Willows Beach (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Willows Beach?
What makes it 76% Baby-Friendly: Stroller-friendly path, summer Mobi-Mat, shaded lawns, and free change rooms aid babies; lack of a private nursing room or guaranteed diaper table means some caregivers may need extra planning.
Positives:
- Accessible Facilities: Free washrooms, water fountains and a paved path make outings with a baby easier.
- Shaded Play Area: Mature trees over the lawn keep you out of the sun during midday.
Challenges:
- No Dedicated Nursing Room: You may need to use a washroom stall or a quiet bench for privacy.
- Seasonal Water Advisories: Check Island Health beach advisories for bacteria warnings before wading.
What is Willows Beach?
- A sandy shoreline spanning roughly 1.2 kilometres along Oak Bay, forming part of Victoria’s Salish Sea coast
- A municipal beach park that integrates grassy lawns, a paved esplanade, public washrooms, and the historic Kiwanis Tea Room building
- A coastal ecosystem extending from the pebble-strewn headland at Cattle Point to fine sandy beaches, supporting seals, otters, and seabirds
What is so special about Willows Beach for with baby?
- Stroller-friendly paved path from Cavendish to Cattle Point
- Mobi-Mat gives stroller access onto sand
- Shaded lawn and picnic tables next to playground
- Free washrooms and water fountains along the beach
- Concession snacks and ice cream at Kiwanis Tea Room
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to explore the grassy picnic area, stroll on the paved path and enjoy snack breaks without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Willows Beach
Shaded Grassy Picnic & Nap Spot:
Lay out a blanket under mature trees beside the playground for baby naps and feeding.
Tip: Arrive early to claim a spot near the washrooms for quick diaper changes.
Mobi-Mat Beach Access:
Use the summer Mobi-Mat at Bowker Avenue to roll your stroller onto the sand.
Tip: Check Oak Bay Parks website for Mobi-Mat installation dates before you go.
Gentle Wading at Shore:
Hold baby close in the calm, shallow water for safe toe-dipping.
Tip: Bring water shoes and a change of clothes to keep baby comfortable.
Paved Walkway Stroller Ride:
Follow the flat path from Cavendish Avenue to Cattle Point for a smooth stroll.
Tip: Pack a light blanket to rest on a bench and watch seabirds from the path.
Kiwanis Tea Room Snack Break:
Grab coffee, tea or ice cream at the summer concession stand.
Tip: Plan visits between 10 am and 2 pm to avoid the busiest breakfast and lunch hours.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Willows Beach
- Early Parking: Arrive by 9 am on weekends to secure a free parking spot near the beach.
- Pack Baby Essentials: Bring sunhat, sunscreen and a portable shade tent for midday protection.
Reviews of Willows Beach
WanderingNomadJunky
I walked along this beach. In all the beaches I've walked along I found the sand on this beach to be very fine and quite light in color. Very nice beach. Lots of drift wood to lean your back on or even build a shelter as some people have done. The tide was in so the beach isn't large. Water looked very inviting and clear. Perfect spot to relax. I will have a video made of my beach walk. Check on y...
Tanner Leavitt
Really nice sandy beach, we were able to find a nice spot to sit and relax. It wasn't terribly warm out, but the sun was shining. There was lots of people out on the beach enjoying the day.
Clint Nickerson
A beautiful spot that I discovered by wandering around Oak Bay. It appears to be a quiet & friendly neighborhood. Esplande Road fronts the beach for about 2/3 of its length with a turnaround at each end. There are various styles of homes on the far side of the road that face East to view the beach, some gulf islands, and the mainland. Willows Park is located about 250 m from the south end of t...
Hajime N. (jaime-francisco)
My elderly dad & I was there for the first time just before the Thanksgiving ling weekend. We are from Vancouver and the neighbourhood and the beach were somewhat different in a sense that it felt more pure and clean. Maybe because the weather was so perfect and there weren’t many people and quiet so it made our experience so wonderful and memorable. We will definitely go back there in the future....
Adam Nott
A slice of heaven. Great views of the Olympics, Mount Baker and the outlying islands. Good for swimming (bring your wetsuit), cold water bathing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. NO DOGS from May 1 to Sept 30. About a kilometer of open beach to walk, a well paved walkway for your 1k run - or hit the sand for beach laps. Playground, wildlife, picnic tables, and a small cafe that is op...
When is the best time to visit Willows Beach (Victoria, Canada)?
Mobi-Mat and Kiwanis Tea Room operate May–September. Summer weekends get busy—visit on weekdays for more space.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Kiwanis Tea Room snack | CAD 10 |
| Optional stroller mat donation | CAD 0 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 10 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Willows Beach
Address: 2707 Estevan Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 2T5, Canada
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About Willows Beach
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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