Welcome to your much-needed long weekend, Victoria!
Canada Day has arrived, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate as well as catch up on the history of the country and how it came to be.
Spend your long weekend hanging out outside with the family, lounge on the grass with a lightshow of fireworks above you, or dance to your soul’s content—celebrate Canada day, or don’t, you’ll find something to do!
Here’s a list of 20 things to do in and around Victoria for the Canada Day long weekend:
Catch the Fireworks Displays
Canada Day long weekend has arrived, and you know what that means!
Fireworks—lots of them! Catch community-favourite viewing spots in and around the city from Saturday, June 29th to Monday, July 1st.
You can watch them after a baseball game or while lounging in a world-famous garden, and if you’re really into fireworks, both Sidney and Victoria will also be hosting a dazzling display.
Whatever you decide, you’re in for a beautiful show! Here are four firework shows happening in and around Victoria:
- Where: Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
- When: Saturday, June 29th at 10:15 p.m.
- Where: The Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park after the Harbourcats game, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Sunday, June 30th—game starts at 6:35 p.m.
- Where: Sidney waterfront
- When: Sunday, June 30th, around 10:15 p.m.
- Where: Canada Day fireworks in downtown Victoria
- When: Monday, July 1st at around 10:22 p.m.
Full article: 4 can’t-miss fireworks displays happening in and around Victoria this Canada Day weekend
TD Victoria International JazzFest
This year will mark the 41st annual TD Victoria International JazzFest—the longest running multi-day music festival on Vancouver Island!
It kicked off on Friday, June 21st and will run until Sunday, June 30th, so this is your last chance to catch this year’s selection of high-caliber artists.
Saturday and Sunday will present performances from Marchfourth, Five Alarm Funk, Scott Hamilton and more!
- Where: At a number of venues in and around Victoria!
- When: Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th
Laketown Shakedown
Don’t miss one of the hottest festivals of the season—a three day party with plenty of stellar artists located in Cowichan!
It kicked off on Friday, June 28th, but there’s still plenty of time to catch your favourite artsits! Highlights for the weekend include Busta Rhymes and Grandson on Saturday, and Gwen Stefani and bbno$ on Sunday.
Ticket prices depend on what kind of weekend you’re looking for! You can purchase a weekend pass or individual days, and if you wish to stay on the grounds and camp, there are options for that as well.
Take a look at festival tickets here.
- Where: Laketown Ranch, 8811 Youbou Road #648, Lake Cowichan
- When: Friday, June 28th to Sunday, June 30th
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s Generations Exhibition
Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art traces one family’s profound influence on Canadian and Indigenous art. It weaves together works spanning from early European newcomers like Cornelius Krieghoff to Canadian 20th century icons such as the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, David Milne, and Emily Carr. The exhibition also features Quebec Impressionists, Automatiste painters like Jean Paul Riopelle and Paul-Émile Borduas, and contemporary trail-blazers including Indigenous artists Kent Monkman, Brenda Draney, Brian Jungen, Annie Pootoogook, and internationally acclaimed artist Peter Doig.
- Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
- When: Opened to the public on June 29th to October 27th
Visit the New Chinese Canadian Museum Exhibit
Launched on Friday, June 28th, the Chinese Canadian Museum in downtown Victoria has welcomed their new exhibit titled, “Victoria in the Time of Exclusion.”
It explores the intergenerational impacts of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 (also known as Chinese Exclusion Act) through the lens of families and individuals living in Victoria during 1923-1947.
- Where: Chinese Canadian Museum, 10 Fan Tan Alley
- When: At any point throughout the weekend and beyond
Science Friction: A Cosmic Cabaret
Blazing Blue Fawn invites you to embark on an intergalactic adventure like no other at their upcoming show, ‘Science Friction: A Cosmic Cabaret’!
The show features a stacked cast of burlesque, nerdlesque, and drag acts paying homage to the many wondrous science fiction classics with some other mysteries of the universe sprinkled in.
Hosted by local favourite Peaches N’ Screams, Science Friction will showcase headliner Androsia Wilde, alongside others such as Maverick, Iva Anorak, June Monsoon, Sweetness the Clown Slut and many more!
Tickets are $45 if purchased in advance, and $50 at the door. They also sell tickets in a couple of VIP packages for a table of four people, ranging from $220 to $240.
- Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, June 29th at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Oaklands Queer & Trans Farmers Market
The Oaklands Queer & Trans Farmers Market will feature over 50 local vendors selling all sorts of wonderful goods!
Plus, check out the live music, drag performances, drag story-time, food trucks, a beer garden and more.
- Where: Oaklands Community Centre, 2827 Belmont Avenue
- When: Saturday, June 29th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bird Pub Car Show
Grab a casual burger and a beer while you take in the beautiful cars displayed—all makes and models welcome!
There’s also going to be live music offered during the duration of the car show.
Get your pals together and enjoy!
- Where: The Bird Pub, 4291 Glanford Avenue
- When: Sunday, June 30th from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Summer SkyWalk Music Series
The Malahat SkyWalk will be offering live music every Sunday from June 30th to September 2nd!
