Celebrate Canada’s 156th birthday with fun events and activities. Here is a list of fireworks, Canada Day celebrations and long weekend events from June 30 to July 2, 2023.
Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
I. Official Canada Day Celebrations
Victoria’s Canada Day 2023
Victoria Canada Day 2023, presented by EF International Language Campuses, will showcase an impressive lineup of local, award-winning multicultural performances headlined by Juno award nominee Jill Barber. An action-packed kids’ zone on the lawn of the BC legislature will offer a wide range of activities. Experiential exhibits and multicultural food options will be located along Belleville Street. The day’s festivities will culminate with spectacular fireworks display over the Inner Harbour at 10:20pm. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | Noon – Dusk
Jill Barber | 9:00 PM
Fireworks over Victoria’s Inner Harbour | 10:20 PM
lawn of the BC Legislature, Victoria
Free
Sidney Days & Canada Day
On June 30, 2023 come down to Beacon Park to see the opening ceremonies and live music by The Bankes Brothers starting at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks to follow!
On July 1, the Sidney Lions are hosting their Pancake Breakfast at the Mary Winspear Centre at 8 a.m. The Canada Day Parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and is followed by the Family Fun Fair at Iroquois Park. Details
June 30 – July 1, 2023
Fireworks on June 30 | 10:15 PM @ Beacon Park
Sidney Lions Pancake Breakfast | July 1 | 8:00 AM @ Mary Winspear Centre – Courtyard, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
Parade | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ Beacon Avenue
Family Fun Fair | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM @ Iroquois Park
Various Venues, Sidney, BC
Free
Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
Come celebrate Canada’s special day with Parks Canada staff and the 5th (B.C.) Regiment of RCA. Live music and a multitude of special interpretive programs will be offered throughout the site, and heritage-themed ice cream and soda will be served at the Canteen. Make sure to stop by the lighthouse for the annual photo opportunity with the giant Canada flag. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Hill R
Free; Pancake breakfast by-donation
Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
Come celebrate Canada’s special day with Parks Canada staff and the 5th (B.C.) Regiment of RCA. Live music and a multitude of special interpretive programs will be offered throughout the site, and heritage-themed ice cream and soda will be served at the Canteen. Make sure to stop by the lighthouse for the annual photo opportunity with the giant Canada flag. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Hill R
Free; Pancake breakfast by-donation
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, voyageur canoe rides on the Gorge, the Canada Day Market, Community Engagement displays, Craigflower School House open house, Strawberry Tea, street hockey, and kids’ inflatables and activities. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Family Parade | 9:00 AM
Pancake Breakfast | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Gorge Waterway Park, Victoria
Free and ticketed
II. Things to do on Canada Day
Canada Day Drumming
At Canada Day Drumming, we believe in the power of percussion arts to deepen intercultural understanding, promote patriotism, and enhance civic engagement. We strive to challenge negative perceptions of immigrants and encourage community engagement to build stronger social ties that benefit us all. With your vital support, we can showcase the strength of cultural diversity and percussion arts to a broader audience. Join us in promoting diversity and unity through Canada’s beat. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
BC Legislature grounds, 501 Belleville St
Free
Canada Day at The 39 Days of July
Come celebrate Canada Day with a full day of music at The 39 Days of July! Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 3:00 PM
Charles Hoey Park, Duncan
Free
Summer Firework Saturdays at Butchart Gardens
Sunken Garden; The Butchart Gardens
Saturday evening, from July 1 – September 2, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy our world-class firework show with your friends and family. Each show features original aerial and ground displays designed and choreographed to music, by Jennie Butchart’s great-grandson, Christopher Ross. Details
Saturdays, July 1 to September 2, 2023
Fireworks | Saturday, July 1 | 10:15 PM
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Fireworks are included with your admission to The Gardens.
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
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Huntingdon Manor Hotel & Gatsby Mansion Gardens, 309 Belleville Street
Free. Donations for the pancake breakfast are accepted with proceeds going to Victoria Women’s Transition House.
Future Oceans Canada Day
Victoria International Marina is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition and ballet performance, “Tides are Changing,” on July 1st, 2023!
