The Canal Walk

While the canal walk hasn’t been fully developed as initially planned in the 90s, it’s still a cool spot. Most of the time I’m there, it’s running part of my 10 mile route, which allows me a variety of scenery off the roads. Enjoy the artwork or a gondola ride while there.

A great little walk for you on your lunch break downtown.

Trying to have fun while I have a migraine and I kind of want to cry or die… I can’t quite decide which…
I don’t really like this place… i guess I perfer walking in nicer areas more…
People go for runs or take a stroll along the Canal Walk… manily the locals… while I was in the area… I thought of checking a local neighborhood out… the water is disguesting… area looked shady… and where the hell is the awesome street art that everyone suggested to check out … all I saw was colorful banners and «the canal cruise»…which was pretty stupit… no thanks!

My first impression was a cool disappointment, though I probably overlooked the Best parts of this, like who you might meet here or what you might see! We saw more Guys in Kilts and dresses than Walt Disney World (not counting Cirque Du Soleil) Shooting a Film (I have no Idea what it was, Crazy Costumes though!
Speedo Time!
Rolling on The James River
Three Guys in Long Jammers, BoxerBriefs and uhhhh TightyWhiteys getting in James River in Late December (a warmer day of Winter, still it was Cold)! Part of the Film or did they just lose a Prop? Keep Rolling!

While I have been a lifelong suburbanite in RVA, I am a terrible Richmonder — I don’t get downtown nearly enough. Now that I am in my 30’s and turning into a bit of a foodie, I have found myself in this area more than ever, and on my most recent trip I found myself at the Canal Walk.
My best point of comparison for this area is a smaller scale version of the Riverwalk in San Antonio. The area has turned a complete 180 from what I remember as a kid and is going through a bit of a cultural revolution. Several great restaurants (Casa Del Barco, F.W. Sullivan’s, etc) now line the canal and what used to be run-​down flood walls are now beautiful murals.
The river itself seems to be a draw these days as well, as today had its fare share of kayakers and paddleboarders roaming up and down the waterways. Several folks out for casual strolls, others walking pets, and others still just soaking up the culture. The Canal Walk is definitely a great draw for RVA and I would love to see how much better it can get.
The main detractor from 5 Stars for me is that the area still has a lot of room to grow and improve. Using the San Antonio Riverwalk as beacon, there is no reason why the Canal Walk can’t achieve similar success — and I’d love to see RVA make that happen!

Visiting Richmond for 26 hours, my husband and I definitely list the Canal Walk as a highlight. We were unsure of how busy it would be being it was in the 30s-​40s in February just after the snow storm. It ended up being pretty busy — lots of runners and lots of couples with and without dogs taking the time to enjoy nature and history but it definitely wasn’t overcrowded.
We walked from Shockoe Bottom up and around Belle’s Island before walking back.
Interesting points for history buffs include the pier on Brown’s island that walks you through the final days of the Civil War and the informational boards on Belle Island regarding it’s time as a POW camp.
If it has rained or snowed recently and you plan to be on Belle’s Island, definitely wear athletic shoes or boots that you don’t mind getting dirty because it could get slippery.
Porter potties are on Belle’s Island in a couple of different places and also at the parking lot by the Belle bridge. The parking lot by the Belle bridge may be the best place to park. We parked in a deck on Canal and 12^th and paid $ 2 to park.
Bring water or something to drink to stay hydrated.
On a Sunday afternoon there appear to be only a few food/​drink options in the Shockoe Bottom area. I wish the downtown would have more businesses open on the weekend but I am thankful to the few that were open on Sunday afternoon.
The park could benefit from having mile markers, a water fountain on Brown’s Island, and maybe a map or two at the different points of entry.
We estimated that our walk from 12^th/​Canal around Belle’s Island and back was 3 – 4 miles.

Summary: The Canal Walk is a walking trail located in downtown Richmond and features some informational historical landmarks as well as just some nice scenery of the canal and James River.
Experience: We went around noon on a Saturday and walked for about 2 hours. Along the way there are plenty of views of the Canal along with informational signs depicting and describing some of Richmond’s past. Not being from the area, it was fairly interesting to learn a bit about the history of the area.
At the start of the walk you are led under some of the roads on some walkways that could be featured in a horror film, but there are enough people walking that they aren’t intimidating. Quite honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed these covered and dark walkways, but would question a midnight stroll in the area.
About halfway into the walk is Brown’s Island, and if you’re into photography I recommend you check this out. It serves as a pivotal spot where you’re surrounded by the canal, the river, and some of the taller buildings of Richmond all at once, yet still maintaining a family park feel. I think it was my favorite part of the walk because it was so green and provided some excellent photography.
Right after this spot there is a river lookout where you can watch people Kayak and Raft down the rapids. Looks like a lot of fun and someday I hope to do this. (So look forward to a review detailing my potentially and rather likely kayak capsizing experience!)
At the end of the walk you can go to Belle Isle, which we decided to put off for another day after seeing how large the area seemed. (At least Google Maps made it seem quite large.) We did walk across the cool multi-​arch bridge to get there though, and just turned back. If you have the time and /​or energy, I’d recommend it as it seemed like a neat pitstop.
We also enjoy seeing dogs walking happily alongside their owners, so if canines tickle your fancy as well, you won’t be disappointed.
What could be better: There are a couple points where you’re not sure if you’re on the actual Canal Walk anymore. Not that it’s a problem if you’re just planning on walking around anyway. Also, and I’m not sure if it’s just a regional thing, but there doesn’t appear to be any water fountains on the entire path. One review mentioned one on Belle Isle, but that’s near the end and a small hike in and of itself.
Overall: All in all, I enjoyed the Canal Walk. There is enough change of scenery to keep it interesting as well as a plethora of path types to tread on. There’s come paved walks, cobble pathways, wood steps, dirt trails, and some others I’m probably forgetting. It also opened us up to some of the water activities available like stand up paddle board rentals, kayak classes, and group rafting.
If you have a few hours to burn, want to take a stroll, and are interested in learning about Canal /​Richmond history, check it out!

Fantastic way to kill some time!

I really enjoy walking along the canal walk. I love the modern feel to a historic walk. Any out-​of-​town folks that come to visit RVA, I always suggest taking them along this mini-​walking tour. It is a great little history lesson that takes you around some of the more beautiful and historic buildings in Richmond. You can stop and take a canal crusie along the way or just enjoy the nice walk it provides. A great must-​stop for anyone looking to get more history on their beloved city.

I really like the Canal Walk because of the scenery. I occasionally jog the Canal Walk in the summer with my brother for basketball conditioning. The Canal Walk is a great trail for athletic training. You never get bored while running the trail. The sound of the James River is very relaxing. The Canal Walk doesn’t have a lot of foot traffic, so you can jog without running people over (early). I usually jog the Canal Walk early in the morning. It’s best to walk or jog the trail when it’s light outside. It’s a great place for picture taking as well. The Canal Walk is a good trail for jogging or enjoying the historic Richmond scenery. I give the Canal Walk a 4.5 rating.

My favorite dog walk. I wish there was a little bit more development going on, but the murals and sights are great!

This is a great example of urban planning that other cities should follow. A blend of historic tobacco warehouses re-​purposed into lofts; a sprinkling of ultra modern construction; vivid murals showcase the best of graffiti artists; upclose view of the flood walls (a feat by the Army Corps of Engineers); and an old system of canal locks that house surprisingly clean water. Spend a few hours on the canal walk, and end up near the James River with its look-​out vistas. There is a beautiful park here as well with great views of the city.
Wear comfortable/​cobblestone friendly shoes.

the path on the canal is such a great place for a walk or run and the neighborhood is pretty cool too! The historical markers along the path are pretty fascinating also.

I run the canal walk from Shockoe Bottom (out under the railroad if you keep going East towards the Holocaust Museum) to Belle Isle, where I can loop back around. It’s a great run, I would say about… 5 – 6 miles, defending on where you start. However, the canal walk area and Brown’s island can get crowded if there are any events going on, as well as around lunchtime during the week. In bad weather Belle Isle can also be pretty vacant, which can put me on the alert, since I prefer running in public places as I feel a bit safer. Belle Isle is the only section of this run, which isnot on a cement surface (I want to say the path is either dirt or gravel), there is also a drinking fountain there, which, for me, makes it a perfect half-​way resting point. So far, this is my favorite place I’ve found to run in Richmond.

