How to Spend your Canada Day Long Weekend in Victoria

Friday, July 4th
Arrive in Victoria in the afternoon and ease into the rhythm of the coast with a ride on the Victoria Harbour Ferry, crossing the iconic Inner Harbour en route to a memorable waterfront dining destination. We recommend Boom + Batten for elevated west coast cuisine, or Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Canada's oldest brewpub, for classic pub fare and local craft beer. After your meal, take in the golden hour along the Songhees Walkway, where the path hugs the shoreline and offers sweeping views back toward the city skyline. As the sun sets, follow the walkway back into the city centre and return to your hotel, for the perfect close to your first evening in Victoria.

Saturday, July 4th
Start your day with a local favourite, the Moss Street Market, where fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music create a lively, community atmosphere. From there, make your way to Royal Athletic Park as the Victoria Folk Festival fills the city with energy, music, and live performances throughout the day. If you’re still feeling energized into the evening, continue the experience with a visit to The Butchart Gardens for the season’s first fireworks show, where vibrant displays light up the sky above lush garden landscapes.

Sunday, July 6th
Enjoy a slow morning; you’re on vacation! After a restful start to your day, indulge in Victoria’s celebrated brunch scene by choosing from the many cafés and restaurants that line the city streets. Then head out to Metchosin (30-minute drive from Victoria) for Bilston Creek Farm’s Summer Lavender Festival, where blooming purple fields and lavender-infused drinks invite you to savour the season. On your way back into town, stop at Thetis Lake for a refreshing swim or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a cliff jump into its cool waters. After a full day in the sun, it’s time to head home, carrying with you the scents, flavours, and memories of a summer weekend in Victoria.
Canada Day Festivities: July 1st
As B.C.’s capital city, it’s pretty much written into our bylaws to take Canada Day seriously so there’s always a ton of options for celebration. And you don’t have to be Canadian to enjoy them. Come join the nation in an all-out celebration of Canada’s birthday with festivities happening throughout the city.

Canada Day in Victoria's Inner Harbour
Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour comes alive on Canada Day with a full day of live music, local food, busking performances, and a vibrant sense of community. The Kids Zone and community booths are open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, while food trucks serve throughout the day from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm. The waterfront buzzes with performances across multiple stages before the sun sets and anticipation builds, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 10:20 pm that lights up the sky and reflects across the water, bringing the day to a memorable close.
Canada Day in Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Gorge Canada Day Picnic
Celebrate Canada Day at the beloved Gorge Canada Day Picnic, a long-standing community tradition set along the scenic Gorge Waterway. From 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, this free, family-friendly event transforms Gorge Road West into a lively, traffic-free festival filled with activity from morning through afternoon. Visitors can enjoy a full lineup of experiences, from the Canada Day Family Parade and pancake breakfast to live entertainment, artisan markets, and hands-on art showcases. With food vendors, multicultural flavours, a classic car show, kids’ activities, and even voyageur canoe rides on the water, the picnic offers something for all ages, bringing the community together in a relaxed, welcoming setting to celebrate the day.
Gorge Canada Day Picnic
8th Annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast
Start your Canada Day set along Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour at the Pendray Inn and Teahouse 8th Annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast. This welcoming, family-friendly gathering invites visitors and locals alike to enjoy a complimentary breakfast with all the fixings while taking in the festive waterfront atmosphere. Beyond the pancakes, the morning comes alive with live music, local vendors, and activities like face painting and entertainment for all ages. Donations are encouraged, with proceeds supporting Victoria Women’s Transition House, making this a meaningful and memorable way to begin a day of celebration in the city.

Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites are celebrating Canada Day from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm with a blend of history, nature and community for a memorable day on the coast. Set against the backdrop of ocean views and Canada’s oldest west coast lighthouse, the festivities feature live music, historic weapons demonstrations, a 21-gun salute, and interactive community booths, alongside engaging heritage and nature programs for all ages. Visitors can explore the grounds, take part in hands-on activities, and enjoy grilled fare and refreshing treats throughout the day, making it a relaxed and enriching way to mark the occasion.
Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites




