For a lot of us, Labor Day means summer is unofficially (the first day of fall isn’t until September 22) coming to an end. The days are getting shorter and temperatures are trending lower. But this one, last, long weekend gives us an opportunity to dig out our picnic gear, flip flops and sunglasses one final time and send summer off in style. Make the most of these extra days off by winding down and soaking up the last of the summer sun with these five last-minute things to do in Victoria.

Victoria Overnight Getaway

Classic Boat Festival – Sept 2-4

No trip to Victoria is complete without the sound of creaking docks and the smell of varnished wood. Kick off your Labor Day Weekend at the Classic Boat Festival in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbor. Billing itself as “a celebration of maritime heritage,” there’s no better place to get a glimpse of the region’s historic working and leisure watercraft. Find a spot along The Ogden Point Breakwater or Fisherman’s Wharf to relax and admire these floating works of art from around the Northwest. 

Saanich Fair – Sept 3-5

Fun day at the fair

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Just a half-hour’s drive north of Victoria, the annual Saanich Fair is where Victorians and visitors alike flock for a weekend of carefree, old-fashioned festivities. In its 149th year, it is Western Canada’s oldest continuous agricultural fair. Check out animals ranging from pigs to alpacas, and rabbits to ducks. In true fair-fashion, you can test your limits at a pie-eating contest, however, do yourself a favor and wait until after you’ve taken your turn on the 28 midway rides!

Vancouver Island Blues Bash – Sept 3-5

My view for the night #victoria #bluesbash #beautifulbc

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Follow the sounds of brass and percussion to Ship Point, where the 22nd annual Vancouver Island Blues Bash will be jamming all weekend long. Headlining this year is Chicago’s Nick Moss Band and BC’s own David Gogo Band. There will also be a dozen other fantastic groups performing for the free afternoon performance series. There’s no better way to celebrate Labor Day Weekend than at an open-air music festival in Victoria’s Inner Harbor!

The Great Canadian Beer Festival – Sept 9-10

Sold out by 3… A first for us. #GCBF #33acres #b33r

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Cool off with an ice-cold brew at Canada’s longest running craft beer event, The Great Canadian Beer Festival. With over 50 brewers and over 170 beers from all across BC, Canada, the US and Europe, there will be no shortage of suds to sip. Sample brews such as the European-inspired Brasserie Dunham, Glutenberg’s gluten-free IPA and Toronto’s own Steam Whistle pilsner.

Don’t let all that beer go to your head, fill up on some great local grub from food trucks stationed around the event. Get some protein with a pulled pork sandwich at Pig BBQ Joint or a “Slap to the Kisser” with a seared ahi tuna taco from Taco Justice. The not-for-profit festival’s main mission is to raise awareness for the variety of local craft beers available in the Northwest. We’ll raise a glass to that!

Victoria International Chalk Art Festival – September 10-11

#victoriachalkfestival

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Join the world’s top street painters at Ship Point in the Inner Harbor for two days of dusty, colorful art creation during Victoria’s International Chalk Art Festival. The free to-attend arts celebration for all ages includes mesmerizing, 3D perspective street art as well as kid’s chalk zone, where young ones will have a chance to try their hand at creating a masterpiece. This year’s theme is “Adventure in the Forest World; a Celebration of Nature’s Spirits,” so be sure to arrive with your most creative ideas!

Whether you’re a frequenter to Victoria or a first-timer out on the town, these can’t-miss dates are the perfect escape. Maybe it’s bluesy music or pints of local lagers; whatever your inclination, Victoria has a nearly endless supply of festivals over the next couple weeks. While every season in Victoria is picturesque in it’s own right, there’s something to be said for leisurely summertime strolls with nothing but blue skies overhead.

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Clipper Recommends:

  • With renovated rooms and their newly opened Q bar and veranda, the Empress is a great blend of modern style and traditional flair. Take advantage of our summer sale and stay overnight to check them out.
  • Missed out on the Great Canadian Beer Fest? Make your next bike trip the happiest of hours with the Hoppy Hour Bicycle Tour. See the city, get some exercise and enjoy  a lineup of freshly poured local brews!