Westsong Walkway (Songhees Walkway)
Scenic waterfront path offering stunning harbor views, wildlife sightings, and historical insights. Free and accessible for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Westsong Walkway (Songhees Walkway)
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic waterfront path offering stunning harbor views, wildlife sightings, and historical insights. Free and accessible for all.
"Beautiful spot for harbour views and wildlife spotting, accessible and free to visit!"
🚶♀️ Walk for Steps
Walk the full length to Sailors Cove and back for about 6000 steps. Great exercise with views!
🧥 Dress in Layers
The wind off the water can be chilly, even on sunny days. Pack a jacket!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbour Panorama
Along the walkway
Panoramic views of Victoria's bustling harbor, with ferries and floatplanes gliding by.
Wildlife Encounters
Near the shore
Keep an eye out for seals, otters, blue herons, and seagulls cracking clams on the rocks.
Historical Echoes
Along the path
Learn about local history while enjoying the scenic coastal path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Sunrise Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Running Areas near Downtown
🚶♀️ Walk for Steps
Walk the full length to Sailors Cove and back for about 6000 steps. Great exercise with views!
🧥 Dress in Layers
The wind off the water can be chilly, even on sunny days. Pack a jacket!
In search of good paved walking trails/areas in Victoria!
Hikes/Walks that are lengthy but not difficult?
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The walkway is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for everyone.
🚗 Parking Available
Parking is available nearby, making it convenient to access the walkway.
What should I do if I’m only in Victoria for one day?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk for Steps
Walk the full length to Sailors Cove and back for about 6000 steps. Great exercise with views!
🧥 Dress in Layers
The wind off the water can be chilly, even on sunny days. Pack a jacket!
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The walkway is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for everyone.
🚗 Parking Available
Parking is available nearby, making it convenient to access the walkway.
🦦 Otter Spotting!
You might get lucky and spot an otter or other marine life. Keep your eyes peeled!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful harbor views and the opportunity to see local wildlife, including otters and seabirds. The walkway is praised for its accessibility and the pleasant experience of walking or cycling along the water. Some mention the wind can be nippy, suggesting layers are a good idea.
"Beautiful spot to learn history and Harbour views ,its on the bike/pedestrians path . Parking around. Its on the west side of the Johnson's street bridge near the delta hotel. Wheelchair accessible . Its free to visit. ( pictures taken at sunrise recommend it )"
Louise Boilevin
"Felt like I was brought back to Brittany, France on this windy rainy day ☔ 😍 and even got the chance to see an otter 🦦 eating its meal 😲"
Mikael Besse
"Accessed off Kimta Road down from Catherine street, near Spinnaker’s pub, Westsong Walkway is a lovely walk along the shore of Vic West. You can get in 6000 steps if you walk to along the boardwalk to Sailors Cove and back. Awesome scenery including Victorias harbour with Harbour air and the Coho andd de Pickle boats coming and going. Close to shore there are plenty of seagulls cracking open their clams along the glacial rocks. Also we saw a blue heron today and others have seen otters and seals. Bring a jacket as the wind can be nippy off summer. As a bonus in the spring you will see plenty of wild flowers along the path such as Canas and Fritalaria and Fawn lilies."
Bea Shumey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westsong Walkway is located on the west side of the Johnson Street Bridge, near the Delta Hotel. You can access it off Kimta Road, down from Catherine Street, near Spinnaker's Pub. Parking is available nearby.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, it's a popular spot for walking and cycling, suggesting good connectivity within Victoria. Consider checking local transit maps for routes near the Johnson Street Bridge.
Yes, it's a popular bike and pedestrian path, offering scenic cycling routes along the waterfront.
Parking is available around the walkway, particularly near the Johnson Street Bridge and the surrounding areas.
It's a significant section of a coastal path, allowing for extended walks and exploration along the Victoria waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Westsong Walkway is completely free to visit and enjoy.
As an outdoor public walkway, it is accessible at all hours, though visiting during daylight is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required as it's a public space. You can visit anytime.
Yes, the walkway is an outdoor public space and is open year-round.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but standard public space etiquette applies.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire walkway offers stunning views of the harbor, especially at sunrise. Look for opportunities with the ferries, floatplanes, and marine life.
Absolutely! Sunrise is highly recommended for its beautiful light over the harbor and fewer crowds.
You might capture seagulls, blue herons, seals, and even otters.
Yes, the walkway provides excellent vantage points for photographing the iconic Johnson Street Bridge.
The entire length offers scenic views, but the sections closer to the water and with unobstructed harbor views are particularly good.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy a scenic walk, admire harbor views, spot wildlife, and learn about local history. You can walk to Sailors Cove and back for a good exercise.
Yes, the walkway is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it great for families.
Walking to Sailors Cove and back is about 6000 steps, which can take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your pace and stops.
While not explicitly mentioned, public walkways often have benches. Restrooms might be available in nearby parks or facilities.
Expect beautiful harbor views, coastal scenery, and glimpses of marine life. In spring, you'll also see wildflowers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing some snacks and drinks, as it's a lovely spot for a picnic with a view. The relatively short distance to Sailors Cove and back makes it manageable for little legs, and the ever-changing harbor activity provides constant entertainment. Visiting in the spring also offers the bonus of colorful wildflowers to discover.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own lunch and water to maximize savings. The walkway offers a rich experience of Victoria's natural beauty and maritime activity, making it a highly rewarding and cost-effective outing. It's an excellent way to experience the local charm without the expense of paid attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Songhees Walkway: A Coastal Gem
Beyond the captivating harbor vistas, the walkway is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life such as seals and otters, and look up to spot seabirds like seagulls cracking open their meals on the glacial rocks, or even a majestic blue heron. During the spring, the path is adorned with a vibrant display of wildflowers, adding an extra layer of beauty to the experience.
This walkway is celebrated for its accessibility, being suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it an inclusive destination for everyone. Its proximity to amenities like Spinnaker's Pub and the general availability of parking nearby further enhance its appeal as a convenient and enjoyable outdoor attraction.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Westsong Walkway
The walkway offers diverse photographic subjects. You can frame shots of the iconic Johnson Street Bridge, capture the dynamic movement of ferries and floatplanes, or focus on the intricate details of local wildlife. The natural elements, from the waves lapping at the shore to the wildflowers in spring, provide endless creative possibilities. Remember to bring a jacket, as the coastal breeze can be invigorating for both you and your camera gear!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit