O Canada! The time of year has come to unreservedly show our national colors and revel in all things Canadian. Celebrate the nation’s 156th birthday with a relaxing waterfront picnic in the park, the resonant sounds of a local concert, a festive and colorful parade, and a great big slice of Canada Day cake. Dig into our local guide to celebrating Canada Day in Victoria to make sure you don’t missing out on any of the festivities!

Victoria, BC Getaways

Picnic at the Gorge

Celebrate Canada Day on the water at Gorge-Tillicum. Photo: Gorge Tillicum Community Association
Celebrate Canada Day on the water at Gorge-Tillicum. Photo: Gorge Tillicum Community Association

Deck out your bike with flags, follow the sounds of fire trucks, police cars and bagpipers to the intersection of Gorge and Tillicum and join in the Canada Day Family Parade as it makes its way to Craigflower-Kosapsom Park. Here you’ll find the annual Gorge Canada Day Picnic, where you can spend a relaxing day on the water.

Refuel with a delicious pancake breakfast or sweet and savory treats from the array of multicultural food vendors. Check out classic cars, play a game of street hockey, or cruise the waters in canoe. If you are need of some R&R, cozy up on a picnic blanket by the Gorge on Art stage to watch live performances, or stroll around the artisan market for unique clothing, jewelry, natural soaps and small-batch baked goods.

Festivities in Sooke

Explore Canada's colonial past with historical activities in Sooke. Photo: Sam Cox
Explore Canada’s colonial past with historical activities in Sooke. Photo: Sam Cox

Dig out your kilt, grab your bagpipes and venture a little further from Victoria’s urban center for an authentic small-town Sooke Canada Day celebration with a little British flair. Good news for you late risers: the events don’t kick off until 1 p.m., with a parade led by the Sooke Pipes & Drums and local RCMP. The afternoon is filled with music, fair games, logger sports, a pie eating contest and, finally, fireworks in the field at the campground.

Raven Baroque Performance

Raven Baroque brings this classical musical style into modernity. Photo: Catherine Allen
Raven Baroque brings this classical musical style into modernity. Photo: Catherine Allen

For a truly unique way to celebrate Canada Day, head to the top of the stunning Mt. Tolmie for a free concert (admission by donation) by Raven Baroque, a Victoria-based 14-piece classic baroque music group. Dressed in 16th-century attire, the unplugged ensemble will treat you to the melodic sounds of violins, guitars, cello, bass and vocalists, making for a spectacular visual and auditory performance.

Live Music on the Lawn

The 2015 musical guests included global music giants Delhi 2 Dublin. Photo: Victoria Celebrates Canada Day
The 2015 musical guests included global music giants Delhi 2 Dublin. Photo: Victoria Celebrates Canada Day

Jam to scintillating tunes as the BC Legislature Lawns transform into a one-of-a-kind multicultural concert experience. With the stunning BC Legislative buildings providing a dramatic backdrop and the glistening waters of the Inner Harbour right behind you, this is a rare opportunity to catch some tunes in one of the most iconic locations in the city. Just be sure to show up early to ensure a good vantage point, the space usually fills up quickly!

Fireworks at the Inner Harbour

The fireworks are dazzlingly close in Victoria's Inner Harbour. Photo: Victoria Celebrates Canada Day
The fireworks are dazzlingly close in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Photo: Victoria Celebrates Canada Day

End your day with a bang when the sun goes down (at approximately 10:20 p.m.) by watching a vibrant fireworks light up the night sky over the serene waters of the Inner Harbour. Tune in to the Zone @ 91.3 or 100.3 The Q! for some sweet tunes to accompany the magnificent display.

Wave your flags, wear your maple leaf T-shirts and join in the festivities. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be celebrating Canada Day in Victoria like a true local!

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Feature Photo: Ruben Schade