Guided Walks, Special Events & More…
throughout James Bay, Victoria
Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival 2026
Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival Returns May 1–3, 2026 with Walks, Stories, Art, and Community Connection
From seaside stories and hidden neighbourhood histories to vibrant sidewalk art and family-friendly cycling fun, the Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival returns from May 1 to 3, 2026, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore one of Victoria’s most historic and community-minded neighbourhoods.
Inspired by urbanist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walk festivals take place around the world each spring, celebrating walkable cities, local knowledge, and the power of community connection. In James Bay, this year’s festival offers a rich and engaging lineup of guided walks, interactive events, and creative activities designed for all ages.
Guided Walking Tours in James Bay
At the heart of the festival are more than a dozen guided walks led by passionate local historians, storytellers, and community leaders.
History of the Beacon Hill Neighbourhood
Join John Adams to find out some of the hidden heritage of his neighbourhood, bounded by Government, Dallas, Douglas and Simcoe streets. History of the houses and the people who lived in them.
When: Saturday May 2
Meet up: For Good Measure
Start time: 1:30 pm
End time: est. 3:00 pm
End location:
Duration: 90 minutes
Length:
Accessibility:
Dallas Road from Mile Zero to Menzies Street
A fascinating tour along Dallas Road exploring old searchlight sites, a hidden cemetery, stories of eccentric characters and a seaside resort that never happened.
When: Sunday, May 3
Meet Up:
Start time: 10:30 pm
End time: est.
End location:
Duration:
Length:
Accessibility:
Special notes:
Bio:
John Adams is a heritage interpreter, entrepreneur, and longtime champion of local history in Victoria. As founder and owner of Discover the Past Walking Tours, he has spent decades bringing the city’s colourful past to life through engaging guided walks, costumed presentations, and public talks. His work has helped residents and visitors alike connect more deeply with Victoria’s stories, landmarks, and community heritage.
Gardening in Public: Transforming Public Spaces With Plants
Join us for a gentle stroll to explore some of James Bay’s citizen-run garden projects, Along the way, we’ll meet some of the people involved and discover what a few neighbours wielding trowels can accomplish: supplement our food supply, slow biodiversity loss, counter the impact of climate change, protect boulevard trees, green the streetscape, and provide places for people to meet. Bring your ideas for ways we can work together to keep James Bay green and leafy.
When: Saturday, May 2
Meet Up: For Good Measure
Start time: 9:00 am
End time: 10:30 am
End location: For Good Measure
Duration: 90 minutes
Length: 2 km
Accessibility: paved pathways
Bio:
Kathryn Pankowski grew up in James Bay. After a first career developing museum exhibits in Ontario, she has returned to become the James Bay Neighbourhood Association’s community gardening coordinator and currently guides the operation of 11 citizen-gardened spaces on public and private land around the neighbourhood.
Factories & Family: the Pendrays on the Move
Follow in the footsteps of William and Amelia Pendray as they build a factory and family on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbour, and learn the story of family tragedy, political triumph, and a few secrets from the servants. Find out the Pendray connection to Victoria’s first telephone line in 1880 and the building of the Empress Hotel in 1904-08. Walk the path from the Pendrays’ first house, near where the Empress now stands, to the Pendray mansion built on Belleville St. in 1895 with a view of Victoria’s bustling inner harbour and the Pendrays’ new soap and paint factory on Laurel Point.
When: Saturday, May 2
Meet Up: For Good Measure
Start time: 2:00 pm
End time: est. 3:30 pm
End location: For Good Measure
Duration: 90 minutes
Length: 2 km
Accessibility: paved sideways
Bio:
Jacquie Pearce is a Vancouver-based poet and writer of historical fiction for kids, including Discovering Emily, about the childhood of Emily Carr. Jacquie’s family has lived in Victoria for four generations and worked for the Pendrays. (jacquelinepearce.ca)
Placemaking in Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Placemaking is a concept where a sense of identity is communicated through art, design, or architecture. The Inner Harbour is a place of great significance to local First Nations. Since 2024, lək̓ʷəŋən artwork has been installed around the harbour as part of a placemaking project to connect residents and visitors with the area’s rich First Nations’ culture. This walking tour will visit several artworks and the new lək̓ʷəŋən cultural installation on the Lower Causeway. Richard will explain the inspiration behind each artwork.
When: Saturday, May 2
Meet Up: Lower Causeway near the Clipper terminal by the A in the ‘Welcome to Victoria’ flowers
End: Ship Point Pier
Start time: 1:00 pm
End time: est. 45 minutes
End location: Lower Causeway
Duration: A short, easy 45 minute walk around the Causeway with several stops at each artwork.
