Don’t miss one of the largest and most renowned festivals of the summer, hosted by The Maritime Museum of BC!
From Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st, the most beautiful boats from Vancouver Island and beyond will bring an air of majestic grace to the Inner Harbour for the 45th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival.
This festival celebrates the craftsmanship, elegance and the classic design of vessels new and old, hoping to bring excitement and intrigue to Greater Victoria while also honouring a long-standing tradition.
Guests will have the opportunity to spend the weekend peeking at 80 history-rich heritage vessels, expertly restored and painstakingly maintained. Some owners even graciously allow tours!
“The Festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated,” said Brittany Vis, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of BC and Festival Administrator.
“This special 45th celebration in the Inner Harbour, the Festival’s open docks, events, and activities serve to engage our community and visitors with our maritime history, culture, arts, music, and its ongoing story.”
One of the anticipated vessels include the The Maritime Museum of BC’s 1897 ‘Dorothy’, which was recently honoured at the Classic Boat Awards, administered by UK-based Classic Boat Magazine, with a win in the Best Restored Vessel under 40’ category.
Dorothy is the oldest operational Canadian sailboat, built in Victoria by J. J. Robinson. She’s a 30′ gaff-rigged sloop designed by Linton Hope, and received what they call her ‘mid-life refit’ in 2024.
There’s a full weekend lineup of exceptional live music for everyone to enjoy while walking along the docks, and Yacht Dogs Cafe serving up hot dogs and corn on the cob.
Performances include The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, Bilgewater, The Hounds of Cuchulain, Spindrift, Seeking Sirens and more!
Plus, the festival is introducing their new Artists Aboard Program, featuring four local maritime artists sketching on the docks and creating new works from the weekend’s experiences.
Witness the talent of Liz Charsley, Richard Linzey, Janet Moore, and Christina Morrison as they creatively commemorate the festival.
As always, the festival will be capped off by the beloved traditional Sunday Sail Past and Sail Race, with vessels saluting Honorary Commodore Robert G. Allan.
It will begin at 11 a.m. with recommended vantage points at Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ogden Point Breakwater, and Clover Point.
The docks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is open, with a $5 suggested dock donation to help with the continuation of this event for years to come.
Victoria Classic Boat Festival
- Where: Inner Harbour, downtown Victoria
- When: Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st
-
- Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
