Our Neighbourhood

Our Beautiful Quiet Seaside Location

Ashcroft House is located in the quiet residential area of downtown Victoria known as James Bay. James Bay is the perfect haven of heritage homes, whimsical gardens, and friendly neighbours. As you meander up and down the streets you will find interesting architecture, delightful and ecclectic gardens, houses of historial significance (Emily Carr's house is just a couple blocks away from us) and a yard with ducks!

Every season shows a different side of James Bay, from spring's burst of flowers from the ground, and summer's warm ocean breezes, to fall's gorgeous colour changes and winter's twinkling holiday lights, adorning the heritage homes. Any season is a good season to come and stay with us!A less than 5 minute walk to the south will find you at the oceanfront. The fresh, clean, salty air, and stunning view across the Straight of Juan de Fuca will take your breath away! In the distance, you can see the spectacular Olympic Peninsula Mountain Range and at night, the twinkling lights of Port Angeles, WA.

Along the waterfront in either direction is the 5km long Dallas Road Waterfront Trail, a paved path shared by walkers, runners, bikers and dogs! If you head east on the path, you will walk beside a long, extended off-leash dog area where playful pooches abound. A little further and you will end up at the iconic Clover Point. If you head west, you eventually end up at Ogden Point Breakwater, the deep water port facility where the cruise ships dock. You can walk out on the 1.7 km Breakwater. Watch for seals and birds!

There are many beach access points along the Dallas Road Waterfront Trail. Some are accessible by paths and some are by stairs but they all lead to beautiful stretches of rustic beaches with sand, rocks and driftwood. There are quaint, private beach areas, great for a picnic, and some expansive, open areas, perfect for watching windsurfers and kite boarders. Wherever you end up, you will enjoy the salty air, the sounds of the waves and the soothing sensation of staring out over the sea. Any time of day offers a wonderful oceanfront experience. Spectacular sunrises can mesmerize you as our world awakens, captivating sunsets can soothe you as the day comes to an end. Be sure you bring your camera with you to capture every moment of your time on our beaches!

A few steps from Ashcroft House to the east is Beacon Hill Park, the crown jewel of Victoria's park system. At roughly 200 acres, the park is full of beautifully landscaped and manicured grounds. It has twisty old Garry Oak trees, deep red Arbutus trees and colourful flowers in many diverse gardens. There are ponds with ducks and herons, a children's petting zoo, a putting green, a cricket field, a tennis court, children's play areas, a bandstand with live music in the summer and much more. At 128 feet tall, a story pole (like a totem pole) that was at one time, the tallest story pole in the world, stands near the south end of the park. No visit to Beacon Hill Park is complete without some time with the peacocks. You will find these entertaining birds wandering around and if you can't see any, you will certainly hear them with their loud, high pitch, honk-scream! A really special treat is to watch them at dusk as they take to the trees, one by one, to go to sleep for the night.

Adjacent to Beacon Hill Park to the south, stands the Mile 0 marker, the start of the over 8000km Trans-Canada Highway that spans the entire length of Canada. Mile 0 is home to a statue of Terry Fox because Mile 0 was supposed to be where his Marathon of Hope run would end, had he not succumbed to cancer.

An easy 1.2km walk from Ashcroft House is Downtown Victoria, including the famous Inner Harbour. This area boasts the Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum and the world famous Empress Hotel. Victoria’s beautiful downtown with all its famous heritage is just 10 blocks from our house. A 15 minute walk (depending on your pace) or a quick 4 minute drive finds you in the heart of the city, yet when you return to Ashcroft House, you feel like you are a world away from the bustling downtown core.Ashcroft House is perfectly situated for guests to experience the best Victoria has to offer in and around downtown, but also for exploring a little further out, like venturing to Butchart Gardens or the Malahat Skywalk.

Whatever adventures you have during the day, you will love to come home to Ashcroft House.