Jane’s Walk James Bay Festival Returns May 1–3, 2026, with
12 free guided walking tours, family friendly events, contests & more…
Join the James Bay community for the second annual Jane’s Walk in James Bay, a weekend of exploration, connection, and discovery.
This free, citizen-led family friendly event invites everyone in the spirit of Jane Jacobs to come together to meet neighbours, share ideas and reflect on the past, present, and future of James Bay.
Visit the official event website.
What is it?
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.
Who is Jane?
Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) was a visionary urbanist, journalist, and author whose groundbreaking ideas transformed the way we think about cities. Moving from New York to Toronto in the 1960s, Jacobs became a key figure in the city’s fight against large-scale urban renewal projects, most notably her successful campaign to stop the construction of an expressway through the vibrant neighborhood of Queen Street West. Her book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), critiqued top-down urban planning and emphasized the importance of mixed-use neighborhoods, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and community involvement.
Jacobs also spent time in Vancouver, where her ideas influenced local urban planning, notably the city’s approach to preserving its mixed-use neighborhoods and maintaining a balance between development and public space. Her work continues to inspire urban planners, architects, and activists, both in Canada and around the world, advocating for cities that prioritize people, diversity, and community over cars and excessive development.
Join Us for Walks, Stories, Art, and Community Connection
At the heart of the festival are more than a dozen guided walks led by passionate local historians, storytellers, and community leaders.
Learn more about the speakers here.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This community event takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
