Map shows Walk Score with the highest rankings in Metro Vancouver include Vancouver, North Vancouver, White Rock and New Westminster.

Map shows Walk Score with the highest rankings in Metro Vancouver include Vancouver, North Vancouver, White Rock and New Westminster.

Vancouver tops walkability ranks

Other most walkable cities in region include North Vancouver, White Rock and New Westminster

Vancouver has been named Canada’s most walkable city by Seattle-based Walk Score.

The website compares restaurants, shops and other amenities near a neighbourhood and gives it a walkability score from 0 to 100 to indicate how much can reasonably be accomplished on foot.

Vancouver got a score of 78 in the first-ever rankings, ahead of Toronto at 71 and Montreal at 70.

But some other Metro Vancouver cities weren’t far behind.

North Vancouver scored a 73.3, White Rock got 72 and New Westminster got 70.

The three biggest Metro cities after Vancouver were lower – Burnaby scored 63.6, Richmond scored 55 and Surrey got 51.2.

And the site shows Victoria nearly rivals Vancouver with a score of 77.7.

For the full list or to search a particular address or neighbourhood, see www.walkscore.com.

The Canadian Real Estate Association’s realtor.ca website now incorporates Walk Score rankings into its listings because home buyers and renters increasingly want to use it to gauge what’s near a prospective home.

“A growing movement of people are looking for alternatives to long commutes and car dependence,” Walk Score CEO Josh Herst said. “Canada’s most walkable cities and neighbourhoods make it easier for residents to leave their cars at home more often which is great for your wallet, health, environmental impact, and quality of life.”

Surrey Now Leader