It’s hard to believe it. Once again summer has flown by in a blur of beach sand-filled shoes and sticky ice cream covered fingers. 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. But this last long weekend allows us to dig out our picnic gear, flip flops, and sunglasses one final time and send summer off in style. Whether you’re finally taking that much-needed summer break or need a quick weekend getaway, soak up summer’s last hoorah with these 10 things to do in Victoria, BC this September.
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1. Saanich Fair – September 2 – 4
Come one, come all to the annual Saanich Fair, a classic weekend of fun for the whole family! Just a 20-minute drive north of Victoria, the fairgrounds offer endless entertainment, such as rides and roller coasters, dog and horse shows, petting zoos and live performances. PLUS, you’ll also be able to pick up local goods and produce from regional farmers.
2. Eagle Wing Open Boat Whale Watching – September
Discover the island’s incredible marine life in the most thrilling way possible – in an open-air speedboat! Explore the pristine waters of south Vancouver Island as you zip along on a whale watching tour with Eagle Wing.
Under the guidance of an expert onboard naturalist, you’ll search for orcas, humpbacks and minke whales as well as Steller sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles and lots more! Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
3. Rifflandia – September 7 – 9, 15 – 17
With a lineup this year offering perhaps their widest range of artists to date – everyone from Diplo to Iggy Pop will be taking the stage – Rifflandia is back to take over the city with two weekends of genre-spanning music, family-friendly activities, great food, and lots more. In the mood for a little jazz? Don’t miss Herbie Hancock’s set at The Park. Wanna dance off the stresses of the week at a pulse-pounding DJ set? Plant yourself on Electric Avenue to catch Chromeo or Paris Hilton spin some vinyl. Are you a reggae devotee? Make your way to the The Park to catch Stephen Marley. However you piece together your schedule or which weekend you choose to attend, it’s bound to be an unforgettable festival!
4. Catch a Show – September
When it comes to live entertainment in Victoria, September’s got it in spades! Everything from country music icon Bonnie Raitt to a Prince tribute act with a full band, to internationally renowned comedian Lewis Black have performances scheduled throughout the month. With shows hosted at historic venues such as the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse, it’s an excellent opportunity to peek inside some of Victoria’s most opulent spaces!
5. Great Canadian Beer Festival – September 8 – 9
Credit: @greatcanadianbeerfest
Soak in the last of the summertime sun at the Great Canadian Beer Festival. Celebrate British Columbia’s finest breweries and cideries in the most appropriate fashion – by filling a cup! In its 29th year running, the festival will feature more than 90 craft breweries from every single region of Canada. Sip on hometown faves such as Driftwood Brewing or brews from far-flung visitors like Winnipeg’s Low Life Barrel House. Cheers!
6. AndrenaLINE Zipline Tours – September
Indulge your inner adventure junkie and breathe in some evergreen-scented forest air with a high-flying zip line tour! Ascend to the top of the course by way of an all-terrain MOG truck. Then, strap in for eight zip line crossings, (ranging from 150 to 1,000 feet!) two suspension bridges and a fully-narrated tour on the unique environment of the area’s coastal temperate rainforest. It’s the perfect opportunity to say farewell to summer with one last exciting hurrah in the great outdoors! Book this tour with Clipper, learn more.
7. Terry Fox Run – September 17
Honoring famed Canadian athlete and humanitarian, the Terry Fox Run is back to raise money and awareness for cancer research. As per Fox’s wishes, the race is non-competitive, inclusive of all ages and entrants pay by donation to keep it accessible to any socio-economic standing. The run is truly open to all! Whether you’re looking to lace up your running shoes and join in or cheer on the fleet of participants, it’s sure to be an uplifting event for everyone.
8. Victoria International Wine Festival – September 24 – 30
Savor some of the world’s finest wines from deep Merlots to light Pinot Grigios at the Victoria International Wine Festival. With over 400 wines from more than 13 different countries, your cup will runneth over with options! Nibble on small plates paired with each glass as you chat with sommeliers about the vintages. Whether you’re a budding aficionado or looking to sip some regional vintages among friends, this is the wine event to fit the bill.
9. Foggy Isle Film Festival – September 23
The island’s annual dark comedy and macabre-centric film event is back to its original cabaret-styled roots for the Foggy Isle Film Festival‘s fifth year. Grab the popcorn and settle in for a jam-packed lineup from filmmakers from as far away as Australia to nearby Victoria locals. Celebrate all things darkly hilarious, eerie, and downright weird alongside fellow cinephiles right in the heart of downtown Vic!
10. Brewery & The Beast – September 24
Ready for a day of indulgence? Satiate your inner foodie with an array of sustainably-sourced, meaty dishes from more than 60 chefs and restaurants from around Vancouver Island, paired with a pint from local hop heavyweights like Driftwood Brewery or Vancouver Island vineyards like Unsworth. Dance off the feast with the musical stylings of The Electric Timber Company, and toast to the official last night of summer!
With plenty of festivals to attend, craft beer to drink and live music to dance to, now is the perfect time for an end of summer escape to Victoria! Between wandering along the city’s picturesque coastline trails and exploring historic landmarks and pocket neighborhoods, be sure to carve out time for a few of these fabulous events to fully experience the city’s rich culture.
Feature image: Destination Greater Victoria