Oak Bay

The town of Oak Bay located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is part of the Capital Regional District and is situated east of the City of Victoria. As a lighthearted allusion to the Iron Curtain, Oak Bay has been known as being situated "Behind the Tweed Curtain." As an affectionate reference to the British heritage that is abundant within the area, the city of Oak bay captured the nickname "Tweed Curtain," at some point in its history.

Within the area of Greater Victoria, the beautiful residential community of Oak Bay has been dubbed the most British neighborhood within the region. There are restaurants, tearooms and quaint village shops which reflect the atmosphere with a distinct genteel flavor. Oak Bay City was founded by wealthy city people anxious to escape the mud flats of the Inner Harbour. The region has a superb shopping district with a lot of pubs, cafés, art shops and galleries, take-out fish and chips eateries.

The city of Oak Bay got its name from the Garry Oak, which is the only oak tree species native to the Coastal Pacific Northwest. These trees are big, gnarled trees with contorted limbs and massive crowns. These trees are prevalent along Cadboro bay and Beach Drive, through Uplands and some are more than 400 years old.

There are numerous parks and beautiful gardens within Oak Bay City, with many gorgeous viewpoints and walking trails. This city has experienced great lengths to support both pedestrians and bicyclists alike. There are a variety of elegant gardens and quiet roads that the community takes great pride in.

It is possible to observe much marine life in their natural habitat from the shores of Oak Bay, thus, the Sailors, kayakers and fishermen are not alone in the ocean. There are commonly one of three pods of killer whales, gray whales or minke whales and lots of curious harbour seals.

The plant life and wildlife abundant in the natural parks of Oak Bay City are native species to Southern Vancouver Island. Amongst the popular parks include: Chinese Cemetery situated at Harlington Point, Cattle Point, Uplands Park, Walbran Park, Loon Bay, Anderson Hill Park, Native Plant Garden, and Haynes Park. Uplands Park features superb views of Cattle Point and has a war memorial. It could be great to experience in the late spring once the wildflowers are blooming within the meadows.

Some of the most expensive properties within Canada are situated within the discrete area of the Uplands residential neighborhood. The region has an abundance of high-end construction as well as Faux Tudor and Arts and Crafts styles from the turn of the century. There are lots of big private gardens in the neighborhood and the region is known for sweeping views of Mt. Baker, Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca as well as the Olympic Mountains. Some of the residential waterfront properties are amongst the most expensive private houses in Canada and all of North America.