About Oak Bay Archives

Oak Bay Archives collects, preserves and provides access to Oak Bay's historical records. We are located on the lower level of the Oak Bay Municipal Hall.

Oak Bay Archives was established by the District of Oak Bay in 1994 and serves as the central repository of the community's historical records. Please contact the Archivist to discuss potential donations of original historic photographs, family albums, personal papers and other documents relating to the history of Oak Bay and its residents, businesses and community organizations.

Visiting Hours

The Archives are open to visitors & researchers in person by appointment in advance during staffed hours, normally on Tuesdays and Fridays 9.30-4. Drop-in hours are Tuesdays 10-1.

Public drop-in hours will resume on Tuesday 14 January 2025. Happy holidays!

The usual Archives entrance is on the ground floor on the east side of the building (nearest Fairway Market). This entrance is step-free. You can also request Archives access via the front desk upstairs in Municipal Hall - ask the staff member at reception to phone the Archives office, and the Archivist will meet you in the foyer. Please note that indoor access from main reception involves a full flight of stairs.

Staff: One professional archivist, employed half time by the District of Oak Bay (17.5 hours/week.) The archivist is employed elsewhere the rest of the week and is not able to accommodate requests to visit or volunteer outside of the above hours.

Contact Us

Enquiries are also welcome any time by email, phone and post:

Email: archives@oakbay.ca
Tel: 250-598-3290 (please include an email address in your message if possible)

Oak Bay Archives
2167 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia V8R 1G2