Turkey Head Walkway and Mary Tod Islet is in the seaside community of Oak Bay, one of thirteen areas of the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Watch and feed the seals that inhabit in the ocean waters near the Oak Bay Marina from the Turkey Head Walkway. This boardwalk starts near the bus stop goes around the perimeter of the parking lot. The boardwalk section provides fun views of the marina and ramp to access the docks. A small bistro is found along here and outdoor seating to enjoy a snack. There are twenty wood steps to stroll up to reach the concrete foot path. The concrete sidewalk forms the rest of the Turkey Head walkway. The walkway was created when the breakwater was formed in nineteenfiftynine. There are several benches along this section and a lovely outdoor art creation. The views of the islands in the Salish Sea are breathtaking. At the site of the old Oak Bay Aquarium, Several beach access points with concrete steps down to seashore are found here. These access points are a favorite for kayakers and other personal water crafters who want to explore the islets and water ways of Oak Bay and the Salish Sea.
Mary Todd Islet (named in eighteen fifty six), locally known as the Turkey Head and Jimmy-Jenny Chickens’ Island (from a local eccentric who dwelled there at the turn of nineteen-hundreds), forms a natural part of the rocky breakwater for Oak Bay Marina. It lies near the outer breakwater of the Marina. The three hectare islet is named for the second daughter of John Todd of the Hudson Bay Company. There are several small trees and shrubs on the island with a sheltered sandy beach on its southwest shore. It is only accessible by boat.
Geographic Location N48º 25’ 25” W123º 18’ 10”
Turkey Head Walkway can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway. Continue along the Hwy 1 into Victoria as it becomes Douglas Street. Turn off Douglas onto Hillside Avenue to head east. Stay on Hillside Avenue as it becomes Lansdowne Road. Continue along Lansdowne Road to reach Foul Bay Road. Turn left off Foul Bay onto Cadboro Bay Road and take the first right turn immedicately after the high school onto Canmore Street. Follow Canmore Street to Beach Drive. Turn right ton Beach Drive and continue along to the parking area for the marina. The walkway traces a u-shaped around the parking lot.There is street parking. City buses travel along Foul Bay Road.
You can get to Turkey Head Walkway and the Marina from Oak Bay Avenue to Beach Drive. Ample parking can be found the lot near the Marina and Restaurant.
Start your walk at the bridge at Beach Drive and walk on the tidal beach or on the sidewalk. Continue along the sidewalk to Haynes Park, in about 30 minutes, or Willow Beach Park, in about 60 minutes. Several buses provide service to close to this park.
Walks in Your Backyard 