10 things to do in Victoria this August

August is right around the corner and Greater Victoria is filled with the Pacific’s warm summer breeze. A place known for its jaw-dropping scenery and laid-back lifestyle, the city is as vibrant now as ever.

Join us in venturing through August’s top activities, from whale watching in the great outdoors to music festivals that will move you. It’s all part of this thing we call Island Life, and we invite you to come along for the journey.

1. Go on a Whale Watching Expedition

When it comes to unique experiences, Whale Watching is one of Greater Victoria’s most renowned attractions. Situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the Salish Sea is filled with a thriving marine wildlife population including orcas, humpback whales and many other marine mammals. With no shortage of whale watching operators, you can find a tour that fits your exact criteria.

We are also proud to share that three of our local operators—Prince of Whales, Eagle Wing Tours and Orca Spirit Adventures—recently received accolades from Tripadvisor for making the top 10% of all attractions in Canada. These awards are a testament to these operators’ commitment to sustainability, customer service and incredible experiences. Don’t miss out on this iconic Victoria experience and book a tour today!

2. Celebrate BC Day

The BC Day long weekend is the perfect time to get outside and immerse yourself in local culture and community spirit, and Victoria will be hosting several events over the weekend.

Ship Point Market

First up, the Ship Point Market is a fabulous place to interact with local artists in one of the city’s most iconic settings. On the Inner Harbour causeway, you’ll find Indigenous artists with hand-crafted pieces, telling the story of the region’s rich history. You’ll also be able to enjoy buskers, food vendors and more! BC Day weekend hours are as follows:

• Friday, August 2: 5:00-10:00 PM
• Saturday, August 3: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, August 4: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Monday, August 5: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cadboro Bay Summer Festival

On Sunday, August 4, the Cadboro Bay Summer Festival takes place at Cadboro-Gyro Park on the Eastern shore of Victoria. Known for being one of Victoria’s most serene beaches, it’s a great place to enjoy nature in the peak of summer. This family-friendly event from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM will include live music, delicious food, local artisans and a variety of games! Learn more here.

Sooke Fine Arts Show

Finally, wrap up your long weekend activities with a trip to the Sooke Fine Arts Show! Running from July 27 – August 5, this annual exhibition features over 370 original works of art in an expansive 17,000 square foot gallery. The largest juried art show on Vancouver Island, this show is now in its 38th year running.

In addition to the artwork, attendees will also be able to participate in artist demos and lectures. And of course, visitors will be able to purchase artwork from the juried exhibition or smaller works from the gift shop. Learn more about the show here.

3. Join the Excitement of Touchdown Pacific

WestJet Touchdown Pacific is just over a month away and the countdown is on. As CFL fans stream in from across the country for a celebration of football and camaraderie, Royal Athletic Park will transform into the ultimate gameday experience for football fanatics.

Leading up the game between the BC Lions and Ottawa REDBLACKS, Ship Point will be the location for an exciting two-day tailgate festival on August 29 & 30 with live music, food and family-friendly fun! Visit bclions.com/touchdown-pacific for ongoing updates.

If you haven’t already entered the WestJet Touchdown Pacific contest, there’s still time (contest closes July 31, 2024). Enter for your chance to win a trip for up to four people to take in the game, including WestJet flights, accommodations, sightseeing and more (valued at over $7,900!). Visit the contest landing page for more information.

4. Party it up at Phillips Backyard

If you didn’t make it to Phillips Backyard at the start of July, you’ve got another opportunity! The second weekend of this annual celebration of music and craft beer takes place from August 9-11.

Featuring a lineup with Black Pumas, Earl Sweatshirt and Jungle, among other acts, this weekend is sure to be a highlight of August. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to sample the latest creations from Phillips Brewing & Malting Company in the upbeat atmosphere of downtown Victoria. Grab your tickets today!

Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle! With warm weather ahead, the venue has water filling stations to keep concert-goers happy and hydrated.

