Vancouver’s Jane’s Walk Festival returns Thursday

It’s time to put on your walking shoes and get outside, as Vancouver’s Jane’s Walk Festival returns Thursday.

As part of a global movement, people can join in locally-led walking tours inspired by the late writer, urbanist, and activist Jane Jacobs — who supported a more community-based approach to city building.

“No one can find what will work for our cities by looking at…suburban garden cities, manipulating scalemodels, or inventing dream cities. You’ve got to get out and walk,” Jacobs said.

Read more: Jane’s Walk festival returns after COVID-19 pandemic hiatus

In Vancouver, more than 30 events are set to take place from Thursday to Sunday.

Including, Vancouver’s Francophone Village, How Parking Affects the Affordability and Climate Crisis, and The Old, the New, and What Could Be: A Sketchwalk through Collingwood.

“Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours,” the festival’s website reads.

We’re hosting a bike tour of the Portside Greenway as part of the Jane’s Walk Vancouver Festival! Join us Sunday, May 7 to experience the route and share your thoughts. Space is limited. Learn more and register at https://t.co/98zbOt8JDx #ActiveTravel #WalkBikeRoll pic.twitter.com/y0S6KIMJof

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) May 3, 2023

Organizer Xerxes Au says although the events are free some have limited space and are already ‘sold out.’ But he says there are still options for people to join in the fun.

“This year, for most of the walks that aren’t small group walks, we’re not requiring any registration,” he said.

“Regardless, our uptake has been really great this year and there’s certainly a lot of enthusiasm both amongst our walk leaders as well as like participants,” he said.

Walk feature: This Friday walk leader Julia will be taking people on a tour downtown sharing the importance of children being involved in designing cities. https://t.co/4E21jrqmsv

— Jane’s Walk Vancouver (@JanesWalkVan) May 3, 2023

Au says the festival is a way for people to come together and learn more about the city.

“I think the best thing about Jane’s walk…is just seeing people really engaged in their community and [be] willing to learn about the history and the future of either their neighborhood, or just the neighborhood they’re really interested in, or where they work at.”

The festival was founded in 2006, and Au says this year’s festival is bigger and better than ever.

“This year, we’re offering even more walks, I think we have about 30 or so walks being offered, some new topics as well. This year abundant housing Vancouver is doing a walk in Kitsilano I think we have one sketch walk in Joyce Collingwood, where participants will just sketch the area,” he said.

For more information and a list of events, click here. 

With files from Emily Marsten