Celebrate Canada’s 159th birthday with fun events and activities. Here is a list of fireworks, Canada Day celebrations and long weekend events from June 26 to July 1, 2026.
Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
I. Official Canada Day Celebrations
Victoria’s Canada Day 2026
Bringing over 60,000 people to Victoria’s Inner Harbour & Legislative Precinct for a full day of musical performances and cultural programming, family activities, and an international food village. Details TBA. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | TBA
Fireworks | TBA
Inner Harbour & Legislative Precinct, Victoria
Free
Sidney Days & Canada Day
Each year, Sidney kicks off its Canada Day celebrations early with a “Sidney Days” launch on June 30th. This year’s evening event begins at 7:30 pm at Beacon Park and includes an opening ceremony, live music from The Hit List, and a fireworks show. There will also be food trucks at Eastview Park.
On July 1st, community groups come together to create hours of excitement, beginning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Sidney Lions Club, as well as a Canada Day parade and Family Fun Fair organized by Peninsula Celebrations. Details
June 30 – July 1, 2026
Fireworks on June 30 | 10:15 PM @ Sidney Waterfront
Parade | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ Beacon Avenue
Slegg Build A Boat Challenge | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Beacon Park
Various Venues, Sidney, BC
The Parade route begins along Resthaven Drive and turns onto Beacon Avenue. It continues to run the length of Beacon Avenue, turning right onto Second Street and ending at Ocean Avenue.
Free
Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
There isn’t a better backdrop than Fisgard Lighthouse to celebrate Canada Day.
Join us for a festive day featuring live music, historic weapons demonstrations, the best summer heritage and nature programs, interactive community booths, and grilled and chilled treats. Mark the day with your annual family picture by Canada’s giant flag at Fisgard Lighthouse. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road
Free admission
Gorge Canada Day Picnic
Fun for the whole family, including the Canada Day Family Parade, Pancake Breakfast, Canada Day Show and Shine car show, Gorge on Art, lots of food trucks, canoe rides on the Gorge, the Canada Day Market, Busker’s corner, Main Stage Entertainment, Strawberry Tea, and kids’ inflatables and activities. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Family Parade | 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Pancake Breakfast | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Along the beautiful Gorge Waterway between Tillicum and Admirals Rd, Victoria
Free and ticketed
II. Things to do on Canada Day
Canada Day Drumming
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BC Legislature grounds, 501 Belleville St
Free
Canada Day Parade
Celebrate Canada Day with us at our annual Canada Day Parade, moving along Beacon Avenue in downtown Sidney. Our theme this year is “Love, Honour, Respect”. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Beacon Ave, Sidney
Free
FREE Sidney Days Canada Day Celebration
Join us and Slider for a Canada Day Celebration in Sidney with glitter tattoos, fun activities and games! Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Iroquois Park, 2295 Ocean Ave, Sidney
Free
Sidney Lions Pancake Breakfast
Don’t miss the Sidney Lions’ famous hot pancake breakfast with fried sausages! Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Mary Winspear Centre – Courtyard, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
3 pancakes, 2 sausages and beverage $10.00.
Canada Day Pancake Breakfast
Celebrate Canada Day at the Huntingdon Manor Hotel and Pendray Inn and Tea House in Victoria’s Inner Harbour with a free Pancake Breakfast, accompanied by activities and music in our scenic gardens overlooking the Harbour. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and Tea House, 309 Belleville Street
Donations are welcome, with 100% of proceeds going to the Victoria Women’s Transition House, supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence in our community.
