If you’re thinking about visiting Victoria this summer, now is the time! Here are some fun events and activities for the rest of summer! The flowers are in full bloom and the streets are filled with people from all around the world. My favorite way to get there is via the Victoria Clipper, boarding from Pier 69 near Olympic Sculpture Park. Park at the Bell Street Garage for $10/day and walk onto the passenger-only ship for a scenic 2 hour and 45 minute ride. You can make it a day, overnight, or weekend trip.
22nd Annual Dragon Boat Festival
August 12-14
This spectacular event takes place in the inner harbour. There will be a food court, beer garden, eye dotting ceremony, the exciting dragon boat races, and the lights of courage. Thousands of people purchase and bring paper lanterns and hang them along the water’s edge with a message of hope or remembrance for those affected by cancer as part of the Lights of Courage campaign. The Lantern Lighting Celebration is this Saturday night.
More information here.
Victoria Street Food Festival
Friday, August 19 & Friday, August 26
Enjoy some of the Island’s best street food, beer, cider, and live music in Centennial Square 11am-9pm.
More information here.
Baston Square Public Market
Open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm through the end of September. The Sunday Market is open on Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm through October 2nd.
This colourful open-air market brings vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally-produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.
More information here.
Victoria Comic Book Expo
Sunday, August 28
VictoriaComic Book Expo (VCBE) is a local comic show celebrating the world sequential art (umm…comic books:) ) It’s been ongoing for a number of years now and it’s still going strong. Come by and check out the 1000s of comics on display. From the Golden age era to the modern heroes in the blockbuster summer movies.
More information here.
Butchart Gardens
The renown of the family owned gardens is widespread. Each year over a million bedding plants in some 900 varieties give you uninterrupted bloom from March through October. Almost a million people visit annually for spring’s colourful flowering bulbs; summer’s riot of colour, entertainment and Saturday Fireworks; fall’s russets and golds; the Magic of Christmas’ decorations; and winter’s peacefulness.
More information here.
Explore the Outdoors
One of the most popular hikes in the Victoria area is the Goldstream Railway Trestle. This trail starts in Goldstream Provincial Park and ends with an unparalleled view of the pristine forest from atop a train bridge high above Niagara Creek. Be ready to venture deep into the Pacific Northwest rainforest before arriving at your final destination.
It’s a moderately challenging and short hike to the top of Lone Tree Hill, but the trek offers some of the most impressive views of the of the region around the area. As you journey up the trail, soak in the arid, rocky landscape, beautiful Arbutus trees and be sure to keep an eye out for ravens and bald eagles soaring overhead. At the hill’s summit, you’ll find a 360-degree viewpoint looking out toward Victoria’s Highlands, The Butchart Gardens, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and Malahat.
Accomodations
If you’re staying overnight (or the weekend), we recommend Magnolia Hotel & Spa. It’s a short walk from where the Clipper docks in the inner harbour. If you book your stay 30 days in advance, you get 30% off right now!
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