Length: 1 km
Accessibility: access to lower level by strollers, wheelchairs and walkers via the ramp off Belleville Street near the Clipper terminal
Bio:
Richard Davies is the communications manager at GVHA. He joined the Harbour Authority in 2024 and has worked extensively on the placemaking project. Both the xʷsepsəm Nation (Esquimalt) and Songhees Nation have been represented on GVHA’s Board of Directors since GVHA’s inception in 2002.
Pillars of the James Bay Community
Discover the unique, eclectic culture of James Bay on this engaging Jane’s Walk. Beginning at James Bay United Church — where community initiatives first took root through the efforts of Marion Wood — participants will enjoy a brief introduction before visiting key neighbourhood organizations. Stops include the James Bay Community Project, James Bay New Horizons, the James Bay Beacon, and the James Bay Community School Centre. Learn how these connected hubs support residents and how you can get involved.
When: Sunday, May 3
Meet Up: James Bay United Church
Start time: 11:45 am – 1:45 pm
End time: est. 2 hours
End location: James Bay Community School
Duration: 2 hours
Bio:
Candis Elliott was privileged to serve the residents of James Bay as a Community Development Worker at the James Bay Community Project for 20 years.
Holland Point Park: Past, Present & Future
Join Jacklyn for a walk within Holland Point Park. Take home a fresh perspective on this beautiful place along the Dallas Road waterfront which includes a former indigenous village site which is now a large grassy meadow; Fonyo Beach with lots of historical “construction” stories; and a section of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (established 1923) along all its rocky seashore. Holland Point Park (together with Finlayson Point Park just to its east) is a candidate Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). Learn about this exciting and important designation, and our plans for a local community effort to protect and enhance this site.
When: Saturday, May 2
Meet up: Anchor statue at the corner of of Dallas Road and Douglas Street
Start time: 12:00 pm
End time: 1:30 pm
End location: For Good Measure
Duration: 90 minutes
Length: 1 km
Accessibility: paved pathways
Bio:
Jacklyn Jolicoeur is a former forester, who spent more than 25 years working within BC and northern Alberta. She started her career with the Province of BC, then worked as a consultant for Forestry Firms and Indigenous Peoples (First and Métis Nations). Now retired, Jacklyn is an avid naturalist and an active volunteer in the community. She is especially interested in the preservation and protection of the endangered Garry oak ecosystem within the greater Victoria area. She has been a resident of James Bay for just under 20 years.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Unravelling The Irving Park Labyrinth
The history and mystery of the Irving Park Labyrinth will be revealed through anecdotes and walking the unicursal path of this unique James Bay treasure. The grassy surface was designed to be accessible. It is flat though uneven.
When: Saturday, May 2
Meet up: Irving Park entrance beside the washrooms on Menzies
tart time: 11:00 am
End time: est.11:45 am
End location: Irving Park Labyrinth
Special notes: Our walk takes place in affiliation with World Labyrinth Day www.worldlabyrinthday.org/wld-2026
Truck Route to Bike Route: the gentrification of the “West”
Local lore and tales filled with characters and catastrophes are woven into a retrospective appreciation of the dramatic changes west of Montreal Street over the last 50 years. We’ll take unmarked short cuts, pass through parks, slip down alleys, and meander on side streets between Laurel Pt. and Ogden Pt.
When: Sunday, May 3
Meet up: Corner of Montreal & Kingston
Start time: 11:00 am
End: time: 12:30 pm
End location: Ogden Point
Duration: 90 minutes
Length: 2 km
Accessibility: some uneven surface
Bio:
Terry Loeppky has lived intentionally in James Bay since 1974. In that time he’s had his fingers in many community pies. A veteran of our 1st Jane’s walk, Terry has an engaging manner and stories galore.
Favourite Heritage Homes in James Bay
Visit Dave Mason’s favourite heritage properties in James Bay, each chosen for its unique architecture, colourful past, and connection to the neighbourhood’s evolving identity. As you stroll tree-lined streets and quiet lanes, Dave shares lively anecdotes, hidden details, and insights into how these historic homes continue to shape community life today. Part of the Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival, this relaxed, friendly tour invites residents and visitors alike to see familiar places with fresh eyes and deepen their appreciation for one of Victoria’s most character-filled districts.