This exciting Canada Day event will feature sustainably made wearable art pieces that contrast ocean plastic and mixed materials with precious natural materials, raising awareness about sustainability and ocean conservation. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Victoria International Marina, 1 Cooperage Place
$81.21
Victoria HarbourCats vs. Bellingham Bells
The Victoria HarbourCats will be playing against the Bellingham Bells at Royal Athletic Park. Details
Friday, June 30, 2023 | 6:35 PM; Fireworks | Post game
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 1:05 PM
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 1:05 PM
Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria
$14 – $35
III. Things to do on Canada Day Weekend
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 22 – July 2, 2023
Various locations, Victoria
Varies
Palettes Ablaze! Exhibit
Renate MacKenzie & Valerie Kuehne are offering a treat for your eyes – beautiful art for your home and unique gifts for family and friends. You’ll find brilliant fused glass, vibrant watercolours and moody oil paintings. Whether you prefer delicate & gentle or bright & bold artistic styles, you’ll find them here. You are also free to chat about techniques and commissions with the artists. Details
June 30 – July 6, 2023
ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney
Night Illuminations at Butchart Gardens
At dusk, The Gardens are transformed by our Night Illumination. Over 3000 subtle lights turn The Gardens into a magical wonderland, showcasing an artistic display of light and shadow. The Gardens will be open for Night Illumination Wednesday through Sunday. Details
June 1 – September 15, 2023 | Dusk
Wednesday – Sunday admission gates close at 10:00pm, viewing until 11:00pm
Monday & Tuesday admission gates close at 5:00pm, viewing until 6:00pm
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Regular admission
Memorial Drag Ball Game
Come out and enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family at this multi-generational picnic in the park. Local entertainment, food, and drinks are available from Eves’ Destruction Roller Derby. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Victoria West Park off Wilson St
Free
Salon Q
Kick off Pride week and satisfy your campy cabaret craving with Salon Q! Featuring all local line-up of queer voices, Salon Q is a celebration of LIVE performance, from sultry singing divas, to daring dance creations, to stirring spoken word. Join us at The Metro Studio to kick off Victoria Pride Week with this cabaret of local queer art. Details
Friday, June 30, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street
Regular $27, Pay-What-You-Ten $10, VIP $100
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
June 29 – July 9, 2023
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
Saturna Island Lamb BBQ
The Lamb Barbeque is a joyous celebration of Canada Day, centred around a traditionally prepared barbequed lamb meal, with an old-fashioned country fair flavour. The traditional meal will include delicious Saturna-raised roast lamb with our world-famous Saturna mint sauce, Spanish rice, coleslaw, a Haggis Farm bun with butter, and a hand-crafted cookie.
There will be many fun activities, games, entertainment, makers market, food vendors and a beer & wine garden. On-site at Winter Cove we barbeque local Saturna raised lambs and offer a full meal prepared and served by our community volunteers. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Grounds 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Lamb meals will be served from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Winter Cove Park, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Entrance is free; $28 Adult Meal Ticket, $12 Children under 12
BIG MACHINE featuring Oliver Swain, Ashley Wey & Glenna Garramone
BIG MACHINE is a captivating musical endeavor that brings together the immense talents of Oliver Swain on bass, banjo, guitar and vocals, Ashley Wey on keyboards and vocals and Glenna Garramone on vocals, keyboards, and guitar. With their unique blend of folk, roots, and jazz influences, the band has carved a distinct path in the contemporary music scene, captivating audiences around the world. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$25 plus fees/tax
Astrocolor: Summer Kick Off 2023
Astrocolor kicks off Summer 2023 with a special evening of live performance & DJs in a two room event. Get your party shoes polished and get ready to get down! Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$35 ($38.61 at checkout)
Canus Red Hot Traditional Jazz Matinee
Simon Stribling on trumpet and Doug Rhodes, reeds join Al Pease on the front line to be a ‘creme de la creme of traditional jazz musicians which will raise your spirits and offer a perfect way to celebrate Canada Day! ! Plus with livestream of these shows on youtube you can still be with us no matter where you are in our great country. Details
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$15 plus fees/tax
Blues Jam hosted by the Deb Rhymer Blues Band
The Deb Rhymer Band features Kelly Fawcett on guitar, Phil Albert on bass, Andy Graffiti on drums and Deb Rhymer on vocals. Deb and the band have played all the clubs and pubs in the Victoria music scene as well as a number of blues events and festivals. Details
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$5 (and jammers free)
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, July 1, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
10990 West Saanich Rd, North Saanich
Free
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Through the use of cutting-edge projection technology and an original score, Beyond Van Gogh breathes new life into over 300 of Van Gogh’s artworks.
Occupying over 30,000 square feet, Beyond Van Gogh is the largest immersive experience in the country, offering guests ample room to safely enjoy the exhibit.