While visiting Richmond, it was recommended we go explore the canal walk and Shockoe Bottoms area of town. The City of Richmond should be proud for this area of town. The area was pretty well clean and maintained, there were plenty of small shops, bars, and restaurants. The architecture of the area and feeling of the old days permeated the area. However, the crown jewel has to be the pathway along the canal.
It is a concrete pathway that meanders right next to the canal area, as the tall buildings of downtown provide a backdrop, the lighting along the path provides an certain ambience in the night time atmosphere. At various places along the canal are small plaques that highlight the history and service the canal provided. During the warmer months, they offer boat rides down the canal.
Again, if your down in Richmond, this would be on my list of must see items.

Pros:
1) nice way to explore the catacombs of Shockoe
2) well lit, nicely formed pathways that are nicely integrated with the canal and the city
3) the historic markers are a nice touch and a step up from the standard fare that you find in most historic places
4) easy access from almost anywhere
Cons:
1) Wish there were more places to cross over to the other side (Vistas, etc.)
Overall, I’m pretty impressed with the way Canal Walk has shaped up. I was at the groundbreaking ceremony for Vistas on the James but left the city prior to the condo’s completion and the subsequent revitalization of Canal Walk. Looks like everything went smoothly!

When I’m planning a visit to a new town, the first thing I search on Unilocal is «Local Flavor». The Canal Walk isn’t the most flavorful place in Richmond, but it’s probably the most interactive. A couple of years ago four of us had a great breakfast at Lulu’s in Shockhoe Bottom, then tried to walk it off along the Canal — I think we only made it to the turning basin before running into one dead end too many. Last week we started at the old mill and made it all the way to Belle Isle. Instead of being frustrated, I understand now that it’s probably better that it doesn’t connect perfectly — this is an old area that was not originally laid out by city planners for the amusement of tourists. It feels more authentic by not flowing seamlessly in a concrete ribbon, and not eliminating some decidedly sketch areas perfect for the mugging of tourists. I’ve never been when the boats were in service, but this time we discovered the information on the ruins of the Mayo (?) Bridge which described the flight from and burning of Richmond as the Yankees approached. If you include the free Richmond National Battlefield Visitor Ctr. in the Tredegar Iron Works, you can’t get more history in a pleasant stroll.

I remember canal walk being kinda icky and smelly and a place where you felt like you might get mugged at any minute. It was the most Gotham City type place I found in Richmond. I was down there the other day after a show at the Hat Factory and it was really nice! Cute little bridges, nice lighting, didn’t smell like swamp, water was moving along at quite a clip. There were interesting signs about the history of canal walk and groups of people wandered around with drinks and sat cozily on benches. At one end of the walk there were pretty planters and we sat and watched trains pass. I passed two security guards walking together in front of that giant apartment building.
When did Canal Walk get NICE?! You could take a date here! Go see a show at either end (Hat Factory or Canal Club) and then walk to the other end for dinner and have a fabulous time!

Canal Walk is one of the most scenic walking routes in the city and a great place to take the pups. It runs a little over a mile along the James River and the Kanawha and Haxall Canals. George Washington designed the Kanawha canal system so he must have trod this path himself a few hundred years ago.
There are several markers and inlaid medallions along the path if you’re interested in the history. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful stroll along the waterfront.
You can visit Brown’s Island which was the center of gun powder manufacturing during the war and Belle’s Island, which was used as a prisoner of war camp.

Everyone who visits Richmond should experience the Canal Walk. It starts right near Bottoms Up Pizza (1700 Dock Street) and goes all the way to Browns Island… it’s filled with historic information– there’s a replica of a lock that shows how boats go through canals… on Brown’s Island there is a walkway out over the James that chronicles the burning of Richmond during the Civil War, there’s a monument to Christopher Newport and you can even take a ride through the canal by boat…
Plus, there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery along the way… and it goes by Blackfinn, so you can stop in for a beer if you get thirsty.
The walk is very dog friendly and also good for joggers. It’s open ²⁴⁄₇ but I’d recommend going in the daylight. It’s a great place to go for a date, or to enjoy a beautiful Sunday morning.