Oak Bay Neighbourhood Guide
While Oak Bay is one of the best areas in Greater Victoria to live and invest in, this area has six distinct neighbourhoods that each have their own amenities, lifestyle and community. Find out more about each with our helpful guide!
Where should you live in Oak Bay? Discover the amenities, community, and lifestyle available at each of the 6 Oak Bay neighbourhoods with our guide below.
Henderson
The stunning, verdant neighbourhood of Henderson is a fantastic place for families and anyone looking to enter the real estate market in Oak Bay. This area offers a diverse array of property types from condos and townhouses as well as single family detached homes. As the northwesternmost neighbourhood of Oak Bay, Henderson borders other areas of Victoria making it an easy commute to the University of Victoria, downtown Victoria and nearby local recreation facilities.
- Much recreation with The Henderson Recreation Centre, and Uplands Golf Club
- Diverse types of properties including condos, townhomes and family homes
- Large area that borders many other commercial areas of Victoria
Uplands
The most exclusive neighbourhood in Victoria, Uplands is a heritage neighbourhood perched on the water with picturesque tree-lined streets and sprawling estates. This neighbourhood encompasses nearly 500 acres and has four public schools and one private Catholic school in the catchment. While the area’s price-point is a barrier to entry for many, if you have the means, this exclusive, estate neighbourhood is arguably the most stunning place to purchase a home in Victoria.
- 465 acre area
- Private houses with large, sprawling garden lots
- 4 public & 1 Catholic schools serve this area
- Oak Bay's prime real estate
Estevan
This charming seaside village is tucked away from the rest of Oak Bay to create its own little Oak Bay microcosm. With Willows Beach and the seaside walkway just minutes away, this family-friendly neighbourhood is one of the best if you’re looking for modest single-family homes in Oak Bay. Primarily, this area offers 2 storey bungalows with charming characteristics and is in the Willows Elementary School catchment. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find many neighbours out enjoying the quiet tree-lined streets all year round.
- Popular recreation with Estevan Village, Willows Beach, and the seaside Esplanade walkway
- Family-Friendly area with nearby Willows Elementary School
- Primarily 2-storey and bungalow family homes with unique character
- Quiet, with relaxing shade provided by plentiful trees lining the streets
North Oak Bay
Centrally located, North Oak Bay’s name is a bit of a misnomer as it is actually in the middle of Oak Bay bordered by Henderson and Estevan on the north and South Oak Bay to the south. This well developed and established neighbourhood is the heart of Oak Bay as it encompasses Oak Bay Avenue, the main village in the area, Oak Bay Recreation Center, Oak Bay Police Station, Oak Bay Fire Station and Oak Bay High School. This area primarily offers single family homes, however, there are condo and townhouse options in the neighbourhood as well making
This a perfect area for anyone looking for easy access to Oak Bay’s commercial centre and downtown Victoria.
- Borders Oak Bay Avenue, where you'll find most of the shops and services in Oak Bay
- Contains Oak Bay Recreation Centre, Oak Bay Police and Fire Station, and Oak Bay Public Works site
- Schools primarily are: Oak Bay High School and Glenlyon Norfolk School
South Oak Bay
Second only to Uplands, South Oak Bay is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in all of Victoria and offers plenty of modern single family homes, updated heritage homes and some of the most stunning waterfront properties on Vancouver Island. Here, you can find the upscale Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria Golf Club, St. Michaels University School along with plenty of stunning natural spaces to enjoy. South Oak Bay is also close to the beautiful area of Fairfield and within easy commute to downtown Victoria.
- Very close to downtown Victoria
- Schools primarily include St. Michael’s University School and Monterey Middle School
- Full of beautifully restored family homes in largely residential area
- Plenty of waterfront properties, and world-class amenities such as the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and the Victoria Golf Club
Gonzales
Tucked away on the southern tip of South Oak Bay, you’ll find Gonzales, a quaint seaside community with lots of popular green spaces and a stunning soft sand beach. This area is primarily single-family homes with many oceanfront and ocean view homes. This neighbourhood is idyllic and best suited to investors who are looking for a place to escape and enjoy the natural beauty of Oak Bay.
- Mostly single-family homes
- Properties are either on, or very close, to the waterfront
- Requires a car to access shops and services
- Lots of parks and green space in the area
- Beach Drive crosses through the neighbourhood