5 things to do in and around Victoria this Canada Day – Wednesday, July 1st

Happy Canada Day, Victoria!

We’re right off the back of Canada’s very first knockout stage World Cup win and one of the best weekends of the year in Victoria after Skafest and TD JazzFest, and as the pièce de résistance, Victoria Pride is about to begin.

It’s an absolutely wonderful time to be living in this beautiful city, and Canada Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate that fact.

Whether you want to get out to Drag Ball, a fun-for-the-whole-family event that marks the start of the Victoria Pride season, or head down to the legislature lawns and take part in the Canada Day festivities, make sure to get out and get involved in the community!

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Canada Day – Wednesday, July 1st:

Memorial Drag Ball Game 2026

For those uninitiated, Drag Ball is an absolute riot.

Dating all the way back to the 90s, the Victoria Memorial Drag Ball game takes place every Canada Day as the event to kick-start the Victoria Pride season.

With drag kings and queens taking to the field in heels, make-up and outfits that are one part practical and one part fabulous, this is going to be one of the most fun events of the summer.

We all know that there is no better emcee than a queen, and attendees can expect the vibes to be great all afternoon.

The Memorial Drag Ball Game is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Expect a crowd of all types of folx and get there early, this is a huge event!

• Where: Vic West Park, 96 Bay Street
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Victoria Canada Day at the legislature lawns and Inner Harbour

The official Victoria Canada Day celebrations are sure to be a hit this year!

With food trucks, cultural and musical performances on the main stage on the legislature lawns and a busking showcase at Ship Point, you can get involved in the good vibes all day long.

Live music acts will include Linggo, Bučan Bučan, Covers in a Dangerous Time and DJ Boitano and friends.

There will also be a kids zone, as well as a public citizenship affirmation at 5 p.m.

The Canada Day celebrations are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Just make sure to wear your red and white!  And yes there will be fireworks to cap the night!

• Where: Legislature lawns and Inner Harbour
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 11 a.m. to a fireworks finale at 10:20 p.m.

Canada Day picnic on the Gorge

Just outside of downtown Victoria, there will be a picnic and a ton of Canada Day activities taking place on the Gorge!

This one will be a fun, more laid-back atmosphere for the whole family.

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the crowd-favourite family parade at 9 a.m.

With tons of music, buskers, an artisan market, kids zone and canoe rides, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained all day.

The Gorge celebrations are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Gorge Waterway between Tillicum and Admirals Road
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sidney Days and Canada Day in Sidney

The Canada Day celebrations in Sidney are already in full swing!

While they had their firework display last night, there is still plenty going on in Sidney.

Attendees can start their day with a pancake breakfast with the Sidney Lions at 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by the Canada Day Parade at 11:30 a.m.

A family Fun Fair will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Iroquois Park, and Slegg Build a Boat Challenge will be the day’s finale with boats launching from Glass Beach at 4:45 p.m. Just make sure to register beforehand!

The celebrations in Sidney are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Beacon Park
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ring Road Challenge at the University of Victoria

If big crowds and pancake breakfasts aren’t your thing, or if you’re hoping to start your day off with something healthy before taking part in the celebrations, check out the Ring Road Challenge at the University of Victoria.

Every year, The Ring Road Challenge takes place at the UVic on July 1st.

Join Underdog Speed Project and UVic Run Club this year for a community-based Canada Day run on the campus’ most iconic route, the Ring Road.

Starting at 9 a.m., runners will be hitting the Ring Road sidewalks to run as many two kilometre loops as they want, up to a half marathon (21.1 kilometres, but they’ll be doing 22 for the pretty Strava maps).

Be sure to bring your favourite red and white running gear!

This community challenge will be at a socially chill pace, offering an opportunity for any runners to join, whether for one lap or all 11.

A $5 registration gets you access to snacks, hydration, and freezies. You can register here.

• Where: Ring Road, University of Victoria
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 9 a.m.