Ogden Point Breakwater

Ogden Point Breakwater

Victoria

  • Difficulty
    Easy

  • Time
    (Roundtrip)
    0.5 hours

  • Distance
    (Roundtrip)
    1.6km

  • Elevation
    minimal

  • Dog Friendly
    Yes

  • Public Transportation
    Yes

  • From Downtown Victoria
    5 minutes

  • Camping
    No

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Overview

The Ogden Point Breakwater is a popular walk near downtown Victoria that follows the cement structure from Dallas Road out towards on the Juan de Fuca Strait to a lighthouse on its furthest end. The area gives people an opportunity to see Victoria's busy harbour traffic as cruise ships, ferries, sailboats, float planes, helicopters and more all pass through the area to reach Victoria. Wildlife is also commonly spotted along the breakwater, from seagulls playfully gliding through the harbour winds to seals hanging around as fishermen cast their lines from the edges of the breakwater.

From Dallas Road, walk along the path and out onto the breakwater. It was only in 2013 that railings were installed along the route as the sides used to have nothing between the path and the cement blocks below. Continue walking along the route, taking moments to look back in both directions at the scenic harbour views.

As the breakwater curves right, you’ll notice more marine traffic coming and going from the Victoria harbour area. Not much further and you reach the end at the lighthouse, offering vies looking south the Juan de Fuca Strait, west to Macaulay Point Park in Esquimalt, and north towards the James Bay area.

Back a few meters along the route from the lighthouse, there is a metal gate with stairs where it is possible to walk down to the area below. A word of caution, the large cement blocks can be very slippery when wet and winds, waves, and the tide can make things unpredictable, so walking down and along the cement blocks at the lower level is done at your own risk.

Once you have enjoyed the view, return by walking back along the breakwater towards the Dallas Road area.

Longer Walk

To extend your walk, follow the road east along Dallas Road as the scenic route passes through several parks and connects with popular walking areas such as Beacon Hill Park and Clover Point Park.


Driving Directions

The Ogden Point Breakwater is located in the James Bay area, southwest of downtown Victoria, not far from the Legislature building. To drive there from downtown, the easiest and scenic route is to drive along Belleville Street in front of the Legislature and follow it. It will wind through the neighbourhood and the streets will change names but stay on, what looks like, a main road and don't turn onto any roads with "no exit" signs. Eventually you will make your way onto Dallas Road and, just after passing a large parking area on your right for the cruise ship terminal, park along the water in one of the parking spots.


Public Transportation

The Ogden Point Breakwater is located not far from downtown and one bus can be taken that takes about 15 minutes, depending where you get onto the bus. Alternatively, you can also walk to Ogden Point which takes about 25 minutes from the Legislature building.

To take the bus to Ogden Point from the downtown area, walk to Douglas Street and Bus #31: James Bay. The bus will pass through the neighbourhood behind the Legislature building and when you see the water from Dallas Road, exit the bus (if you are uncertain, ask the bus driver as you are boarding the bus). Walk west (right when facing the water) along the walkway along Dallas Road towards the Ogden Point Breakwater.


Additional Information

Dog-Friendly

Dogs are allowed on the Ogden Point Breakwater but must be on a leash at all times.

Toilets

There are no public washrooms on the Ogden Point Breakwater. There are several businesses nearby with washrooms for customers to use.

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