Memorial Drag Ball Game
Come out and enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family at this multi-generational picnic in the park. Gather for baseball, community picnic, laughs, and—of course—community! Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Victoria West Park off Wilson St
Free
Saturna Island Lamb BBQ
The Saturna Island Canada Day Lamb BBQ is a free public community festival with music, entertainment, fun games, a beer and wine garden, food vendors, and a specially prepared lamb BBQ meal. Details
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Grounds 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Lamb meals will be served from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Winter Cove Park, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Entrance is free; $30 Adult Meal Ticket, $15 Children under 12
III. Things to do on Canada Day Weekend
The Great Canadian Songbook
Wavelengths wants to celebrate Canada, and what better way than with songs of Gordon Lightfoot, Great Big Sea, Sarah McLachlan, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and others, as sung by our amazing 80-voice choir! And be prepared to sing along to some treasured Canadian favourites by Tragically Hip, BTO, Raffi, Rush, and more! With Ashley Wey on keys and guest vocalist Denis Withnell! Details
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
$41.00
Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival
Catch the rhythm of summer at the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival, running June 24-28th at venues across the city—with main stage action at Ship Point on the stunning Inner Harbour. Headliners Souls of Mischief and Lagwagdon will ignite the stage, joined by a vibrant mix of local and international artists. Details
June 24 – 28, 2026
Various locations
Varies
TD Victoria International JazzFest
The TD Victoria International JazzFest is a ten-day music festival featuring the jazz, blues and world music of local, Canadian, and internationally acclaimed musicians. Details
June 19 – 28, 2026
SNACKTIME | Friday, June 26 | Bullen Park | 5:30 PM
Etran de L’Aïr | Saturday, June 27 | Bullen Park | 7:00 PM
The Rumble f. Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. | Sunday, June 28 | Bullen Park | 7:00 PM
Various locations, Victoria
Varies
39 Days of July Festival
Come celebrate Canada Day with an evening of music at The 39 Days of July! Details
Monday, June 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Charles Hoey Park, 124 Canada Ave, Duncan
Free
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Travel to the glamorous French Riviera for the ruthlessly funny Tony-nominated musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, inspired by the hit 1988 film! A small-time con man and a successful swindler wage a side-splitting battle of wits to dupe an American heiress! Who will win the big bet?
Recommended for ages 13+. Details
June 12 – August 23, 2026
Chemainus Theatre, 9737 Chemainus Road, Chemainus
$24 – $90
Victoria Pride Festival
Celebrate the Pride In You! Victoria Pride creates opportunities for visibility, collaboration, ongoing conversations and celebration as we work towards equity for all people of diverse gender and sexual identities. Details
July 1 – 12, 2026
Memorial Drag Ball Game | July 1 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM @ Victoria West Park off Wilson Street
Various locations, Victoria
Free and ticketed events
North Saanich Farm Market
The North Saanich Farm Market is full of community spirit, where the Peninsula’s top food producers display fresh fruits and vegetables, local lamb, beef, and seafood – and some of the most coveted fresh baked breads in the region. Details
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
10990 West Saanich Rd, North Saanich
Free
Moss Street Farmers Market
Moss Street Market operates year-round, with over 30 local, organic farmers and another 120+ crafters, artisans, bakers, food and drink vendors, cideries, distillers, brewers, vintners, and more. Details
Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sir James Douglas School, 401 Moss Street
Free
Bellingham Bells vs. Victoria HarbourCats
The Bells and ‘Cats have developed a strong rivalry over the years and this is a series that could go a long way to deciding the first half division champion. Get your seats locked in today! Details
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 6:35 PM
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 6:35 PM
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 1:05 PM
Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria
$15.00 – $40.00
Nanaimo NightOwls vs. Victoria HarbourCats
Be a part of traditional Canada Day eve celebration! – with a battle against the Island rival Nanaimo NightOwls! The fireworks are the best in town! Tickets sell fast for this event, so get yours now before they are gone! Details
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 6:35 PM
Fireworks | post-game
Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria
$15.00 – $40.00
Shop at the Victoria Public Market
Shop the local produce and wares from the Victoria Public Market! Shop flowers, decor, food, produce, and more. Details
Mondays – Saturdays | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sundays | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Hudson, 6-1701 Douglas Street, Victoria
Harbour Ferry Water Ballet
For over 25 years, Victoria Harbour Ferry has been performing a very entertaining 12 minute Water Ballet for tourists and locals around Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The Water Ballet is inspired by a combination of military marching and the RCMP Musical Ride, and every year the “dance steps” become more complex. Details
June 28 & July 1, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Inner Harbour– Steamship Terminal, Victoria
Free
The James Bay Community Market
Features an array of farm-fresh products from local meats to seasonal veggies and fruit, homemade crafts, and much more. Details
Saturdays, May 2 – October 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Corner of Menzies and Superior
Free
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea
The Dining Room Restaurant at the Butchart Gardens is open for Afternoon Tea. A maximum of six guests may be seated at a table. On the menu are trifles, scones, savoury sandwiches and delicacies, and house-made sweets. Details
May 28 – September 5, 2026
Monday & Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday – Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
$55; Reservations are recommended
Colwood Music in the Park
Don’t miss Colwood Music in the Park performances on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30pm this summer!! Details
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM | The Temps
Quarry Park, Quarry Street, Colwood
Free
Getting Tiddley: Navy Uniforms from Cap to Boot
Step into the boots of a recruit and explore the evolution of the Royal Canadian Navy through the uniforms worn by those who served. From the iconic square rig to the high-tech safety gear of today, Getting Tiddley reveals how the navy uniform is a symbol of rank, a tool for survival, and a representation of Canada. Details
May 1–November 14, 2026
Daily | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, 744 Humboldt Street, Victoria
Regular admission: $5 – $10
V. More Things to Do on Canada Day Weekend
Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk
The Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk is a magnificent outdoor art gallery on display for everyone to enjoy along the waterfront walkway between Beacon Park and the ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park. This outdoor collection of sculptures uses the majestic scenery of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea as its backdrop. Many of the pieces are for sale while others are public art, owned or commissioned by the Town of Sidney. Details
Various locations, Sidney
Visit Victoria Area Attractions
Plan a visit to attractions:
- Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent; Wednesday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd; Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Victoria Bug Zoo, 631 Courtney Street; Weekdays | 11 AM – 4 PM; Weekends | 10 AM – 4 PM
- The Raptors, 1877 Herd Road, Duncan; 250-746-0372; Open Daily, until June 30 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; From July 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street; Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
- The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, 634 Humboldt Street; Tuesday – Saturday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, 2616 Pleasant St; Thursday – Saturday | 11:00 AM -4:30 PM
- Miniature World, 649 Humboldt Street; Daily | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; last admission is at 8:15
- City Centre Park, 1089 Langford Parkway; Open Daily | Hours vary
- Victoria Butterfly Gardens, 1461 Benvenuto Avenue; Monday – Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday – Sunday | 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, 9811 Seaport Place; Thursday – Tuesday | 10 AM – 4:30 PM; Closed on Wednesdays; Open on July 1
- Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue; Monday – Tuesday | 9 AM – 5 PM; Wednesday – Sunday | 9 AM – 10 PM
- BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan; Thursday – Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy a Scenic Drive
British Columbia has some of the most scenic vistas in the entire country. With a mixture of ocean, mountains, valleys, lakes, vineyards, waterfalls, orchards, and farmland, the highways and byways of the province will take you past some amazing views. A road trip through the province will allow you to experience a little bit of everything. Details
Plan a Weekend Getaway
- Girls Weekend Getaways. Details
- Cheap Weekend Getaways for Couples. Details
- Wilderness & Off the Grid Getaways. Details
- Yoga Retreats & Getaways. Details
- Must-Visit Nature Parks. Details
Enjoy a Walk at the Abkhazi Garden
Enjoy the lush greenery and views at the Abkhazi Gardens. Have a light snack at the tea house and spend some time relaxing in this intimate garden. Details
Daily | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entrance at 4 PM)
Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road, Victoria
Admission is by a suggested donation of $10 per person which is designated to TLC’s operation and maintenance of the garden.
Play Wild!
Enjoy zip-lining, log ladders, ziplines, axe throwing, rope swings, and much more at the WildPlay Elements Park. Details
Monday-Friday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wild Play, 15-1767 Island Hwy, Victoria
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Parks and pathways, Provincial parks and conservation reserves are great places to enjoy some time with nature.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- Must-Visit Nature Attractions & Parks in Victoria
- Must-Do Waterfall Hikes in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland
- Outdoor Activities & Adventures in Victoria
- Outdoor Adventures in Vancouver Island
- Outdoor Adventures in Southern Gulf Islands
Visit Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family. The park has two playgrounds, a water park, a putting green, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, cricket pitch, lawn bowling, gardens, footpaths, and sports fields for running and playing. Details
Go SUPing
Explore the waterways of Greater Victoria by paddle board. SUP paddleboards are available to rent. Details
Visit Provincial Parks
Provincial Parks are great places to spend your day with nature. They offer many activities for a multi-day adventure that makes the journey worthwhile. Enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing, and more. Details
Plan Your Summer Vacation
25 Wilderness & Off the Grid Getaways in British Columbia