On the south border of downtown, right next to Inner Harbour lies James Bay. This neighborhood is within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants downtown and is surrounded by parks and water. There’s Beacon Hill Park that spans around 200 acres in the east, the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the south, and Victoria Harbour in the west and north.
This is another area famous with tourists because some of the most popular tourist destinations are present here, like the Fisherman’s Wharf, BC Legislature, the Royal BC Museum, Ogden Point Breakwater, and music on the Breakwater Barge.
There’s something special about the housing market in James Bay. Compared to other neighborhoods in Victoria, the housing here is more mixed and varied, which means you can find both modern condos and well-maintained heritage homes on the same street. Because of the variety of housing styles and the kind of people that prefer to live here, James Bay is often called funky and is a favorite of those who prefer living in a community with great diversity.
Properties also feature storybook details like wraparound porches, truss work, and spires. And you can clearly see all these details at Carr House, where the infamous artist Emily Carr used to live. Most of the houses sit on hills that overlook the straits or are present between lush gardens.
There’s a lot to love about James Bay. It’s super close to downtown and there are spectacular pedestrian walkways along the neighborhood’s side of Inner Harbour, making it a great option for those who love walking in nature.
The summers here are even better and lively – locals stop by the Beacon Drive-In, tourists disembark from the cruise ships docked at Ogden Point and you can hear the clip-clop of carriages. Cozy inns, marinas, and golf courses sit on the edge of the water, where you can take a dip or just stroll the beaches. City of Victoria
The neighborhood has its distinctive microclimate. In the early spring, cherry trees start to blossom, giving James Bay a mesmerizing look. The streets are also lined with mature trees, with parks and green areas present throughout the community, making it a great area for families with young children. As a resident of the area, you won’t find any shortage of amenities. Everything from pubs and tea houses to shopping and dining is present here. Pharmacies and local stores are also nearby, so you won’t have to go too far to get daily necessities.
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checkout Fernwood in our next post.