Victoria's Songhees Walkway named one of Canada's coolest neighbourhoods

The Songhees Walkway, a waterfront stretch that runs through Esquimalt and overlooks Victoria’s Inner Harbour, has been selected by Maclean’s as one of Canada’s “coolest neighbourhoods.” Magazine contributor Jeni Gunn highlighted the area’s vibrant people‑watching, the newly white Blue Bridge that links downtown Victoria to Vic West, and its pedestrian‑friendly layout with free parking, picnic tables and benches.

Gunn also noted the natural attractions along the walkway, including the 2.4‑acre Matson Conservation Area that shelters purple martins, ravens, barred owls, Cooper’s hawks and hummingbirds, as well as Canada’s oldest brewpub, Spinnakers, which offers an on‑site brewery and views of Lime Bay. The Maclean’s list also features neighbourhoods in Quebec City, Toronto and North Vancouver.