5. Tune in to Harbour Blues ‘n Roots

For lovers of folk music and the blues, the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival is right up your alley. Taking place at Ship Point from August 23-25, this music festival will showcase the likes of The Dip, Cousin Harley and The Smokestacks.

Enjoy an intimate atmosphere as you listen to emerging artists and established acts in one of Victoria’s most scenic environments with the Inner Harbour as the backdrop to an evening of fun and relaxation. Visit jazzvictoria.ca for more information on the lineup and event schedule.

Credit: Christina Blackwood | @chrzstvna (Phillips Backyard)

6. Experience the Malahat SkyWalk

Combine outdoor adventure with wonder and awe at a visit to the Malahat SkyWalk this August! This stunning attraction, perched above the Saanich Inlet, offers breathtaking views of Greater Victoria. As if standing atop the tower wasn’t captivating enough, you can also join a session of Tower Top Yoga with arguably the best view on all of Vancouver Island.

Additionally, the Malahat SkyWalk is offering a series of events over the summer, including a Summer SkyWalk Music Series on Sundays until September 2 and The Raptors—an opportunity to get up-close with some of BC’s magnificent birds of prey. Plus, enjoy an easy trip up to the SkyWalk from downtown Victoria with daily shuttles available!

7. Taste Victoria through the Flavour Trails

One of Greater Victoria’s biggest draws for visitors is the region’s culinary scene, with many top restaurants sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. For food-inclined folks, there’s no better way to experience all the flavours than through the Greater Victoria Flavour Trails!

With five food-focused itineraries spanning the Saanich Peninsula to the Southern Gulf Islands, the Flavour Trails are your one-stop-shop for culinary inspiration. Visit local farms, wineries and restaurants and learn from the people behind each unique business that contributes to the unique culinary scene in Greater Victoria. From award-winning bistros to innovative cideries and distilleries, intrigue is around every corner. Plan your next outing today and enjoy a day of culinary exploration in one of Vancouver Island’s most lush environments.

8. Embark on a Local Food Tour

For more foodie fun, Greater Victoria is home to many acclaimed food tour operators, including A Taste of Victoria, Off the Eaten Track and Hidden Victoria. On all three tours you’ll be able to journey through some of the city’s best restaurants and experience exceptional local cuisine. Suitable for groups or solo travellers, a food tour through downtown is most certainly an experience you won’t want to miss.

For a unique twist on a classic food tour, the Underground Donut Tour is a recent addition to Victoria’s sweet treats scene, combining local history with delectable donuts. It’s a fun way for families or foodies to satisfy their sweet tooth while learning about the origins of Victoria’s most iconic streets and landmarks.

Finally, Macaloney’s Island Distillery is the place to go for whiskey enthusiasts. Offering a guided distillery & brewery tour, you’ll be able see the entire process unfold from un-malted barley to the finished product in the tasting room. It’s an up-close and personal view at how craft beer and whiskey are made, and the tour includes three beer samples and two whiskies. Check out Macaloney’s to learn more and book a tour.

9. Witness the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival

For a thrilling racing spectacle, make your way down to the Inner Harbour on August 10 for the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival. With Cultural Demonstrations and Activities happening between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, attendees will be able to fuel up for the day with a Denny’s Pop-Up Breakfast in the Harbour from 8:00-11:00 AM. Following breakfast, food trucks will be open from 11:00 AM – 6:00PM. Don’t miss this opportunity for an authentic cultural experience and a day of family fun! Visit victoriadragonboatfestival.com for more information.

10. Enjoy Some Fun in the Sun at the Saanich Fair

A family favourite at the end of August, the Saanich Fair is back with a bang! The oldest continuous agricultural fair in Western Canada, this beloved event features classic fairground rides, live entertainment and delicious food. From August 31 to September 2, enjoy some fun in the sun and celebrate the closing of summer on the Saanich Peninsula. It’s the ultimate last hurrah before back-to-school season begins.