Canal Walk
Canal Walk
4
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Top ways to experience Canal Walk and nearby attractions
The area
How to get there
- Main Street Station • 7 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
581 within 3 miles
Attractions
219 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- mmkerrickLake Harmony, Pennsylvania158 contributionsCool place to walkThe canal walk is a great place to take a walk and is not something you experience inmost cities. Richmond does a nice job of keeping the area clean. Great way to enjoy some exercise.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 12, 2023
- Mary Katherine H7 contributionsCanal Walk Richmond -- not a "must do"My husband and I did the canal walk but did not find it fascinating . Maybe the canal boat ride is better. Or maybe doing it in the Spring would be good. From the canal you can see the old Watkins Cottrell building dating back to 1875. W-C was a wholesale hardware co. In 1998 La Difference International Furnishings restored and took over the building. .– It is now being transformed into “luxury lofts”. It's possible that we missed some other interesting sights also.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 16, 2023
- Diane SFairfax Station, Virginia199 contributionsUrban TrailAlthough this is a waterside trail, it definitely has an urban rather than parklike feel. The design and landscaping are excellent, because it is still pleasant even walking under the interstate and along industrial sections. There are also places to experience art and learn some history, as well as a few restaurants along the walk or very nearby. The canal walk connects to some longer trails for biking.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
331 reviews
Excellent
135
Very good
131
Average
47
Poor
16
Terrible
2
Diane S
Fairfax Station, VA199 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Although this is a waterside trail, it definitely has an urban rather than parklike feel. The design and landscaping are excellent, because it is still pleasant even walking under the interstate and along industrial sections. There are also places to experience art and learn some history, as well as a few restaurants along the walk or very nearby. The canal walk connects to some longer trails for biking.
Written July 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Katherine H
7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
My husband and I did the canal walk but did not find it fascinating . Maybe the canal boat ride is better. Or maybe doing it in the Spring would be good. From the canal you can see the old Watkins Cottrell building dating back to 1875. W-C was a wholesale hardware co. In 1998 La Difference International Furnishings restored and took over the building. .– It is now being transformed into “luxury lofts”. It's possible that we missed some other interesting sights also.
Written November 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VirginiaLove2Travel
Virginia Beach, VA481 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
Started around 14th street and just walked in one direction for a while...all along the river. Cool art work on buildings. Weather was 60 and sunny with no wind. I only wish I had more time to keep going. Will come back and walk the other way.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RVA_WannaGoThere
Richmond, VA39 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Went a little while back but can say it was really fun and informative. Lived in Richmond most of my life and finally got around to this. Take the tour!! Learn a lot and see it from a another angle, i.e. the Rivah! Lots of other attractions and foodie sites nearby. Well worth the effort!
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reeni01
Washington DC, DC170 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Walked the entire thing, round trip, with a 5yr. Very easy. Flat and paved. Beautiful scenery.
Brings you to the Civil War Museum. Also the path of you want to cross the James River pedestrian bridge. We didn't find it to be great when looking for places to eat, so come prepared
Brings you to the Civil War Museum. Also the path of you want to cross the James River pedestrian bridge. We didn't find it to be great when looking for places to eat, so come prepared
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mmkerrick
Lake Harmony, PA158 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The canal walk is a great place to take a walk and is not something you experience inmost cities. Richmond does a nice job of keeping the area clean. Great way to enjoy some exercise.
Written November 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amulder2004
Lynchburg, VA8 contributions
We took the canal walk tour last year. It was so much more than I had expected. A gentle glide down the canal, multi layer train tracks, old and interesting buildings to look at and hear about...
We walked the entire length of the suggested tour. A nice, pleasant, and not at all strenous walk. Kids were interested in the sites, too.
We walked the entire length of the suggested tour. A nice, pleasant, and not at all strenous walk. Kids were interested in the sites, too.
Written May 25, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Bushnell, FL215 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Family who live nearby recommended this walk. We were delighted to be immersed into a scenic, attractive and well maintained pathway along the shores of this Urban Jungle. Just be aware you are in an urban area and might encounter some "sketchy" characters along the way. I recommend you park at Great Shiplock Park and walk to Belle Island. Check out the The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar and grab a lunch on Cary Street.
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plunket B
Richmond, Virginia, United States1 contribution
Jan 2013 • Family
Yes the walk was very fun and interesting. We had three kids and they had a blast. However, if you are doing the walk with kids make sure you have a bathroom plan. The bathroom at the Canal Cafe blew up so we asked security in the Troutman Sanders building --- they refused to help three children who needed to go. In fact I thought the people in at the building's front desk were about the rudest I'd met in quite sometime.
Written January 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virginia2009Virginia
Virginia33 contributions
Dirty. This is such a shame that Richmond built a wonderful walkway along the waterfront, but failed to develop anything else. The weeds, used needles, and filth have now taken over.
Written February 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the Canal Walk dog friendly ?
Written September 10, 2019
Yes, it is dog friendly. We saw many during our walk, most on leashes. I think that leashes are required but I can't recall seeing any signs stating that.
Written September 11, 2019
You can find both paid parking (at the muesum) and free parking spaces when you pass that paid parking. The free parking is under the railroad area especially if you get there early in the morning.
Written January 31, 2019
It is a good 30 minutes walk. It starts around the area of the Capitol Park and stretch along the canal to the end of the Canal where the Federal Reserve Building is.
Written October 18, 2018
On the canal boat ride can you bring your dog? He is a well behaved Labrador.
Written October 5, 2017
OOPS I thought you were asking about the Canal Walk! Don't think they can come on the Canal Boat.
Written October 6, 2017
Are the boat tours open the first week in April? What days of the week and hours? What is the price of the tour?
Written January 28, 2017
I can't post the website, but google "Riverfront Canal Cruises." I cut and pasted this info from their website:
Hours of operation
The season begins the first weekend in April and ends the second week of November.
April
Friday and Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
May – September
TMonday through Friday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October
Thursday through Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
November
Friday through Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
*All tours are weather-dependent..
Adults: $8
Children (5-12 years old): $6
Seniors (65 years and older): $6
Children 4 and younger: Free
Written January 29, 2017
Are the boat tours open in April? If so, which days of the week and what is the price of tickets?
Written January 28, 2017
Hours of operation
The season begins the first weekend in April and ends the second week of November.
April
Friday and Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
May – September
TMonday through Friday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October
Thursday through Saturday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
November
Friday through Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
*All tours are weather-dependent.
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Pricing information
Historic tours
Historic tours leave every hour on the hour and run on the seasonal schedule listed above. All boats are handicap accessible.
Adults: $8
Children (5-12 years old): $6
Seniors (65 years and older): $6
Children 4 and younger: Free
Written February 23, 2017
I parked in a free parking lot near the Virginia War Memorial and Gambles Hill Park, located between Browns Island Way and Tregedar Street, near the James River. We followed brown directional signs for "Canal Walk Parking" off the US301 highway and the bridge.
Written November 29, 2016
I saw many dogs being walked along the canal while we were there. I would send you a link but the guidelines say they are not allowed so I will quote a paragraph from the site:
"Central to just about everything for local residents as well as visitors, the River District has an eclectic combination of fare, fun, food, and shops with a great 1 mile walk along the river against a beautiful city backdrop. Dogs are welcome throughout the district and on the canal walk. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times. Dogs are not allowed at large events in the plaza area, but they are allowed on the canal trail any time."
Written May 28, 2016
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