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Weekend Victoria, BC: James Bay neighbourhood, the oldest in town

Eat local, troll the second-hand store, try the catch of the day at the wharf. There’s plenty to do in this quiet, laid-back ‘hood.

by Susan Musgrave 3 November 2010

Most fans of British Columbia know Victoria, with its British flair and the afternoon-tea-at-the-Empress requisite (which is, of course, lovely). But what about James Bay, the oldest neighbourhood in Victoria? A walk around this quiet, laid-back area will take you past Emily Carr House, birthplace of one of Canada's first and best-known artists and writers.
At the Natural History Gallery in the Royal BC Museum, you can cover tropical jungles, frozen tundra, rainforest and ocean shore in one spot. Particularly memorable is the museum’s First Peoples Gallery.
There are stellar deals to be found at one of the best second-hand stores I’ve set foot inside: Super Chance (250-385-2523) in James Bay Square. Plus every Saturday, from May to October, you’ll find everything home baked, handmade and homegrown at the James Bay Community Market.
Then head to Fisherman’s Wharf. If you happen to be out on the harbour, kayaking, paddle up to Grilligan’s “paddle thru” window for a “Smokrainian” sausage and other BBQ specialties.
The hub of James Bay is James Bay Village, where you’ll find Sips Artisan Bistro. Its menu features a rotating selection of artisan meats, cheeses, locally smoked poultry and west-coast seafood paired with wine tastings. A few blocks away, Niagara Grocery, a modern revival of the traditional community store, provides its clientele with locally sourced products and its own brand of coffee, Mile 0. Niagara Grocery promotes itself as one place in James Bay where you can “get fresh with a local!” I like that style.
www.hellobc.com
video:
Day Trip to Victoria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYN4uykbySE
Floatplane Ride to Victoria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY6OKX8egXo
Victoria’s Gardens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53IRfr49d1I

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Usage guidelines

We welcome you to use these story ideas as inspiration for your own stories about Canada. The CTC owns all rights worldwide. (Our images are also royalty-free and available for editorial print, broadcast and electronic use.) If you choose to reproduce these texts for editorial use only, please include the author's byline and "courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission." If you cut, edit or modify the text in any way, please include this note: "The text has been modified from the original." Thank you.

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Prince Edward Island, Credit - Mandatory Tourism PEI/John Sylvester - Background Image