With fun activities, musical performances, parades, and of course spectacular firework displays taking place downtown, on the Gorge waterway, in Sidney, and Sooke, there really is no end of festivities for the family to enjoy this year.

Canada Day Events in Victoria

Victoria Celebrates Canada Day

To celebrate Canada’s 148th birthday, the City of Victoria is planning Victoria Celebrates Canada Day—an annual,  family-friendly, multicultural event, featuring children’s activities, music performances, an international food village, and spectacular fireworks over the Inner Harbour on July 1.

Make sure to visit Kid’s Zone on Belleville Street to enjoy plenty of interactive activities for the whole family. There will be live music all afternoon, promising a performance that will get kids dancing. The ever-popular Living Flag will return to the Legislature Lawns and 1,500 red and white T-shirts will be available to participants courtesy of Coast Capital Savings.

Date: July 1
Time: All day; Fireworks start at 10:20 p.m.
Location: Inner Harbour, Victoria

Gorge Canada Day Picnic

The Gorge Tillicum Community Association is hosting the 17th annual Gorge Canada Day Picnic along the beautiful Gorge Waterway Park in South Saanich. The event features fun for the whole family, including the family parade, kids’ games and street hockey, a pancake breakfast, strawberry tea at the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, the Show & Shine car show, an artisan’s market, multicultural food, and much more.

Date: July 1
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m
Location: Gorge Waterway, South Saanich

Sidney Canada Day Parade

Sidney Canada Day Parade is a long held family favourite. Events throughout the day include the Sidney Lions pancake breakfast, the Canada Day parade, the family-fun fair, kids’ inflatable obstacle course, and more!

Date: July 1
Time: 8:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m, parade at 11:30pm
Location: Beacon Ave & Iroquois Park, Sidney

Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill

Celebrate Canada Day surrounded by the history of our great nation at Fort Rodd Hill. Canada Day’s biggest birthday cake is always served at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Come celebrate Canada’s special day and join the excitement. Just clap your hands, or dance yourself silly to the live music throughout the day. Free admission.

Date: July 1
Time: 10 p.m.–5:30 p.m
Location: Fort Rodd Hill, Colwood

Sooke Canada Day

Celebrate Sooke Canada Day with the Sooke Lions Club. The opening ceremony starts at 1 p.m. with a parade lead by Sooke Pipe & Drums and the RCMP, which is followed by free cake for all visitors. The rest of the day features fun for the whole family, including kids’ games, live music, inflatables, face painting, a magic show, a craft fair, a dog show, and a fireworks display to close out the day!

Date: July 1
Time: 1 p.m.–11 p.m
Location: Sooke River Campgrounds, Sooke

Canada Day Old-Time Penny Carnival

Celebrate Canada Day at the Royal BC Museum’s Canada Day Old-Time Penny Carnival. Bring your pennies (you knew you were saving them for a good reason) and step right up to try your hand at an egg-and-spoon race, fishing pond, and other surprises. The event takes place on the grounds surrounding Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, you can also step inside these historic buildings for even more activities.

Date: July 1
Time: 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m
Location: Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, Victoria

Looking for more great events to do with your family? Check out our Popular Events page on ChatterBlock!