Experience a lineup of talented performers whilst marveling in the stunning panoramic views from the Malahat Mountain.
Guests can also enjoy local brews, handmade pizza, dairy-free soft serve, and family-friendly activities—the perfect way to unwind and create lasting memories with friends and family this summer.
- Where: Malahat SkyWalk, 901 Trans-Canada Highway, Malahat
- When: Every Sunday from June 30th to September 2nd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sidney Days
Sidney Days is a much-anticipated community celebration, occurring over Canada Day long weekend, from Sunday, June 30th to Monday, July 1st.
They promise a two-day extravaganza of fun, food and festivities for all ages—all showcasing the beauty that the seaside town of Sidney has to offer.
The Sidney Days merriment will launch on June 30th at 7:30 p.m. in Beacon Park, and will include an opening ceremony, live music from Tune Raiders and a fireworks show!
Following the wondrous activities on Sunday, Monday, July 1st will bring hours of excitement to all attendees—including the Canada Day parade, more live entertainment, the Build a Boat Challenge and more.
Visit their website for the full schedule!
- Where:
- Sunday, June 30th: Beacon Park, 9801 Seaport Place, Sidney
- Monday, July 1st
- Pancake Breakfast: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
- Parade: Starts at Resthaven Drive
- Fair: Iroquois Park, 9586 5th Street, Sidney
- Build a Boat: Beacon Park, 9801 Seaport Place, Sidney (boats launch from Glass Beach)
- When:
- Sunday, June 30th at 7:30 p.m. (fireworks at 10:15 p.m.)
- Monday, July 1st from
- Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Parade: Starts at 11:30 a.m.
- Fair: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Build a Boat: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
City of Victoria Canada Day Events
As our great nation approaches its 157th birthday, the City of Victoria has unveiled a complete schedule of events taking place downtown this weekend.
The event will feature an International Food Village, a Family Zone, live entertainment, a drone show, and spectacular fireworks to conclude the festivities.
Celebrations will take place at the Legislature lawns and Belleville Street.
On the north side of Belleville Street, the community is invited to engage with Victoria’s Orange Shirt Day team, discuss ideas related to the City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan, and enjoy body art, face painting, and other activities.
- Where: Legislature lawns and Belleville Street in downtown Victoria
- When: Monday, July 1st at 11 a.m.—ends with fireworks around 10:30 p.m.
Memorial Drag Ball Game
Don’t miss out on one of Victoria Pride’s signature events, the Memorial Drag Ball Game!
Attendees can expect the classic fun of baseball, a community picnic, laughs and more.
- Where: Vic West Park
- When: Monday, July 1st from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Canada Day at Starlight Stadium in Langford
Set to be their biggest yet, Langford’s Canada Day celebration will have plenty of family-fun to enjoy throughout the day!
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees will see a host of new activities, artists, and vendors alongside returning favorites.
Highlights include street hockey, cornhole tournament, live music, a henna artist, firefighter obstacle course and much more!
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway, Langford
- When: Monday, July 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Busking Showcase at Ship Point
The City of Victoria welcomes residents and visitors alike to check out their Busking Showcase event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 1st!
Celebrate Canada Day with a featured lineup of live music, hula hooping, ribbon dancing, clowning and more.
Always something to enjoy at Ship Point!
- Where: Ship Point
- When: Monday, July 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parksville Canada Day Celebration
Up for a mini road trip, Victoria?
On Monday, July 1st, join Parksville residents and visitors alike as they chime in on Canada’s 157th anniversary of Confederation with highlights such as the classic annual parade, a food truck festival, buskers and other performances.
The party will begin with the Shriner’s breakfast and the beloved parade along Island Highway East. The other activities to follow will be held in the Parksville Community Park.
Additionally, the Parksville Canada Day Food Truck Festival will be offering a feast fit for every taste bud—complete with some of the region’s most popular food trucks, there’s bound to be something (or several things) for you!
- Where:
- Parade: Travels along Island Highway East
- Parksville Community Park, 93 Island Highway East, Parksville
- When: Monday, July 1st—begins with Shriner’s breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Enjoy the Esquimalt Farmers Market, now on its 10th season, and the third season offered at Gorge Park on Mondays.
You’ll find a huge selection of featured farm-fresh produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, jewelry, clothing and much more!
Plus, they’ll have rotating weekly food trucks and nightly musical performances.
- Where: Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road, Esquimalt
- When: Monday, July 1st from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Canada Day Pancake Breakfast
Join the crew at Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and Tea House for their annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast event!
It will include a morning of delicious pancakes, children’s activities, photo op, artist booths, and live entertainment.
This long-standing tradition has become a favourite amongst locals and visitors, and they’re excited to once again bring people together to celebrate the spirit of unity.
Breakfast is by donation and 100% of proceeds go towards the Victoria Women’s Transition House.
- Where: Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and Tea House, 309 Belleville Street
- When: Monday, July 1st from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
