Ever heard of Victoria’s legendary Mediterranean climate? Its pleasant summer makes the capital city the perfect destination for biking along the waterfront, taking a stroll through lush parks, shopping the quaint Chinatown and exploring the iconic Fairmont Empress, Parliament Buildings and Inner Habour by foot. As frequent travelers of this beautiful city we have some insider advice on where to find the action around town. Go ahead and fill your calendar, you won’t want to miss out on the festivities.
Capital City (Victoria Timelapse) from Kove Photography on Vimeo.
Yogathon Victoria – August 20
Connect with your inner yogi this Saturday at Centennial Square for Yogathon Victoria 2016. Grab your yoga mat and rise into sun salutations with your friends or join an instructor/studio team to take part in the largest global Yogathon ever. Proceeds benefit Care for Children, which helps provide education for underprivileged children in India. Keep your energy up with ambient, world groove music spun live by DJ Rara Avis and tasty protein bars. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up a free swag bag and enter to win a variety of other prizes.
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 21
Stay the course with the weekend’s athletic theme at this year’s incredible Tour de Victoria. Dust off your spokes for this world-class ride, where you can tour breathtaking scenery of Victoria, no matter your fitness level. Chose from one of three courses along traffic-controlled streets through picturesque Victorian landscape. After your trek, refuel with a much-deserved post event meal and beer from Spinnaker’s beer garden.
Victoria Street Food Festival – August 19 & 26
The Island’s best food carts and street vendors will be congregating in Centennial Square for the 4th Annual Friday Truck-Ups on August 19 and 26. Sip on brews like the Fat Tug or White Bark provided by Driftwood Brewery or Category 12’s legendary dry-hopped sour.
If you’re peckish, snack on mouth-watering perogies from Hungry Rooster, Smokie Joes’s Carolina pork and fish and chips at The Crispy Fish. Then, sit back, relax and listen to live music from Stray Cougar and Deep Sea Gypsies at this free, family friendly cook off.
Fringe Eve Preview – August 22-September 4
Each summer for 12 days, downtown Victoria becomes a stage for performing artists around the world. Catch spoken word, dance, comedy and theatre performances for all ages as Vancouver Island’s largest theatre event of the year, the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival, takes over the city.
On August 24, join them in celebrating their 30th anniversary. Stop by Centennial Square for an Opening Ceremony, featuring introductions from all performing acts, including Paper Street Theatre Company’s The Playful 8, an improvised remake of Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful 8. Phillips Brewing, Merridale Cider and food trucks will be in attendance. We recommend downloading the Do250 app for Fringe on the Go to navigate the festival’s offerings in real time.
Integrate Arts Festival – August 26-28
The wildly popular Integrate Arts Festival is another arts community highlight. Come celebrate the 10th annual weekend integration of the arts by foot, bike or bus and explore all that Vancouver Island’s artists have to offer at venues across downtown Victoria. Events include galleries, performances and workshops, as well as local music in the Market Square courtyard from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Leave your walking shoes at home for this art crawl – a hop on/hop off bus will be provided on Saturday evening to circulate participants throughout Victoria. You can also travel between events on two wheels, follow along on the family friendly bike tour on Sunday afternoon and soak in sights of shimmering waters and lush green spaces as you travel around the region.
With the sunny weather returning you’ll probably find yourself gravitating away from the city and toward the lapping waves and creaking docks of the Inner Harbour at the end of the day. Take in the sights, smells and sounds, just remember to pace yourself and leave room in your schedule for some well-deserved down time. Now, let the adventures begin!
Clipper Recommends:
- Get a taste of Victoria’s culture in every sense of the word: check out the James Bay Community Market or Moss Street Market on Saturdays and the Victoria Public Market seven days a week.
- Want to stay awhile? Get a taste of luxury at the Fairmont Empress Hotel and enjoy our best price guarantee during our summer sale through September 22.
Feature Photo: Tyler Ahlgren