Every spring, Oak Bay in British Columbia stirs to life with Tea Party Days, a celebration that mixes community charm with outdoor zest. This annual festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore gardens, trails, and teahouses, all while soaking in the spirit of a place fiercely proud of its history and natural beauty.

The heart of the event spans several days, typically in mid-May, when the trees push fresh leaves skyward and the azaleas dare you to admire their color. Oak Bay’s coastal setting adds a brisk, salty tang to the air, carried by Pacific breezes that enliven the scent of blooming rhododendrons.

While Tea Party Days is famous for its afternoon teas and garden tours, it offers much more for the outdoor adventurer. Trails around Oak Bay loop through patches of Garry oak woodlands, where the uneven terrain challenges footing with its rocky roots and loose soil — expect a moderate hike, roughly 3 to 5 kilometers depending on your route choices, with gentle elevation gains averaging 100 meters. The paths lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the shimmering waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where currents push relentlessly and invite reflection on nature’s steady persistence.

Planning your visit means considering both comfort and curiosity. Sturdy footwear is a must — trail shoes or boots with grip will handle the mix of soft moss and rough rock. Carry water and light snacks; the festival features charming teahouses, but it’s wise to fuel up mid-walk, especially if exploring independently. Start your day early to enjoy the quieter morning light, when the gardens are just waking and the trail’s cool shade gives reprieve from the later afternoon sun.

This engagement with Oak Bay is about pacing yourself amid nature that resists hurry yet rewards attentiveness. Each step through those forested paths is an offer to connect directly with a coast alive and sharply present. Tea Party Days doesn’t just ask you to witness Oak Bay’s heritage—it encourages you to experience it, with shoes on the ground and a spirit open to discovery.

Whether you’re savoring a cup of rose petal tea in an inviting garden or chasing the last light across a bluff, Oak Bay Tea Party Days combines tradition with active exploration. It’s a chance to walk, see, and taste a community that thrives because it respects the landscape it calls home.