Comprised of over 4 trillion content pixels, this high-resolution portrayal of Van Gogh’s work gives guests the opportunity to become one with his paintings.. Details
June 20 – August 20, 2023
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Starry Night Pavilion at Bayview Place, 355 Catherine Street
Varies
Beauty And The Beast Cocktail Experience
An immersive cocktail adventure! Based on the Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont fairytale, come along on a 90-minute journey and step into the enchanted and cursed world of Beauty & The Beast. Brought to you by the interactive team behind The Alice Cocktail Experience, Neverland Bar and The Wizard’s Den. Details
until August 27, 2023
Secret Location, Victoria
$0 – $47
Bastion Square Summer Market Series
Visit Victoria’s Local Downtown Summer Market Series ~ in beautiful Bastion Square, off Wharf + Government in the heart of downtown Victoria, across from the ocean! Details
Thursdays – Saturdays | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bastion Square
Free
Moss Street Farmers Market
Moss Street Market operates year-round, with over 30 local, organic farmers and another 100+ 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
2023 FEST WEST CONCERT
String students from across Western Canada, including local UVIC students will perform solos, duets, quartets, in a final performance as part of FEST WEST. Details
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 924 Douglas St
Admission by donation
Westcoast Farmer’s Market
Join us this summer to support our local farmers, producers and other vendors with the Sunday’s farmer market. Details
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Outside the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
Free
Summer Entertainment at Butchart Gardens
Take solace and relax in this beautiful garden. Wednesday – Saturday nights from June 30 to September 2, you can take in a live performance from our outdoor stage on the Concert Lawn. Nestled amidst lush trees, the stage is the heart of The Gardens in summer, playing host to a variety of talented performers. Details
Wednesday – Saturday, June 30 to September 2, 2023
Friday, June 30 | 8:00 PM | Daniel Cook & The Radiators
Saturday, July 1 | 7:15 PM | Tropic Mayhem; Fireworks | 10:15 PM
The Concert Lawn Stage at Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Regular admission
Afternoon Tea at The Pendray Tea House
The Pendray Tea House offers a choice of delicious teas with an array of different flavours. Details
Monday – Thursday | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fiday – Sunday | 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Pendray Tea House, 309 Belleville Street, Victoria
$24 – $64
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
Laketown Shakedown
Annual music festival by Laketown Ranch and Wideglide Entertainment Ltd. Details
June 30 – July 2, 2023
Laketown Ranch Music & Recreation Park, 648 – 8811 Youbou Rd, Lake Cowichan
Varies
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
July 1 – 3, 2023 | 10:45 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 6 – October 7, 2023 | 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
Daily | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
$49.50; Reservations are recommended, reserve online, or please call 250-652-8222
Colwood Music in the Park
Join the fun with The Temps for music and dancing at City Hall on Friday, June 30! Details
Friday, June 30 | 06:00PM to 08:00PM
City Hall Lawn, 3300 Wishart Road
Free
Inner Harbour Maritime Walking Tour
Learn about Victoria’s Inner Harbour as we explore many of the stories that led Victoria to become the city it is today. Details
Thursday to Saturday | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
No tour on Canada Day, July 1
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, 744 Humboldt Street, Victoria
The tour starts at the Maritime Museum of BC and goes around the Inner Harbour, up Wharf Street, through Bastion Square, down Government Street, and back to the Museum
$8 – $15
Workshop: Sea Glass Jewelry
Using locally sourced sea glass, create your own necklace, bracelet, earrings, or other one-of a kind jewelry. Enjoy casual conversation as you learn about why sea glass exists, share local maritime stories, explore the complex relationships we have with the land, and brainstorm how we can keep our maritime habitats healthy. Details
Saturday, July 1, 2023 | 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, 634 Humboldt Street, Victoria
$29.99 + GST per person
Maria Bamford
Stephen Colbert called her his “favorite comedian on earth” and Judd Apatow said she is “the funniest woman in the world.” Maria agrees that she is very talented and may, in fact, have a gift. (As do we all. AS DO WE ALL!) Maria is the first female comic to have two half-hour “Comedy Central Presents” specials. And now, two well-received specials on Netflix called “The Special Special Special” and “Old Baby.” Details
Friday, June 30, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
$47.65
V. More Things to Do on Canada Day Weekend
Visit Victoria Area Attractions
Plan a visit to attractions:
- Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent; Wednesday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd; Daily | 10 AM – 5:00 PM
- Victoria Bug Zoo, 631 Courtney Street; Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- The Raptors, 1877 Herd Road, Duncan; 250-746-0372; Open Daily | 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; Tuesdays to Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, 2616 Pleasant St; Thursdays – Sundays | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Miniature World, 649 Humboldt Street; Daily | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- City Centre Park, 1089 Langford Parkway; Open Daily | Hours vary
- Victoria Butterfly Gardens, 1461 Benvenuto Avenue; Monday – Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Thursday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, 9811 Seaport Place; Summer Hours Thursday – Tuesday | 10 AM – 5 PM; Closed on Wednesdays
- Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue; Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with viewing until 5:00 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, April 1 to September 30, 2023 | 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
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 – 8:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 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
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