Stretch of Victoria waterfront named one of Canada’s ‘coolest neighbourhoods’

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Among Canada’s thousands of unique, vibrant neighbourhoods, a small stretch of Victoria’s waterfront has ranked among the best.

Songhees Walkway, which runs through Esquimalt and overlooks the Inner Harbour, has made Maclean’s list of the “coolest neighbourhoods” in the country.

A selection from Maclean’s pool of writers, the list includes 10 cities from coast to coast.

Magazine contributor Jeni Gunn picked the Songhees Walkway, which she explained she fell in love with after mooring her boat at Westbay Marine Village.

“I can’t think of another location that offers such delightful people-watching,” she said.

Among Gunn’s favourite parts of the area is the now white Blue Bridge, which connects the city’s core and Vic West.

“The Blue Bridge leads directly onto Wharf Street in downtown Victoria, bustling with shops, restaurants and the famous Empress Hotel,” she said.

The neighbourhood’s accessibility for pedestrians is also a draw Gunn highlights.

“It’s easily accessible, fed by multiple side streets with lots of free parking,” she said. “Picnic tables and benches punctuate the entire length of Songhees Walkway.”

Songhees Park and the 2.4-acre Matson Conservation Area, which offers a sanctuary for purple martins, ravens, barred owls, Cooper’s hawks and hummingbirds, are among the neighbourhood’s other attractive elements.

On top of the space’s natural beauty is Canada’s oldest brewpub, Spinnakers, which boasts an on-site brewery and taproom and a view of Lime Bay.

“Come by foot, car, bike, boat or float plane,” said Gunn. “Bring a friend, wander solo, snap photos, stop, sip, eat or power walk end to end. At Songhees Walkway, you’ll find a thoroughfare, a postcard, an invitation.”

The Maclean’s list also includes Quebec City’s Saint-Sauveur, Toronto’s Davenport and Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver.