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 all weekend long.

FRIDAY

LIVE MUSIC ON THE BARGE

Kick off your long weekend off with some bites, brews and live music on the Breakwater Barge. A variety of food trucks and local breweries and cideries will be in attendance. This is a family-friendly event, and a great place to drink in the summer vibes on the waterfront.

SATURDAY

CHECK OUT A LOCAL MARKET

Start your day off by exploring Victoria and our local markets. We have makers, bakers and growers committed to providing high-quality products and services to residents and visitors alike. Pick up some unique handcrafted gifts or snacks for the day. Check out our Market Guide to see where and when each market is happening over the weekend.

LIVE MUSIC & FIREWORKS AT BUTCHART GARDENS

Take a short drive up the Saanich Peninsula to visit The Butchart Gardens. After strolling through the blooming, fragrant rose garden, the Japanese Garden and the famous sunken garden, pull out your picnic blanket and settle in to enjoy live music and a spectacular fireworks show!

Insider Tip: Saturdays can get quite busy at the gardens so we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot

END YOUR DAY WITH A NEGRONI NIGHT CAP

Negroni week takes place June 24-30 and is a celebration of a great cocktail and an effort to raise money for charitable causes around the world. In Victoria, 36 venues are participating, including local favourites like Clive’s Classic Lounge and Clarke & Co.

SUNDAY

CANADA DAY WEEKEND AT THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM

Stop by the Royal BC Museum for a wide array of music and dance in the outdoor plaza from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Be sure to check out their Penny Carnival on Monday too!

SUNDAY PIZZA NIGHT AT MERRIDALE CIDER

Normally this would be your farewell to a weekend well spent. Luckily, on this long weekend, you’ll still have the holiday Monday to enjoy, so drink up and eat to your heart’s content (responsibly).  Make sure to call ahead to reserve, as this is a popular event.

VICTORIA HARBOURCATS 

Spend the evening at the ballpark with a hotdog and cold beverage. The game starts at 6:35 p.m., and will be finished off by a dazzling display of fireworks.  Can’t make it on Sunday?  There’s also a game on Monday with a 1:00 p.m. start, leaving you enough time to catch the festivities after the game!

MONDAY

CANADA DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Start your morning with a hearty meal in a quintessential Canadian setting. The Huntingdon Manor Hotel will be hosting a community pancake breakfast with family friendly activities and a vintage photo booth. We hear your server may even be dressed in a period costume!

BE A PART OF HISTORY

Last year Victoria had the largest Living Flag in the nation with over 3,600 participants and we’re hoping to top that this year. Don your best red and white (or arrive early for a free t-shirt) and join a whole lot of proud Canadians standing together in formation on the BC Legislature lawn.

INNER HARBOUR FESTIVITIES

Celebrate in the Inner Harbour with an impressive line-up of local performers, an expanded kid’s zone, the Flavour of Canada Food Village, fireworks and more.

Image by @j_gibzzphoto via Instagram

CANADA DAY ON THE VERANDA

Take in the view from one of the best seats in the Inner Harbour at the Fairmont Empress. Enjoy a casual seafood feast including crab, prawns, mussels and fantastic desserts.

CANOEING IN COWICHAN BAY

Celebrate Canada Day by heading into the great outdoors! Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre is offering free one-hour canoe tours for both morning and evening paddles.

FUTURE OCEANS FASHION SHOW

Head to the Victoria International Marina to watch sustainability and fashion hit the runway.  Models will strut down the runway in clothing made entirely from ocean plastic waste.

PRIDE WEEK

Pride Week kicks off with the Annual Memorial Drag Ball Game at the Vic West Ballpark. The game starts at noon and everyone is welcome to play. Check out our Guide to Pride blog for more information on what’s happening during Pride.

CANADA DAY PICNIC AT FORT RODD HILL

From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., celebrate Canada’s birthday at this national historic site. Enjoy live music, activities, historic re-enactments and the biggest birthday cake in the city!

STILL NOT ENOUGH?

Check out these other great events happening in Victoria this Canada Day:
•    Gorge Canada Day Picnic
•    Canada Day at Craigflower Manor
•    Sidney Days Canada Day Celebration
•    Canada Day Breakfast at Bear Mountain