Canada Day is here and so is July—let the summer fun begin!
It’s a day to celebrate community, culture, and everything that makes Victoria shine.
Whether you’re after live music by the Inner Harbour, a pancake breakfast in the Westshore, or fireworks lighting up the sky, there’s no shortage of ways to soak it all in.
This special edition of our “Things to Do” guide is packed with parades, concerts, food trucks, cultural showcases, and family-friendly festivities happening all across Greater Victoria. So grab your red and white gear, rally your crew, and let’s make the most of this Canada Day.
Here’s what’s happening around town on Tueday, July 1st:
Victoria’s Canada Day Celebration at Inner Harbour
Victoria’s official Canada Day celebration returns to the Inner Harbour with a full day of programming. The main stage will feature artists like Delhi 2 Dublin, Blue Moon Marquee, JAXXEE, and Tk the Artist. Enjoy multicultural food trucks, a vibrant busker stage at Ship Point, and a fireworks show to end the night.
- Where: Inner Harbour and Legislative Precinct, Victoria
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 11 a.m. to late evening
Gorge Canada Day Picnic
This beloved community tradition spans the entire length of Gorge Road West with over 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, and free family fun. Start the day with a pancake breakfast, decorate bikes for the family parade, and enjoy canoe rides, a car show, kids’ zone, and strawberry tea.
- Where: Gorge Road West (from Tillicum to Admirals)
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sidney Days and Canada Day Fireworks
Celebrate Canada Day in Sidney on the night before (Monday) with live music, food trucks, and fireworks over the water. The Heels take the stage, and the event offers a more relaxed way to ease into the big day.
The festivities continue in Sidney on Tuesday with a community parade along Beacon Avenue, followed by a Family Fun Fair in Iroquois Park. Expect face painting, local vendors, games, food, and lots of activities for the little ones.
- Where: Beacon Park, Beacon Avenue & Iroquois Park, Sidney
- When:
- Monday, June 30th, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 1st, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grab ice cream from Scoop and Waffle
Speak of Sidney, if you happen to be in Sidneu for Canada Day, make sure to swing by the newest ice cream shop on Beacon Avenue. They now offer flights of ice cream and they have extended their hours for the big day and will open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: 2423 Beacon Avenue
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
Step back in time while celebrating Canada Day at one of the region’s most scenic historic sites. Enjoy live music, heritage-themed activities, interpretive programs, and even heritage-style ice cream and soda.
- Where: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, Colwood
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sooke Canada Day Celebration
Sooke is bringing the party to Fred Milne Park with a full day of family fun. There’s a downtown parade at 11:30 a.m., followed by a festival packed with magic shows, karaoke, food trucks, bouncy castles, a dunk tank, and more. Shuttle buses will be running from SEAPARC and Edward Milne School.
- Where: Fred Milne Park, 2249 Sooke River Road
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Canada Day Pancake Breakfast at Huntingdon Manor
Start your Canada Day bright and early with a pancake breakfast hosted by Huntingdon Manor. With entertainment, face painting, and a vintage photo booth, it’s a great morning option for families before heading to the Inner Harbour festivities.
- Where: Huntingdon Manor Hotel, 330 Quebec Street, Victoria
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Canada Day Foodie Walking Tour
Take your taste buds on a journey through iconic Canadian foods with this guided walking tour. Sample bannock, poutine, Nanaimo bars, and more across seven stops in downtown Victoria.
- Where: Downtown Victoria (starting location provided upon booking)
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Canada Day Drumming at Legislature Grounds
Join this unique drumming celebration that unites Canadians coast-to-coast with synchronized rhythm. Bring a pot, pan, or drum and be part of this joyful tradition.
- Where: BC Legislature Grounds, Victoria
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, at 11 a.m.
Memorial Drag Ball Game & Picnic
This all-ages drag ball game has become a local tradition, combining sport, performance, and community in the most fabulous way possible. Bring a picnic and enjoy the show.
- Where: Vic West Park, Wilson Street, Victoria
- When: Tuesday, July 1st, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Canada Day Langford
Back for the 4th year in a row, the Canada Day celebrations on Tuesday, July 1st, will bring attendees a free, fun-filled day at Starlight Stadium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There’s no excuse for boredom either, as there will be a number of different activities to partake in, which includes something exciting for all ages.
Entertainment includes live music, firefighter obstacle course, a games section, the teen zone, Indigenous performers like the Ahousaht Drum Group, a magician and much more.
Taking the stage will be individuals such as Mister Mojo, DJ Mike Devlin, DogWood Rambler, The PickUPs and Leeroy Stagger.
Don’t forget to check out the variety of food vendors with a mix of festival favourites, as well as a daring hot wing eating contest.
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Tuesday, July 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
