Nature Parks and Areas
Oak Bay’s nature parks tend to be small, soft adventure spaces for easy
walking, hiking or bird watching. Oceanfront parks are rocky and require proper
footwear. Many are home to wildflowers in the spring.
Anderson Hill Park
This 6.3 acre park located on the 500 block of Island Road features rocky geography
with a stunning view of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Peninsula. The park is primarily
a Garry Oak ecosystem and contains some First Nations middens. Flora and fauna
information is located at the Island Road entrance. There are benches along
the numerous trails and walkways. In spring camas flowers cover grassy areas,
turning the green to a field of blue. Buttercups and Scotch broom are also common.
Dogs are welcome. [map]
Cattle Point
Located across from Uplands Park, Cattle Point earned its name as a drop off
point for Uplands Farm, which occupied the surrounding land at the time. Cattle
would be barged to the bay in front of what is now the parking lot to swim and
wade the short distance to shore. The circular scenic drive has been in place
since 1961. Cattle Point now provides an excellent viewpoint as well as beach
access and benches along the park trails. A boat launch is available. Following
the woodland trail to the left will take you to Willows Beach. Dogs are welcome.
Discovery Island
This
marine park is two nautical miles east of Oak Bay and is accessible only from
the water. The southern part of the island is a provincial marine park, home
to a surprising variety of birds and wildlife including otters, bald eagles,
sea lions, harbour seals and a healthy population of shorebirds. The varied
coastline makes this park a popular kayaking destination. The lighthouse at
Sea Bird Point was manned for 110 years before it was automated in 1996. Easy
hiking trails criss-cross the Island and the 38 metre high summit of Pandora
Hill rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and Oak
Bay coastline. In spring a variety of indigenous woodland and meadow flowers
burst forth. The adjacent Chatham Island is First Nations reserve land and should
be explored from the water only. Tenting is permitted on Discovery Island and
minimal services are provided. Additional information can be found on the Discovery
Island website.
Haynes Park
A scenic park with a view located at the end of Oak Bay Avenue offers benches
as well as access to the beach. [map]
Kitty Islet
Located across from 508 Beach Drive, on the east side of McNeill Bay, this tiny
park is a beautiful example of imperiled maritime meadow ecosystem. Ideal for
spectacular ocean views, bird watching, fishing, sea lion watching, or peaceful
strolls.
Loon Bay
Loon Bay is located on the 3200 block of Beach Drive. The east side of the bay
was once the site of a First Nations settlement. Several artifacts have been
found at the site including evidence of a permanent settlement. Loon Bay is
now a favourite bird watching spot with benches for sitting. Dogs are welcome.
[map]
Mary Tod Island
Approximately half a kilometer east of Oak Bay Marina, Mary Tod Island is an
undeveloped natural area featuring imperiled plant communities and endangered
species. The island supports a few unmaintained natural trails and is an ideal
location for watching sailboat and other marine traffic come in and out of the
marina.
Native Plant Garden
Located near the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, this park offers trails and rustic benches
in a quiet woodland setting at the corner of Margate and Beach Drive. Dogs are
not permitted in this park. Features include several species of mature trees
and native shrubs and plants indigenous to Oak Bay including a rare and vulnerable
species of plant. A short loop trail circles two recirculating ponds built in
the natural rock formation.
[map]
Trafalgar Park
An undeveloped natural area with waterfront access located in the 200 block
of King George Terrace. Parking is available at the scenic viewpoint overlooking
McNeill Bay. This park slopes steeply to the waterfront and paths are not always
clearly defined. Some endangered plant species and ecosystems exist in the park.
[map]
Uplands Park
This
76 acre park is a local favorite for walking trails in a woodland setting. Providing
an excellent example of Garry Oak meadow and associated ecosystems, the park
has one of the greatest concentrations of rare plant species in all of Canada,
including the Water-plantain
Buttercup, and the White-top
Aster. The park has well-used informal trails, boat launch ramps, a manicured
area with a War Memorial, a scenic waterfront drive and parking area, benches
and picnic tables. It is also a favorite spot for bird watching in the early
morning. Located between Dorset, Midland and Beach Drive, restrictions on dogs
vary depending on which section of park is being used. Please see local notices
for details. [map]
Walbran Park
An undeveloped natural area accessible from Dennison Road. Scenic views from
a historical WWII lookout and a historical marker cairn. Viewpoints yield spectacular
scenes of ocean, mountain, urban and waterfront landscape. Plaques inform visitors
of the historical and conservation significance of the area. [map]
Click here to view our Full Facility Parks
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