Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South Quay, with View of the O2
Gazing across the water, in the distance, you see Greenwich. The prickly white dome
costly and long-unpopular edifice that's now primarily the locus of sports matches, arena
concerts, and Londoners' habitual disdain.
• Return to Canada Square. Once there, face the water (so that Canary Wharf Tower is to
your right). Start walking along the right side of the canal, along the promenade called...
Mackenzie Walk
Stroll along the canal, called Middle Dock, past All Bar One and other inviting eateries,
and under the train bridge. The canal is a surviving remnant of the many artificial harbors
and canals from the Docklands' 19th-century shipping heyday. The land here on the Isle
of Dogs was marshy, flooded by the Thames, and unsuitable for farming or habitation. But
it was perfect for accommodating large seagoing vessels. Beginning around 1800, indus-
trious Londoners channeled the water into canals and lined them with docks. Picture the
lively scene: burly men off-loading goods from ships at anchor, while an army of poor
laborers bustled between storage warehouses, dry docks for ship repair, and various ship-
building enterprises. Each dock specialized in a particular product to ship—spices, coal,
