Songhees Walkway from Marina to Downtown Victoria
In a residential pocket of Victoria West, located South of Esquimalt Road, the Songhees neighbourhood is home to a stunning waterfront walkway. The Songhees Walkway otherwise known as the West Bay Walkway offers the perfect spot to run, walk or jog. With benches scattered along the pathway and impressive views of the Juan De Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Depending on your pace, you can expect a there-and-back stroll to take you roughly one hour.
Here are only some of the landmarks you’ll pass along the Songhees Walkway.
For those heading to downtown, you’ll need to cross the newly completed Johnson Street Bridge to start your shopping in the downtown area. The new bridge, which opened to the public in March of 2018 offers pedestrian pathways on both its North and South sides. Lit in blue at dusk, the bridge replaced its 94-year predecessor and cost 105 million dollars to build. Known as a ‘rolling bascule’, the bridge is moveable swinging upwards allowing clearance to large vessels traversing the waterways below.
The Delta Marriott Hotel – Ocean Pointe Resort
Perched near the base of the bridge and adjacent to the waterfront, the upscale Delta Marriott Hotel is a popular destination for Victoria visitors. It’s home to luxurious rooms, a trendy restaurant and bar known as LURE, a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool, spa, and tennis courts. As you begin your stroll along the Songhees Walkway, you’ll pass the south side of the hotel looking towards its outdoor patio and courtyard.
The Songhees Neighbourhood
Upon passing the Delta Hotel, you’ll pass the residential neighbourhood of the Songhees. This small residential hub is ear-marked primarily by upscale condominiums and townhomes. Relatively new, most buildings in this neighbourhood are no more than 30 years old, with many having been constructed in the last ten years.
The Victoria International Marina
Opening its door the first week in June, the Boom and Batten restaurant is part of the Victoria International Marina. Home to a coffee shop, lounge and dining room, the new restaurant adds a trendy feel to this waterfront spot. Reminiscent of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, the gleaming white yachts add class to this already stunning spot. A mirror image of the Boom and Batten Building is the ‘headquarters’ of VI Marina. Here, there’s space for crew to workout and unwind, and phenomenal event space too.
Home to thirty meters of footpaths, Lime Park Bay features plenty of green space. It’s the perfect spot to watch float planes, yacht, ferries, and cruise ships. Looking across the water here, you’ll see Fisherman’s Wharf, Shoal Point (a landmark upscale condominium complex), docked cruise ships, and the neighbourhood of James Bay.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub & Guesthouses
A neighbourhood favourite, Spinnakers is best known for their crafted brews. Known to be Canada’s oldest brewpub, Spinnakers not only features savory eats, but also has homemade chocolate and fresh baked bread for purchase. You’ll find waterfront views on the lower level, with a more casual pub vibe upstairs.
The end of the Songhees Walkway dead ends onto the docks of the West Bay Marina. Here, you’ll see a Float Home Village (similar to that at Fisherman’s Wharf) and the marina itself. With convenient benches available to take a break, this is the perfect spot to turn around and complete the walk in reverse.
For all your yacht provisioning call our concierge desk at 778-432-0477. If you’re looking for a superyacht marina we accept 65′ to 180′ vessels. Phone or book online to reserve your slip.
