VICTORIA, B.C. – The countdown is on. On Tuesday, July 1, Victoria’s Inner Harbour and Legislature lawn will host a full day of Canada Day celebrations featuring live music, local food, activities for all ages and a fireworks finale.
Whether you're coming for the music, the food or the fireworks, here’s how to have a safe and memorable Canada Day.
Music and Performances
The main stage features an all-B.C. lineup headlined by Delhi 2 Dublin. Catch performances by Blue Moon Marquee, MIINA, Tk The Artist, JAXXEE, Shauntelle / Huupʔaqsa / TSAYŁE Dick-Charleson, Bagatelle, DJ Boitano and the REACH! Performing Company, who will also perform the national anthem. Main stage events run 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A Busking Showcase at Ship Point will feature local talent from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drumming Across Canada
At 11:30 a.m. on the Legislature lawn, join the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club for six minutes of simultaneous drumming with other cities across the country. Bring your own drum or borrow one of the 1,000 drums the club will provide for this coast-to-coast rhythm of unity. The drumming will be followed by a Lion Dance performance.
Food, Family and Community
The Kids Zone and community booths will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with food trucks running from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., adding flavour and fun to the celebration.
The Global Food Truck Village will feature local favourites like Churros and Mor, Deadbeetz, Greek n Go, Mama Rosies, Dumpling Drop and more.
The Kids Zone, near the Royal BC Museum, includes a bouncy castle, inflatable obstacle course, a variety of games and activities for kids and families and an interactive Beyond the Beat exhibit.
Belleville Street will host a range of community booths and vendors, including face painting and body art for all ages, fresh local produce from the Old Farm Market, Victoria Orange Shirt Day, Reciprocity Trusts and more.
Fireworks Finale
The festivities wrap up with a fireworks display over the Inner Harbour at 10:20 p.m.
How to Get There
With large crowds expected, attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle or take public transit.
• A free bike valet hosted by Capital Bike will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Government Street between Belleville and Superior St.
• BC Transit will run on a Saturday schedule, with extra buses after the fireworks. Visit bctransit.com/victoria for details.
• Parking is free at the City’s five parkades and on-street meters.
• Access to the Coho and Clipper ferries will be maintained via Oswego Street.
Road Closures
• Belleville Street (Government to Menzies St.) and Menzies Street (Belleville to Quebec St.) will be closed all day.
• Government Street (Fort to Superior St.), Belleville Street (Government to Douglas St.), Wharf Street (Government to Fort St.) and Humboldt Street (Government to Douglas St.) will close at the discretion of the police once crowds increase in the early evening.
• Songhees Road (Tyee to Kimta Rd.) will close at the discretion of the police. Expect parking restrictions here.
• Belleville Street (Oswego to Menzies St.) will be limited to local traffic only from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• For a full list of closures and parking restrictions, visit canadadayvictoria.ca.
Partnering with VicPD for a Safe, All-Ages Event
VicPD officers and volunteer reserve constables will be on site early, greeting the public and helping ensure Canada’s 158th celebration is safe and welcoming for all ages.
As with previous events, temporary CCTV cameras and drones will be deployed to support public safety. Temporary signage will be posted in the event areas to inform the public. These tools are used in accordance with national and provincial privacy legislation. No information will be collected unless a criminal investigation or public disorder incident occurs. All cameras will be removed after the event. For questions or feedback, email engagement@vicpd.ca.
More information
Victoria’s Canada Day is presented by the City of Victoria and produced by Rifflandia Entertainment Company with support from the Province of British Columbia.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
For the full schedule, venue maps, performer bios and volunteer info, visit canadadayvictoria.ca.
Media Contact:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca