Things to do in Victoria This September

September in Victoria is all about soaking up the last of summer and taking the crisp mornings in stride. This month offers the opportunity to explore Greater Victoria’s incredible cuisine and gives visitors the chance to partake in unique culinary festivals and events. September is a fantastic time to visit B.C.’s capital city, so read on to discover what’s on offer.

Attend the Great Canadian Beer Festival

Experience this craft beer lover’s, bucket-list event at Royal Athletic Park on September 6- 7. The Great Canadian Beer Festival features over 90 craft breweries, along with local cideries and food trucks from B.C. and beyond. Meander around sipping craft ciders and brews from around the province under the evening sky. Find more details and get your tickets here.

Image courtesy of the Great Canadian Beer Festival

Sip Libations Under the Harvest Moon

On Saturday, September 14, kick-off the harvest at Averill Creek under the harvest moon and celebrate in the vineyard with a cocktail-style party. Enjoy local bites and delicious Averill Creek wine pairings with their gorgeous vineyard as a backdrop.

Image by @averillcreek

Celebrate the Harvest

On September 29, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you decide where to celebrate this year’s bounty.

Take a 45-minute ferry to Salt Spring Island, an apple haven home to 450 varieties. Participate in the 20th annual Salt Spring Island Apple Festival and enjoy apple tastings, farm tours, educational information, apple art, local food and more!

Make your way to Cowichan Valley for the 3rd Annual Cider Harvest Festival at Merridale Cidery & Distillery where you can take part in an all-out celebration of B.C. farm craft.

Head to the Saanich Peninsula for Apple Day Celebrations at Sea Cider’s beautiful orchard and tasting house. Enjoy live music, a scavenger hunt, apple bobbing, apple decorating and more!

Image by @matt_shannon_photography

Taste the Flavours of the Island

The micro-climates in and around Greater Victoria lend themselves to a year-round harvest. Indulge in the rich flavours of the Island this September at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in the city. From the tasting menu at OLO Restaurant to the delectable bites at Boom + Batten, indulge in time for sweater weather.

Insider tip: Order a Boom Box or Boom Board from Boom + Batten to take the flavours of the Island along with you.

Image by @leilalikes via @boombatten

Toast to Oktoberfest

Celebrate this European tradition at Villa Eyrie Resort with food, beer and merrymaking! On September 29 the Cielo Amphitheatre will transform into an authentic German beer tent – complete with a full pig roast and spread of traditional cuisine. With the backdrop of the Saanich Inlet below, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Image by @any_excuse_for_a_party

Recharge at these Accommodations

Embrace the crisp air and beautiful days this month by cozying up in one of Victoria’s many luxurious accommodations.

If you’re seeking a rural escape, consider the Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa for the blissful getaway you didn’t know you needed.  A quick 30-minute drive from Victoria’s downtown core, you’ll find yourself in a quiet seaside oasis along the Peninsula. From here explore the seaside town of Sidney, visit The Butchart Gardens – a national historic site of Canada, and explore the abundant parks and trails in the area.

In the heart of downtown, discover the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a charming boutique hotel on the corner of Courtney and Gordon Street. Here, you’ll be both delighted and surprised by the details; from the in-room Nespresso to the fitness space and one of Canada’s top restaurants – The Courtney Room.

Escape to the sea at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, home to the coziest pub in Victoria, the Snug Pug. Unwind at the Boathouse Spa & Bath, and leave time to soak in their coastal mineral pools where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the Salish Sea. There’s no doubt that the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is the perfect spot to lean into the impending change of seasons.

Image of @oakbaybeachhotel

Experience the Ultimate West Coast Road Trip

Looking for the ultimate west coast road trip? Soak up the last of summer as you drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route, a one-to-five-day driving route that takes you from the Inner Harbour to the old-growth forests in Port Renfrew to the Napa of the North in Cowichan Valley and beyond. September is one of the best times to experience the Southern Island’s offerings, so start planning your road trip soon.

Image by @matt_shannon_photography

Discover Ancient Civilizations

Discover a powerful culture that rose in the tropical rainforests of Central America thousands of years ago during the Royal BC Museum’s newest exhibit, Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises. Explore Maya identity from ancient times to present day and see how science and belief have shaped the Maya world.

Fall for Fall

Towards to end of the month, the time will come to bid farewell to another summer. However, fall in Victoria is guaranteed to make you fall in love with B.C’s capital city. From wandering through Beacon Hill Park on a fresh, sunny day, to taking in the autumnal colours in the Japanese Garden at The Butchart Gardens, fall in Victoria beckons. Find some of the best colours of fall here.

Go to Camp

Over September 12-14, check out Ember Music Series, a camp-themed party at Craft Market filled with good brews, food and music! Check out local talent and send off summer in your adventure-attire