When it comes to the barometer of urban validity, Walk Score, the vibrant James Bay neighbourhood, is exceptional. It rates between a “walker’s paradise” where daily errands don’t require a car and “very walkable,” where most errands can be accomplished on foot.
With its deep sense of community amongst diverse residents and businesses, this picturesque waterfront and spirited ’hood has become a uniquely trendy and desirable place where homebuyers look to live.
Full of character and charm, the small-town feel of James Bay will draw you in, and its big personality will captivate you.
You can enjoy everything James Bay has to offer from latest development, , with top-quality finishings from family-owned local subcontractors and suppliers.
Explore even more reasons to put down roots:
1. Convenience
From your new one- or two-bedroom four-storey condominium at 565 Toronto Street—just one-and-a-half blocks from the iconic Five Corners (services and retail) core—you’ll find yourself in proximity to every type of establishment imaginable, a game-changer for your busy and active lifestyle.
At 565 Residences (completion approximately 2023), you’ll be in the heart of it all with convenient access to the Dallas Road walkway, key public facilities like the colourful and quirky Fisherman’s Wharf, with live music, restaurants, fresh seafood, market stalls and services, and Victoria’s lively Inner Harbour, where you can catch the Victoria Harbour Ferry, and musicians and local artisans show-off their talents.
“Being in a small building, everyone knows each other, neighbours walk together, talk in the hall,” says Siobhan Newton, listing agent with NAI Commercial (Victoria), Inc.
“With its superior location, just behind the Parliament Buildings, you’ll be within walking distance to downtown, cafes and eclectic restaurants, Thrifty’s and the Red Barn market with locally sourced goods,” reveals Newton. “It’s about accessibility to all things without hopping on a bus or getting in a car.”
2. Foodie hub and a strong craft scene
Whether you enjoy a laid-back bite or venture downtown for a night out, handmade and homegrown are at your fingertips; sustainable, locally sourced, and farm-to-table are hallmarks among many eateries.
Village standouts include hip and homey Floyd’s Diner, funky James Bay Coffee and Books, and Barb’s Fresh Fish & Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf and The Fish Store restaurant and fishmonger on Dallas Road. Food trucks add to the culinary landscape, like year-round options at and the around the Inner Harbour, for a modern take on traditional Indigenous cuisine.
“Farmers’ markets take place every weekend in the surrounding area,” says Newton, “plus the Market from May to September.”
You also don’t need to venture far to find a cold one. Bars and grills, think The Bent Mast, stock abundant local craft brews; the Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room serves up a view, too.
“It’s all very attractive to savvy foodies, not just James Bay, but you can access it all because you’re so close to downtown,” Newton says.
3. Arts and culture
The nearby Royal BC Museum keeps the area’s history alive, while other cultural draws are numerous, including art galleries like the Bateman Gallery in the Steamship Terminal building.
“Accessibility to the arts is wonderful: you can walk to the local theatres, walk to the BC Museum, and more,” says Newton. “Victoria is the regional centre for arts and culture.”
Highly noteworthy, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (view works by Emily Carr), as well, the annual James Bay Art Walk, where artists open their home studios.
4. Natural surroundings and outdoor recreation
Flanked by 185-acre Beacon Hill Park to the east and water on three sides, the area is known for its outdoor activities, green spaces, pedestrian walkways and boardwalks.
Bike-centric, the easy to navigate roadways and multitude of paths is a cyclist’s dream; the seaside path beside Dallas Road is a local favourite. Water adventures abound: kayaking, fishing boats and pleasure crafts add to the area’s leisure lifestyle.
5. New homes, reputable developer
The building’s aspects include non-smoking (attractive for resale), no age restrictions, and a pet policy (any size); plus, you can rent out your unit long term.
Building in Victoria for 40 years, developer John Newton partners with experienced and highly-skilled local trades, which is extremely important to him, just one aspect that speaks to his solid reputation as a respected developer/builder in the community.
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