to Discovery Island. Here, you can easily spend the day exploring the island’s beaches, trails and lighthouse.  A short climb up Pandora Hill will reward you with a panoramic view of Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits, a view enhanced by snowy Mount Baker and the Coast Ranges.

Young and old can enjoy a game of bowls. Drop by Oak Bay’s Lawn Bowling Club to watch a game or throw a few bowls yourself. Visitors are always welcome.