Johnson Street Bridge
Iconic modern bridge in Victoria, BC, offering stunning sunset views, nighttime illumination, and separate pedestrian/bike lanes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Johnson Street Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic modern bridge in Victoria, BC, offering stunning sunset views, nighttime illumination, and separate pedestrian/bike lanes.
"This is the coolest and most unique bridge I have ever seen. The design is rather interesting."
🚦 No Right on Red!
Remember: 'No right turn on red' from Wharf onto Johnson Street Bridge. Avoid tickets! :red_circle:
🚶♀️ Separate Paths
Enjoy dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes for a safe and pleasant crossing experience. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset & Cityscape Views
Pedestrian walkways
Capture breathtaking views of the Legislature Terminal and the Olympian Mountains, especially magical at sunset.
Modern Architectural Design
Entire bridge structure
Admire the impressive engineering and contemporary design of this iconic Victoria landmark.
Nighttime Illumination
Bridge lighting
Experience the bridge come alive at night with soft blue lights, creating a beautiful urban spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Johnson Street Bridge
Timing Your Visit for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Moving and trying to avoid traffic
🚦 No Right on Red!
Remember: 'No right turn on red' from Wharf onto Johnson Street Bridge. Avoid tickets! :red_circle:
🚶♀️ Separate Paths
Enjoy dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes for a safe and pleasant crossing experience.
PSA: When turning right onto Wharf from the Johnson Street Bridge, you MUST stop if the light is red.
Did you help me after crash on Johnson St Bridge on August 16?
📸 Capture the Skyline
Great spot for photos of the Legislature and mountains, especially with a zoom lens.
🌉 Watch it Lift
Witness the bridge lift and lower for ferries – a unique and quick spectacle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚦 No Right on Red!
Remember: 'No right turn on red' from Wharf onto Johnson Street Bridge. Avoid tickets! :red_circle:
🚶♀️ Separate Paths
Enjoy dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes for a safe and pleasant crossing experience.
📸 Capture the Skyline
Great spot for photos of the Legislature and mountains, especially with a zoom lens.
🌉 Watch it Lift
Witness the bridge lift and lower for ferries – a unique and quick spectacle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Johnson Street Bridge for its impressive modern design and stunning views, especially at sunset and night. The separate pedestrian and bike lanes are a significant plus for safety and accessibility. Some minor concerns include limited parking and the need to be aware of specific traffic rules like 'no right turn on red'.
"This is an awesome bridge. Practical, fun, and impressive. Single? I hope so; firm chest..."
Noah MacLeod
"Like the bridge. I wasn't here to see it's old version, but I like the new one. It has a big walk and bike lane on one side and a small walk bridge on the other. And another two bike lanes on both sides of the road. Almost perfect view on Legislature Terminal (Parliament) with the background of Olympian Mountains. If I had a good zoom lens I would take this photo on a clear winter or spring day shortly after sunset."
Artem Kravchenko
"This is the coolest and most unique bridge I have ever seen. The design is rather interesting. Just think of the challenge of engineering this massive structure. I have also included a picture of the old bridge before the new one was built.
Watch it raise and lower a few times while waiting for the Ferry to depart from the dock."
R. Scherer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Johnson Street Bridge is centrally located in Victoria, BC. It's easily accessible by walking, cycling, or public transit from downtown. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby attractions.
Limited street parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be challenging to find, especially during peak times. Consider using nearby public parking garages or public transport.
Yes, there is a shared bike/pedestrian path on one side of the bridge, allowing cyclists to cross safely.
The bridge features accessible walkways, making it navigable for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
For iconic shots, approach from the downtown side or the Songhees side for different perspectives of the bridge and the city skyline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking or cycling across the Johnson Street Bridge is free and open to the public.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists 24/7. However, its lifting mechanism operates on a schedule for marine traffic.
The bridge lifts are scheduled based on marine traffic needs. You can often see it lift for ferries departing from the nearby terminal.
There is no admission fee to view or cross the Johnson Street Bridge. It's a public thoroughfare and a scenic spot.
The old Johnson Street Bridge was decommissioned and replaced. You can see photos of it, but it is no longer standing.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunset offers stunning light for capturing the Legislature Terminal and bridge. Nighttime also provides beautiful views with the bridge's blue illumination.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge's scale and surrounding cityscape. A zoom lens can be useful for details of the Legislature building.
The pedestrian walkways offer excellent vantage points. The Songhees side provides a good perspective of the bridge against the city skyline.
Yes, you can photograph the bridge as it lifts for marine traffic. It's a unique and dynamic subject.
Experiment with angles from both the downtown and Songhees sides. Looking up at the bridge from below when it's lifting can also yield dramatic shots.
🎫 🚦 Traffic & Safety
The bridge has dedicated lanes for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Drivers must adhere to traffic signals and signage.
Yes, the bridge has separate, well-maintained paths for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring safety.
When turning right from Wharf onto the Johnson Street Bridge, you must come to a complete stop and wait for a green light; right turns on red are prohibited.
Ignoring the 'no right turn on red' rule can result in traffic tickets and fines.
When the bridge lifts, vehicle and pedestrian traffic is temporarily halted. The process is relatively quick.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day for clear views of the Legislature building and the surrounding harbor. The bridge's modern design is also visually engaging for children. It's an easy and accessible attraction that adds a unique element to a family outing in Victoria.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles from both sides of the bridge. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the bridge's scale against the city, while a telephoto lens can isolate details of the Legislature. Don't miss the chance to photograph the bridge as it lifts – it's a dynamic and memorable shot.
🚴 Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians on the shared path and use your bell if necessary. The bridge offers a smooth ride and great views as you traverse it. It's a well-designed piece of infrastructure that enhances the cycling experience in Victoria.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Johnson Street Bridge Construction
This iconic structure is not just a crossing but a landmark. Its distinctive silhouette and the innovative design have made it a popular subject for photographers and a point of pride for Victoria. The bridge's ability to lift and allow marine traffic to pass underneath adds another layer of fascination to its engineering prowess.
Understanding the Johnson Street Bridge construction process highlights the challenges and triumphs of urban infrastructure development. The project aimed to improve connectivity while respecting the city's waterfront environment and historical context.
Experiencing the Views and Atmosphere
At night, the bridge transforms into a luminous spectacle. Soft blue lights illuminate the structure, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere. This nighttime display is particularly popular for evening strolls and photography. The bridge's unique design and its integration with the waterfront make it a focal point of Victoria's urban landscape.
Beyond the visual appeal, the bridge offers a dynamic experience. Watching it lift and lower for passing ferries is a unique event that many visitors find captivating. The separate lanes for different modes of transport ensure that everyone can enjoy the bridge safely and comfortably.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit