Discover the stories, places, and people that make James Bay unique during the inaugural Jane鈥檚 Walk weekend May 3 and 4.
Inspired by the ideas of Jane Jacobs, a city activist and author, Jane's Walks are free, community-led walking tours that explore different aspects of a neighbourhood.
The free James Bay event features two special presentations and nine guided walking tours led by local storytellers, historians and passionate residents.
The weekend kicks off May 3, at 9 a.m. at James Bay United Church (corner of Michigan and Menzies) with a short talk by event producer Marilyn Jones, offering a primer on Jane Jacobs, the urban visionary whose ideas inspired the international event.
At 9:30, author and local tree expert Collin Verner offers highlights from his newly released book, Trees in Victoria, before leading a walking tour celebrating the neighbourhood鈥檚 remarkable trees 鈥� including a visit to the beloved 鈥渢eacup tree鈥� on Clarence Street. At 11:30, Terry Loeppky, who brings more than 50 years of lived experience in James Bay, leads a walk from South Park School exploring Jacobs鈥� ideas 鈥� walkability, diversity, density 鈥� on a 2.5-km route suitable for all abilities.
In the afternoon, Marilyn Jones takes her role as "Emily Carr Chronicler" for a spin, leading guests to six historic James Bay sites that shaped the artist鈥檚 life and legacy. Walkers are invited to share their own Carr stories along the way. (Meet at the James Bay Inn, 270 Government St.) Then at 2:30 p.m., Chris O鈥機onnor, from the Royal BC Museum, leads a tour of the museum precinct. You鈥檒l visit Helmcken House, St. Ann鈥檚 School, and the BC Archives, uncovering stories of early education, health care, and memory in the evolving urban landscape. (Meet at the Royal BC Museum front entrance.) At 4 p.m., join Nick Russell at Ogden Point鈥檚 sundial to begin the exploration of the lesser-known industrial past of the northern Outer Wharves. Discover how this bustling port once powered Victoria鈥檚 economy.
Sunday kicks off at 10 a.m. with a walk led by renowned historian John Adams, starting at the Steamship Terminal (Belleville and Menzies). He鈥檒l share tales of shipyards, shantytowns, and shoreline industry from Laurel Point to Fisherman鈥檚 Wharf.
At 1:30 p.m., Marilyn Jones leads an exploration of Thunderbird Park, where you鈥檒l hear some of the stories behind its striking totem poles and traditional big house, Wawadi钮艂a, carved under the leadership of Mungo Martin. (Meet at the southwest corner of Douglas and Belleville.)
To close the weekend, join Jo Jansen and Marilyn Jones from 3 to 5 p.m. for a deep dive into Beacon Hill Park. This two-hour tour covers 15 unique features 鈥搒ome well-known, others hidden gems 鈥� with stories that will deepen your appreciation for this beloved park. The first half of the route is on paved trails and groomed paths. The second half has uneven trails and a slight elevation, offering more of an adventure. (Meet at the giant watering can at Douglas and Circle Drive.)
