Your guide to Canada Day in Victoria, BC
Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st each year, marking a day when the nation comes together for a day of reflection, community connection, and of course… fun! In Victoria, events span various pockets of the city, bringing together our eclectic neighbourhoods, diverse residents, and visitors from around the globe in celebration. Read on for inspiration on what to do on or around July 1st.
5-minute read
Updated March 25, 2026
Your guide to Canada Day in Victoria, BC
Happy Canada Day!
July 1
Victoria Canada Day
July 1st, noon – dusk
Don't miss the city's biggest party! Canada Day celebrations take over Victoria's iconic Inner Harbour and Legislative precinct on July 1st. It's an all day affair with the show kicking off at 11:00 am and running late into the evening, including Indigenous ceremonies, an International Food Village, live music, and a fireworks finale ending the night a 10:20 pm.
Canada Day Community Breakfast at Huntingdon Manor
July 1st, 8AM – 11AM
Pancake breakfasts and Canada Day go together like gravy and cheese curds (see what we did there?)! To celebrate our nation, the Huntingdon Manor Hotel will be hosting a Community Pancake Breakfast in their gardens overlooking Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour. Aside from pancakes, there will also be entertainment, activities, face painting, and a vintage photo booth on site. Located near to the core of Canada Day festivities in downtown, it’s a great way to ring in July 1st celebrations.
Gorge Canada Day Picnic
July 1st, 8:30AM – 4PM
This beloved Canada Day event extends along Gorge Road West from Tillicum road all the way to Admirals for the one of the largest “picnics” you’ve ever seen! There are plenty of events in the works for the Gorge Canada Day Picnic, including a Canada Day Parade, a pancake breakfast, a car show, an art show, voyageur canoe rides on the Gorge, a market, the open-house of Craigflower School House… and much, much more! Come out for a lovely day kid-friendly day at the Gorge, there’s plenty to see and do.
Sidney Days and Canada Day
June 30th from 7:30-10:15pm, and July 1st from 8AM-4PM
Sidney by the Sea is the charming port city just half an hour north from Victoria, acting as the main port-city and linkage between us and the mainland. Sidney Days & Canada Day celebrations are their annual July 1st ceremony, playing at Beacon Park! On the evening of June 30th, come down to Beacon Park for opening ceremonies, live music by the Bankes Brothers, and of course – fireworks!
On July 1st, wake up bright and early for pancake breakfast at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney’s Canada Day Parade at 11:30 AM, and a Family Fun Fair at Iroquois Park.
Eat Like a Canadian Foodie Walking Tour
July 1st, 2:30pm – 5pm
Grab a fork, grab your family, and take to the streets of Victoria with Off the Eaten Track Tours this July 1st! A limited time feature to this day, walk from Fisherman’s Wharf to Government Street trying out all the Canadian classics – poutine, Bannock and berries, a “double double” ice cream bar, Nanaimo bars, ice wine, and of course… maple syrup! Get to know classic Canadian flavours at seven local Victorian eateries, all while exploring Victoria’s fascinating architecture and history.
Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS
July 1st, 10am - 4pm
Come celebrate Canada’s special day with Parks Canada staff and the 5th (B.C.) Regiment of RCA over at beautiful Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site. There will be live music at 11AM, special interpretive programs are throughout the site, and heritage-themed ice cream and soda will be served at the Canteen. Make sure to stop by the lighthouse for the annual photo opportunity with the giant Canada flag!
Before and After Canada Day
The Butchart Gardens Outdoor Summer Concert Series
July 3 to September 53
Come to The Butchart Gardens on Wednesday through Sunday evenings all summer, for live performances in what is arguably Victoria’s most stunning, floral open-air stage. Concerts start at 8:00PM in July and 7:30PM in August, with the exception of Saturdays.
Victoria Harbour Ferry Water Ballet
From April to October
With a Canada Day performance July 1st at 10:30 AM
Have you ever seen a boat dance? Well now you can (for free!), along Victoria’s Inner Harbour! Our beloved Victoria Harbour Ferries (also known as water taxis, or “pickleboats”) dance and twirl across our waters to choreographed classical music, giving you a quirky, light-hearted, pinnacle-Victorian experience that you won’t easily forget. Head over to the Steamship terminal for the best seats in the house!
TD Victoria International JazzFest
June 19 -28, 2026
For 10 days in June Greater Victoria grooves to the sound of TD Victoria International Jazz Fest. Vancouver Island’s longest-running musical celebration turns up the heat for some of the coolest music in town. Enjoy free outdoor concerts, ticketed shows, and even learn a thing or two at an interactive workshop. Whether you're new to jazz or a lifelong fan, Victoria International Jazz Fest is certain to be music to your ears!
Victoria Folk Music Festival
July 4
Join us fellow folkies for a joyful summer celebration at the Victoria Folk Music Festival, set in the heart of Victoria, BC at Royal Athletic Park. This family-friendly festival brings together an outstanding mix of folk, roots, and Americana music for a full day of live performances, connection, and community spirit.
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