Two steps forward: Victoria ranked the most walkable city outside the U.S.

Victoria has a leg up on other municipalities when it comes to walkability, according to an international travel website featuring destinations around the world.

TravelAwaits released its 2023 Best Of Travel Awards, and in the “16 Most Walkable Cities Outside Of The U.S.” category, B.C.’s capital stepped into first place ahead of London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland, which claimed second and third, respectively.

“A visit to Victoria, British Columbia, is not complete until a traveller has had a stroll through the city’s Inner Harbour. This waterfront area has beautiful views, exciting events, and several interesting landmarks,” states the site on May 27.

“Walkers can take a break from their meandering to have tea at the Fairmont Empress or visit the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.”

Nominations took place earlier this year, according to TravelAwaits, which notes it then asked its “trusted readers to vote on their favourites. The results will certainly help you plan your next laid-back, walkable trip.”

READ ALSO: The best trails in and around Greater Victoria

Paris, France; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Venice, Italy, also made the walkable cities list, alongside 15th place Vancouver.

“These sounds, smells, and sights need to be idealized frivolity — they are the realities of living in or visiting a walkable city,” wrote TravelAwaits.

It also highlights Victoria’s “excellent” green spaces.

“Butchart Gardens is generally considered to be the best, especially its Rose Garden and Sunken Garden. Visit in the fall to see nearly 100,000 tulips or in the winter for cozy Christmas events and displays,” it added.

TravelAwaits also ranked Victoria first in its “16 Best Midsize Cities From Around The World” category, saying its small-town feel “keeps the cultural scene down to Earth and inviting.”

TravelAwaits’ 16 Most Walkable Cities Outside Of The U.S.:

1. Victoria, British Columbia
2. London, England
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
4. Paris, France
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. Venice, Italy
7. Florence, Italy
8. Dublin, Ireland
9. Rome, Italy
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
11. Barcelona, Spain
12. Berlin, Germany
13. Québec City, Quebec
14. Salzburg, Austria
15. Vancouver, British Columbia
16. Vienna, Austria

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