Willows Beach (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Willows Beach?
What makes it 82% Kids-Friendly: Children get a playground, shallow paddling, summer carnival rides, and ice-cream stand; no lifeguards and periodic high-bacteria warnings demand close adult supervision during water play.
Positives:
- Calm Waters: Protective cove reduces waves for safe paddling.
- Beach Facilities: Nearby washrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables add convenience.
Challenges:
- No Lifeguard: No lifeguard on duty—watch children closely.
- Limited Parking: Beach parking fills quickly on weekends—arrive early or park nearby.
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 kids?
- Seaside playground for ages 3–12
- Gentle, shallow waters ideal for young paddlers
- Picnic tables and free barbecues on the grassy lawn
- Seasonal Tea Room with ice cream and snacks
- Tandem kayak trip offers guided family adventure
- Early June Oak Bay Tea Party adds extra fun
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Kids enjoy the playground and shallow paddling without tiring after a few hours.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Willows Beach
Playground Fun:
Let children climb, slide, and swing at the seaside playground.
Tip: Arrive early to claim a shaded spot near the benches.
Shallow-Water Paddling:
Kids can splash and paddle safely in the calm, shallow water.
Tip: Bring water shoes to protect feet from rocks.
Family Picnic & Barbecue:
Use picnic tables and gas barbecues on the grassy lawn for a family meal.
Tip: Pack disposable plates and utensils to simplify cleanup.
Ice Cream & Snacks:
Grab ice cream, popsicles, hot dogs and fries at the Kiwanis Tea Room concession.
Tip: Visit mid-afternoon for shorter lines.
Tandem Kayak Rental:
Rent a tandem kayak for a 2-hour paddle along the shore.
Tip: Book online in advance to secure kids’ life jackets.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Willows Beach
- Use Mobi-Mat: Visit summer mornings when beach access mats are installed for strollers.
- Advance Book Rentals: Reserve kayak rentals online to guarantee proper sizing for kids.
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)?
Visit May–September when the Kiwanis Tea Room and mobimat beach access are available. In early June enjoy the Oak Bay Tea Party carnival nearby.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Picnic supplies | CAD 25 |
| Snacks at Tea Room | CAD 30 |
| Tandem kayak rental (2 hr) | CAD 75 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 130 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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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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