Dennis talks to attendees at his walk on Alternate Histories of Ottawa
Some suggestions for getting the most out of your Jane's Walk experience:
- A little planning can help: Confirm the date, time, and the starting place your walk is offered. If you're doing more than one walk, make sure there is enough time to get to the next starting place. We try to share a timeline reminder file showing the start and duration of each walk over the course of the weekend. You can usually find it at the top of the schedule page. Print it out to bring or download the file to your smartphone.
- Take note of whether you need to sign up to attend. The walk description will indicate that.
- The walks will take place rain or shine. Check the weather report, and dress accordingly. If it looks like rain, stay warm and dry by layering up and bringing an umbrella.
- You may be walking some distance, and the ground may not always be paved. The walk description gives approximate distance and an indication of the path or terrain.
- Wear sensible shoes – something cushy and supportive. (But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. After all, Nancy Sinatra, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jessica Simpson all recommend boots made for walking.)
- Pay attention when crossing the street (cross at signals or crosswalks), and watch for guidance from the marshals (those people with the flags). Remember to leave enough room on the sidewalk for people to pass by.
- Get in close in order to hear the walk leader.
- Ask questions — offer insights. Jane’s Walk works best when the walk has a friendly, conversational feel. Introduce yourself to fellow walkers, volunteers, and guides.
- Be curious. Consider attending walks in neighbourhoods you already know and even live or work in, to deepen your appreciation and to network in the area.
- Cultivate your curiosity — venture farther afield and find out what is wonderful about neighbourhoods you’ve only heard about in the media or didn’t even know existed. Be adventurous. Take lots of pictures, savour the sites and sounds. Stop in at a café, pub, or restaurant and linger. Develop your own impression of an area and share it with others.
- Thank the leader and volunteers for giving their time to this thrilling insider’s guide to local communities.
- Send us your feedback, thoughts, and ideas on the walks and other events you attended. Fill out the participant survey.