When: Sunday, May 3
Meet up: . For Good Measure
Start time: 2:00 pm
End time: 3:30 pm
End location: For Good Measure
Duration: 90 minutes
Length: 1.5 km
Accessibility: paved streets and paths
Special notes: suitable for strollers and walkers
Bio:
Dave Mason, local historian, founder and owner of Come See Victoria, has been uncovering the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Victoria for decades. Whether you’re a curious visitor, a lifelong resident of James Bay, or a historian interested in Canada’s urban past, this tour offers a compelling window into the people, buildings, and events that shaped James Bay and the stories behind many of its most iconic heritage properties.
Walk Into the World of Emily Carr’s James Bay
Marilyn leads this engaging guided walking tour through historic James Bay. Visiting 10 meaningful locations connected to her life story, participants will explore the neighbourhood that shaped one of Canada’s most original artists and writers. From childhood homes and creative inspirations to community landmarks and quiet reflective spaces, each stop reveals a new layer of Carr’s character, struggles, and achievements. Along the way, hear vivid stories, view archival images, and imagine daily life in early Victoria. This walk offers a rich blend of art, history, and place — perfect for curious locals and visitors alike.
When: Sunday, May 3
Meet up: . For Good Measure
tart time: 9:00 am
End time: 10:00 am
End location: For Good Measure
Duration: 60 minutes
Length: 1.5 km
Accessibility: paved streets and paths
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Festival Headquarters
Unless otherwise noted, the meet up location for the walks, events and for volunteers to check in for their shift to pick up their gear is the covered outdoor patio at For Good Measure, 579 Niagara Street. Volunteers are welcome to use their facilities. They are a supporting sponsor of the festival.
Family Friendly Special Events
Jane’s Walk & Roll With Capital Bike
Saturday, May 2 | 12:30 to 4:00 pm
South Park School | 508 Douglas Street
Jane Jacobs was big on bikes and never owned a car. Join Capital Bike for a fun, family-friendly Bike Obstacle Course in the Jane’s Walk & Roll event she would have loved to attend herself. Come test your skills, build confidence, and enjoy a playful riding experience designed for all ages and abilities.\Jane Jacobs was big on bikes and never owned a car. Join Capital Bike for a fun, family-friendly Bike Obstacle Course in the Jane’s Walk & Roll event she would have loved to attend herself. Come test your skills, build confidence, and enjoy a playful riding experience designed for all ages and abilities.
Riders will have the chance to navigate a series of obstacles that help develop balance, control, and bike handling in a supportive environment. The event also takes the needs of seniors in mind. Two speakers will add to the experience. Mike from Pedego Bikes will inform those curious about electric bikes as a mode transportation and a spokesperson from the City of Victoria department of transportation will bring walkers and bikers up to speed on the present and foreseeable future of the bike lanes and bus lanes in and around James Bay.
Bring your own bike and helmet if you have them. We’ll also have a limited number of bikes and helmets available to borrow for those who want to give it a try. Come ride, learn, and have fun with us — we hope to see you there!
Better yet…sign up to volunteer and you’ll be eligible to enter the draw for this bike donated by Capital Bike and the helmet donated by Pedego Bikes— don’t miss your chance to win! You’ll earn a ticket for each shift you work. See more information and sign up at {LINK
Jane’s Walk Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
Contest opens at 1130 am Saturday, May 2
Contest ends on Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 pm
Come and watch 5 artists Chalk it Up! in James Bay on Friday, May 1 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. With washable sidewalk chalk they will create designs based on some of Jane Jacobs’ ideas to provide inspiration for the Jane’s Walk Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.
The following day, James Bay residents and visitors are invited to have their own chance to Chalk it Up for Jane Jacobs, her ideas, James Bay or anything else they want to say. Stencils, examples and chalk will be on hand and volunteers to assist adults, emerging artists and youngsters alike in five locations on Saturday, May 2 from 11:30 – 4:00 pm. Outside these hours, participants are welcome to use heir own chalk. (You might want to bring a towel to protect your knees!)
On Sunday, May 3. at 3:00 pm, the contest ends and three judges chosen by the James Bay Neighbourhood Association will meet and choose the winners. Prizes donated by local businesses and arts organizations to be awarded. Winners to be announced at the event finale at For Good Measure, 579 Niagara Street on Sunday, May 3 at 6:00 pm and on the event website the following day at: janeswalkjamesbayvictoria.ca. The draw for the volunteer who won the Capital Bike Giveaway will also take place at the same time.
Contest opens on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am & ends on Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 pm.
Contest instructions & prize list to be posted on April 15
