The royals are coming! Next week the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honor our fair city with a visit and we can’t wait to roll out the red carpet. Be sure to stop by the Parliament Building on September 24 or the Victoria Harbour Airport on October 1 to catch sight of the royal couple and their adorable children.
Travel like royalty yourself at a great value with the Empress Special and enjoy a luxurious stay in one of the plush, newly-renovated rooms inspired by Vancouver Island’s natural beauty and the hotel’s rich history. While you’re in town, why not check out a few of the wonderful festivals popping up around the city? Get your calendar ready, this September is shaping up to be a great month with lots of fun and exciting things to do in Victoria.
Carving on the Edge Festival – September 10-21
In the northern surf town of Tofino, there’s one annual festival that revives a tradition thousands of years old. A celebration of the West Coast carver held every year on Vancouver Island, the Carving on the Edge Festival is showcasing both traditional and modern carving techniques and workshops featuring the Northwest’s very best wood carvers. The Carving Art show opening evening on September 14th will feature traditional welcoming to the Tla-o-qui-aht territory with drumming and singing, meeting of the carving artists and a multi-media Virtual Museum Project exhibit.
Other events include an interactive family printmaking workshop, bentwood box making and a guided tour through Meares Island’s old-growth forest in a dugout canoe. We suggest spending at least one night at the Canadian Princess Resort in nearby Ucluelet. With fishing lodge heritage, and located near the Pacific Rim National Park, it is a base for all things wild.
Rifflandia – September 15-18
Featuring more than a dozen stages, Rifflandia transforms Victoria into a four-day music festival, featuring a wealth of talented artists. Wander through Victoria (all of the stages are within walking distance) as music from across the board fades in and out. This year’s lineup includes the classic hip-hop group De La Soul, alt-rock band X Ambassadors, turntablist/keyboardist/drummer trio Keys ‘N Krates and everything in-between.
Vancouver Island Motor Gathering – September 18
You’ve probably heard of the Concours d’Elegance classic motor show at Pebble Beach. But did you know: A similar automotive celebration has been in your backyard for the past three years. The Vancouver Island Motor Gathering aspires to bring the passion and prestige of the events at Pebble Beach to the Northwest, as well as benefits local charities like the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation.
Held at the impressive Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, treat your eyes and ears to dazzling classic and modern automotive examples from throughout the last century. The event kicks off a soft launch of the circuit’s new Villa Eyrie Resort, located high above the Pacific Ocean on the side of the Malahat Mountain. The resort opens September 20th and is a great way to wind down after an adrenaline-filled day at the track.
Victoria Wine Festival – September 23-24
Until last year, Victoria had been without a dedicated wine festival. Next weekend, the Victoria Wine Festival looks to once again fill this void, offering a taste of wines from around the world right in downtown Victoria. Over 300 wines will be available for tasting from Argentina, Australia, Chile, Portugal, South Africa and other regions, as well as paired food niblets. “Wandering sommeliers” will be in attendance providing information about each wine and introductory seminars are available for a more in-depth course on regional wines.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Royal Visit to BC – September 24–October 1
Experience the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in tow) as Victoria plays host to the family while they explore our beautiful region. In case you’re curious, they’ll be stopping at many of our favorite spots, such as Vancouver, Bella Bella, Kelowna, Whitehorse and Haidi Gwaii.
With a jam-packed schedule, your best chance to see the royal family is on September 24 at the official welcome ceremony outside the BC’s Parliament Buildings at approximately 5:00 p.m. or on October 1 during the official departure ceremony at Victoria Harbour Airport.
Etsy Victoria Market: Made in Canada – September 24-25
In need of fall-themed housewares? What about updating your winter wardrobe? Next weekend, stop by Market Square and browse handmade and vintage items from over 100 local Etsy sellers. Etsy: Made in Canada celebrates the crafters and collectors in local communities from coast-to-coast. Come and support your local community and shop local next weekend!
Bonus: Art of the Cocktail – October 22-23
Smooth, distinct and delicious, there is nothing like the perfectly created cocktail. For all you beverage aficionados, and advance planners out there, the Art of Cocktail at the end of October is the perfect opportunity to sip on a range of imaginative drinks created by local restaurants and regional distilleries and well as nosh on tasty treats from West Coast chefs. You’ll also have a chance to pick up tips from the pros as well as show off your skills at pouring your own artful concoctions. The festival is Vancouver Island’s biggest cocktail event of the year, so be sure to get your tickets now before they sell out.
With summer winding down, it’s easy to coop yourself up indoors and brace for the winter. Here in the Northwest, we’re lucky to have events that last through the fall and on into the winter. The way we see it, it’s never too late to take a trip across the water and explore the vibrant city of Victoria. Whether you are looking for a casual stroll along the Inner Harbour or a weekend of music at Rifflandia, Victoria is the perfect destination for a quick getaway this fall.
Clipper Recommends:
- With the official beginning of autumn landing mid-month, gorgeous fall colors are beginning to pop up all over the city. Stop a couple of our favorite spots for fall color – The Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park and Goldstream Provincial Park – to peep at stunning red, orange and gold leaves.
- Can’t make it to the Victoria Wine Festival? Journey to the heart of Vancouver Island’s wine country on the Cowichan Wine Country Tour to taste award-winning wines and chat with the winemakers themselves.