Walking James Bay #3 - 45 minutes

By trudy chiswel
Photos by trudy chiswell

Got your walking shoes on? Are you ready for another walk discovering your community? I hopped on the number 31 bus one evening to get to the Breakwater Café where our walk finished off last month. Yes, I could have walked to the Breakwater, but wanted to be fresh at the beginning.

Off I go heading south-east along Dallas Street from the Breakwater towards Douglas Road on a sunny spring evening. With a breeze blowing off the Strait of Juan de Fuca, waves crash on the rocky shore as seagulls sit on the water’s edge waiting for a tasty bite or float on the air currents above. Many people are out on the walkway; couples holding hands, people walking dogs, runners jogging and a few bikers enjoying the evening on Dallas Road. There was a small group of drummers practising down on the beach and even a few brave souls chasing the waves.

Just as I near Menzies Street, I take the Dallas Road waterfront rail off to the right, beside the stone marker for the SS San Pedro ship sinking in 1891. Because the trail is an asphalt pathway along the water’s edge, excluding bikes and skateboards, it’s a peaceful walk. Oat grass bends over in the wind and sweet smelling bright yellow Scotch broom bushes dot the cliff edge. I know they are weeds, but the bushes are so cheerful and smell wonderful! Many benches are positioned along the way and I pass a mother and baby sitting on one, enjoying a quiet moment in the sun.

There are access points along the path that descend to the beach if I want to get to the water’s edge. There are lovely little coves where one can sit and enjoy the ocean beach. Coming up to Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway or Douglas Street to the locals, there is a crosswalk to take me safely across the road. Along Douglas Street I pass the Terry Fox monument. A few years ago, while travelling across Canada, I saw the other Terry Fox monument where he ended his run outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. A brave young man!

I pass the Beacon Drive In Restaurant. Wikipedia quotes on the restaurant: “Founded and built in 1958 by Bill Pistol and Bob McMillan, it has become known as a Victoria institution for its soft-serve ice cream, friendly service, and local clientele.” Great place for a stop! I head down to Simcoe Street and turn left. Enjoying the historic homes as I walk down Simcoe, I turn right on Government Street to have a quick look at Emily Carr’s House. It is closed by the time I get there, but I enjoy a little walk in the garden around the house. Then it is back to Simcoe Street, heading for Menzies where I turn right at the Bent Mast Restaurant. Walking down Menzies Street, I soon pass Irving Park where the brightly painted mural beside the fence cheers the place and five giant sequoia trees soar straight to the sky. I am in awe of those trees every time I pass this spot. Continuing down Menzies, I soon reach the Legislature Buildings. Time to find one of those hard ice cream places! Enjoy your summer and discover more walks around our amazing community. I’ve only scratched the surface!